68 baja build
- bikesndbugs
- Posts: 637
- Joined: Fri May 27, 2016 10:15 am
Re: 68 baja build
so gonna mess with some wiring this weekend and maybe get to putting fiberglass on. I have a one piece clip and a 3 piece. My question now is can i run the fenders from the 3 piece on the rear? i know you can use the old front fenders but y not us front fiberglass fenders. or should i just flip the stock fronts?
Travis
I spend way to much time on this site
I spend way to much time on this site
- bikesndbugs
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- Joined: Fri May 27, 2016 10:15 am
Re: 68 baja build
So i went around yeasterday shopping for switches and realys but found them cheaper online so i cut it. The one peice wasnt gonna fit without more cutting and i need to keep metal up there for my gas tank so i put the 3 piece on it looks pretty good today im gonna do the back i believe cun you cut the rear with the engine in? ill get pics up later
Travis
I spend way to much time on this site
I spend way to much time on this site
- bikesndbugs
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- Joined: Fri May 27, 2016 10:15 am
Re: 68 baja build
Everything taken off took off the hood hinges because i was gonna put on a one peice but we didnt wann cut that much off right now because my tank is still up there
cut up we cut around the identification stuff. thought that might be important Done with the beautiful harbor freight sawzaw that was on sale for 19.99 and found a metal blade in my dads toolbox go low prices.
GOt fiberglass on
I didnt line the fender up right had to redo that side oops. I should have probably listened to my dad when he said it was wrong
when i got them on right
New taillights? just put some red tape over them
my fence is very funky looks like a rollercoaster.
SO i was gonna have issuses getting stuff welded luckily my friend can help so bumper and mounts for the motor cage hopefully getting the back cut next time in at my dads (2 weeks). Really been thinking about paint recently just to make a plan very lost also gotta put some coke and aluminum foil to my baja exhaust. Gonna try to sell some Brazilian 1600 sp heads for more money to put into it maybe get some tires. Whats value on them they haven't been ran since a rebuild and the numbers match they sat for a while so theres some surface rust on the exhaust seat. And gonna throw my old rear fenders and such on cl. also gonna sand down my motor cage cuz its very rusty. still need to get new ball joint there is tons of play in my pasenger upper. One last thing check the first post for a picture of my beautiful new teeth.
Travis
I spend way to much time on this site
I spend way to much time on this site
- bikesndbugs
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- Joined: Fri May 27, 2016 10:15 am
Re: 68 baja build
got some more stuff done
starting to look like a real baja bug. The tires are all mesed up and too big but they are good for now.
rear view still gotta put the offroad exhaust on need to go buy gaskets DO you guys like the white blinker spot? ive found way to many colors on this thing the underside of the hood and one of the rear fenders was green the body has chips showing white.
I made sure i cut the fenders wide so i could do this. Used the stock fronts flipped cut them then rolled the edges to make it smoother and the fender is stiffer also gave me some room to mess up on cutting as i was just bending the edge in anyways. rolled the fenders with a cutting wheel and a hammer with another hammer to help get a more accurate bend and provide stability/ counter pressure.
top view of it really chipped the paint up but its pretty smooth and looks not too horrible
underside you can see all the little tabs
Pretty sure i need to replace my axles boots mine seem to be leaking a bit. Its very nasty under my car. need to pressure wash it. next up is re-indexing.
Couple questions
1. where does the lower tubes of the motor cage mount to?
2. If i were to upreage my beam what would be a better idea an adapter beam with conversion berrings to keep 4 lug drums (i already have arms and spindles) or buy a complete thing beam.
3. how good are lift spindles are they worth it or not.
starting to look like a real baja bug. The tires are all mesed up and too big but they are good for now.
rear view still gotta put the offroad exhaust on need to go buy gaskets DO you guys like the white blinker spot? ive found way to many colors on this thing the underside of the hood and one of the rear fenders was green the body has chips showing white.
I made sure i cut the fenders wide so i could do this. Used the stock fronts flipped cut them then rolled the edges to make it smoother and the fender is stiffer also gave me some room to mess up on cutting as i was just bending the edge in anyways. rolled the fenders with a cutting wheel and a hammer with another hammer to help get a more accurate bend and provide stability/ counter pressure.
top view of it really chipped the paint up but its pretty smooth and looks not too horrible
underside you can see all the little tabs
Pretty sure i need to replace my axles boots mine seem to be leaking a bit. Its very nasty under my car. need to pressure wash it. next up is re-indexing.
Couple questions
1. where does the lower tubes of the motor cage mount to?
2. If i were to upreage my beam what would be a better idea an adapter beam with conversion berrings to keep 4 lug drums (i already have arms and spindles) or buy a complete thing beam.
3. how good are lift spindles are they worth it or not.
Travis
I spend way to much time on this site
I spend way to much time on this site
- dustymojave
- Posts: 2312
- Joined: Mon Dec 01, 2008 9:08 pm
Re: 68 baja build
One factor to consider in this discussion of whose name the car is registered in and that is that in California, a vehicle title cannot be in the name of one who is under 18 years old.
