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Topic: OK I have found another VW that I think I want....need some advice.  (Read 2354 times)

Offline ASBug

  • Varnel, Ga
  • Joined: Jan 2008
  • Posts: 3032
Story is:
1971  - 1302 RHD Japaneese Beetle.
Car is factory RHD and is in good shape.
The current owner rarely drives car and let it sit for about 8 months. 
Car developed super beetle shimmy upon revival. It was at the 35mph symptom...
He replaced the dampener and shimmy is only when turning left now.
Tires  are 2 years old and have less than 500 miles on them.  It has empi 8 spokes on it, so a dammasged wheel is going to be noticed.  What should I check?
I am not a SB fan, but with this being a real RHD (with import papers, country of origin, etc.) and it is a 1st year super.  I want to keep this one and the asbug as my own, but I also believe it will be a good investment.

I know that sbshimmy is a common replace parts till it goes away type of problem, but I just want some advice.

Excited,
KC. 

Offline certdubtech

  • In the Garage...
  • Joined: May 2006
  • Posts: 3199

Re: OK I have found another VW that I think I want....need some advice.

« Reply #1 on: June 04, 2010, 06:52:42 AM »
They had a shimmy when they were brand new.   ::)

A couple of things to look at, though.  Worn Struts, and the bushings where the track arms connect to the front frame head,  The rubber weakens, allowing the arm to wobble.  And, just because the tires are low-miles doesn't mean they haven't developed flat-spots, or could have an out-of-round wheel or tire.  I'd jack up the front and spin the tires by hand just to be sure.   ;)

I know a guy who had a 67 RHD Japanese beetle.  Cool stuff.

Offline Ret.Bugtech

Re: OK I have found another VW that I think I want....need some advice.

« Reply #2 on: June 04, 2010, 10:34:24 AM »
As "Grasshopper" said and plus you might check for play in the steering box, the two "u" joints on the steering shaft ( box to steering wheel) Idler arm, tie rod ends, ball joints, alignment, loose or worn out wheel brgs  all causing the same shimmy and believe this or not ,air pressures . How many miles does this "Critter" show ? Welcome to Super B's !!!  I would bet that some of those RHD parts might be very hard to find.
« Last Edit: June 04, 2010, 10:37:45 AM by Ret.Bugtech »

Offline Smelly_Cat

Re: OK I have found another VW that I think I want....need some advice.

« Reply #3 on: June 05, 2010, 08:48:16 AM »
I think new tight ball joints and replace any wiggly tie rod ends helped a bunch

For some reason  having the wheels toe'ed in to max setting helped

the damper  or that idler  anti shinny  brass bushing   would be the last thing I'd replace


My struts are crappe and I can go 55  with out wetting myself much.  SC

Offline Ret.Bugtech

Re: OK I have found another VW that I think I want....need some advice.

« Reply #4 on: June 05, 2010, 09:57:54 AM »
Holy Cow !!!!   Someone needs to  alert the media !   Stupey can do the big 55 mph !! ;D 8)

Offline certdubtech

  • In the Garage...
  • Joined: May 2006
  • Posts: 3199

Re: OK I have found another VW that I think I want....need some advice.

« Reply #5 on: June 05, 2010, 12:00:35 PM »
Can?

Yes.

Should?

No.

 :o

Offline ASBug

  • Varnel, Ga
  • Joined: Jan 2008
  • Posts: 3032

Re: OK I have found another VW that I think I want....need some advice.

« Reply #6 on: June 06, 2010, 12:53:59 AM »
Done, Home, Cool.

KC

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