When I was your age, I had the use of the '58 Bug that you see in my avatar. But it was in my parent's name and they didn't sign it over for another 27 years. So, after my 18th birthday I went out and bought another Bug and built my 1st Baja. Then my dad wanted a Baja, so I built the '58 into a Baja. After my '65 died of fatigue from abuse, we shared the use of the '58 and much of the running gear from the '65 went into my offroad race buggy. The '58 stayed much the same as I built it until it was registered in my name.
When I was your age, I had the use of the '58 Bug that you see in my avatar. But it was in my parent's name and they didn't sign it over for another 27 years. So, after my 18th birthday I went out and bought another Bug and built my 1st Baja. Then my dad wanted a Baja, so I built the '58 into a Baja. After my '65 died of fatigue from abuse, we shared the use of the '58 and much of the running gear from the '65 went into my offroad race buggy. The '58 stayed much the same as I built it until it was registered in my name.
Richard
Lake LA, Mojave Desert, SoCal
Speed Kills! but then...So does OLD AGE!!
Tech Inspection: SCCA / SCORE / HDRA / ARVRA / A.R.T.S. OffRoad Race Tech - MDR, MORE, Glen Helen BajaCup
Retired Fabricator
'58 Baja with 955K Miles and counting
Lake LA, Mojave Desert, SoCal
Speed Kills! but then...So does OLD AGE!!
Tech Inspection: SCCA / SCORE / HDRA / ARVRA / A.R.T.S. OffRoad Race Tech - MDR, MORE, Glen Helen BajaCup
Retired Fabricator
'58 Baja with 955K Miles and counting
- dustymojave
- Posts: 2312
- Joined: Mon Dec 01, 2008 9:08 pm
Re: 68 baja build
1. where does the lower tubes of the motor cage mount to?Couple questions
The slip-in tubes with 1/4 x 2" bar stock welded on mount to the big motor mount bolts into the ends of the yokes. Then the tubes of the bumper itself slip onto the mount bracket tubes I just described. Pin the outer tubes to the inner tubes using a 3/8" through bolt.
2. If i were to upreage (upgrade) my beam what would be a better idea? an adapter beam with conversion bearings to keep 4 lug drums (i already have arms and spindles) or buy a complete thing beam?
Thing beam does not increase wheel travel. The shock towers are braced, but there is very little other difference. You could buy just the arms and spindles to raise the ride height, but you would still be limited on wheel travel the same as stock ball joint Bug. A Bugzyla conversion beam with link pin arms, spindles and brakes will upgrade the suspension travel. I'm not aware of any conversion bearings to put 4-lug drums on 5-lug spindles. Not even for combo link spindles. There are the thick plate 4-lug wheel on 5-lug drum adapters like you have on the back of your car in the 1st pic in that last post. I use them on the back of my Baja.
3. how good are lift spindles are they worth it or not?
If you want lift spindles, I don't recommend them other than Thing spindles. For lifted ball joint spindles, check with Brian on TOS as to why not EMPI lifted spindles. Then ask yourself why EMPI doesn't offer them anymore. Some others have had good results from some other lift spindles. They COULD BE gusseted and well made and be strong. They rarely are. For link pin, then combo link lift spindles are fine. OTOH, you have swingaxle rear suspension. That will limit the rear height unless you install a Bus gear reduction swingaxle with a Johnny Johnson No-Hop. Unless you're seeking a nose-high attitude?
Richard
Lake LA, Mojave Desert, SoCal
Speed Kills! but then...So does OLD AGE!!
Tech Inspection: SCCA / SCORE / HDRA / ARVRA / A.R.T.S. OffRoad Race Tech - MDR, MORE, Glen Helen BajaCup
Retired Fabricator
'58 Baja with 955K Miles and counting
Lake LA, Mojave Desert, SoCal
Speed Kills! but then...So does OLD AGE!!
Tech Inspection: SCCA / SCORE / HDRA / ARVRA / A.R.T.S. OffRoad Race Tech - MDR, MORE, Glen Helen BajaCup
Retired Fabricator
'58 Baja with 955K Miles and counting
- bikesndbugs
- Posts: 637
- Joined: Fri May 27, 2016 10:15 am
Re: 68 baja build
the conversion bearings are made for putting the 4 lug disks on king/link pin maybe they work with drums too was hoping i could get the 4 lug drums and backing plates on a king spindle as i recently replaced most of my brake parts. its not that i want 4 lug wheels i just have good brake parts now and don't wanna have to spend more money any way to do this cheaply or do i have to just go buy 5 lug drums i have 5 lug backing plates and most of the parts just no drums . and id need shoes and all that fun stuff also the 4 lug drums are wider so they stop better.
i've been doing a lot of side work recently came up with around 400 dollars and ive got some more coming soon.
I have a family friend that is a fabricator i wanna talk to him about possibly making me a conversion beam as i have a link pin beam in my yard or possibly modify the pan head by cutting and welding in some metal for support.
if not ill buy the conversion beam plus 4 maybe?
the registration is kinda whatever right now its non opped
i need do get some tail lights and work out all blinkers and such. got the off road exhaust on broke a stud oops
and thanks for the lower motor cage mount explanation just wasn't clicking in my head now i got it though
\
i've been doing a lot of side work recently came up with around 400 dollars and ive got some more coming soon.
I have a family friend that is a fabricator i wanna talk to him about possibly making me a conversion beam as i have a link pin beam in my yard or possibly modify the pan head by cutting and welding in some metal for support.
if not ill buy the conversion beam plus 4 maybe?
the registration is kinda whatever right now its non opped
i need do get some tail lights and work out all blinkers and such. got the off road exhaust on broke a stud oops
and thanks for the lower motor cage mount explanation just wasn't clicking in my head now i got it though
\
Travis
I spend way to much time on this site
I spend way to much time on this site
- bikesndbugs
- Posts: 637
- Joined: Fri May 27, 2016 10:15 am
Re: 68 baja build
Its been a while since ive been on here nothing really new ive been busy moving and with school. Currently trying to figure out why my blinkers wont work. Been reading up on remote oil coolers and filter. I have a non dog house syle would it be a good idea to have a remote oil cooler with fan using the block that replaces the stock oil cooler for oil lines.
Travis
I spend way to much time on this site
I spend way to much time on this site
- dustymojave
- Posts: 2312
- Joined: Mon Dec 01, 2008 9:08 pm
Re: 68 baja build
That setup only cools and filters about 1/3 of the oil flow from the pump. I would prefer doghouse cooler, shroud and fan, and/or full flow oil system.
Richard
Lake LA, Mojave Desert, SoCal
Speed Kills! but then...So does OLD AGE!!
Tech Inspection: SCCA / SCORE / HDRA / ARVRA / A.R.T.S. OffRoad Race Tech - MDR, MORE, Glen Helen BajaCup
Retired Fabricator
'58 Baja with 955K Miles and counting
Lake LA, Mojave Desert, SoCal
Speed Kills! but then...So does OLD AGE!!
Tech Inspection: SCCA / SCORE / HDRA / ARVRA / A.R.T.S. OffRoad Race Tech - MDR, MORE, Glen Helen BajaCup
Retired Fabricator
'58 Baja with 955K Miles and counting
- bikesndbugs
- Posts: 637
- Joined: Fri May 27, 2016 10:15 am
Re: 68 baja build
id rather not have to drill into my case with the full flow so thats out of the question i guess ill keep it how it is for now and save up for a doghouse style.
Travis
I spend way to much time on this site
I spend way to much time on this site
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Re: 68 baja build
Here is some information that might help clarify (or muddy the water) what Dusty was talking about:
http://www.shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic ... 4&start=60
Starting about here on the build string I posted some pictures I had taken of both the stock VW BJ spindles and the Thing (Type 181) spindles in side-by-side comparison. I was using a stock type I bug beam but as Dusty said, the Thing beam is gusseted a bit more for anticipated harder use. I have seen a Thing beam but couldn't buy it as they are at such a premium that no one wants to get rid of them. I did score a pair of spindles and trailing arms though but the stock bug arms can be used with the difference being the direction the BJs are pressed in.
The lower ball-joint is designed to be pressed towards the bottom of the arm while the stock BJ is pressed in from the top of the arm with the stud facing up. This setup allows the BJ to be pulled out on a hard compression hit.
The upper BJ on a Thing is the same as the stock BJ but with a heftier in the stud which requires a different alignment adjuster... which "ain't available"; harder to find than the spindle itself. The stock BJ alignment adjuster will not fit on the Thing stud but if you could find the right ream you might be able to ream a stock one to fit. Unless you are going to beat the pudding out of your rig the stock upper BJ should be OK.
The Thing spindle has a longer "torso" so instead of mounting between both arms as a stock bug, the bottom of the torso goes under the lower trailing arm and hooks into the BJ from underneath (its in the URL I posted). The spindle's spud is mounted ~ (roughly) 2 1/2" to 3" lower on the torso than in the bug spindle which give the car a higher ride.
As I understand it, the new "lifted" spindles they attach the same way as a stock bug arm which does not solve the problem of the lower ball-joint being pulled out of the lower trailing arm. It only solves the ride height problem.
The whole string I posted might have some information for you on the beam build including mistakes I made and comments, mostly helpful, from other STF members. I made a big mistake on the adjusters which I documented and also it turned out that the shock tower on the beam I was using was just too rusty for use; e.g., fix one area and another rusty, thinned out area would show its ugly head.
I am starting building a new beam build now, on the same thread, and am gather information on trying something else to solve some other problems I have run into with my glass buggy projects. I hope you find some help there.
Lee
http://www.shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic ... 4&start=60
Starting about here on the build string I posted some pictures I had taken of both the stock VW BJ spindles and the Thing (Type 181) spindles in side-by-side comparison. I was using a stock type I bug beam but as Dusty said, the Thing beam is gusseted a bit more for anticipated harder use. I have seen a Thing beam but couldn't buy it as they are at such a premium that no one wants to get rid of them. I did score a pair of spindles and trailing arms though but the stock bug arms can be used with the difference being the direction the BJs are pressed in.
The lower ball-joint is designed to be pressed towards the bottom of the arm while the stock BJ is pressed in from the top of the arm with the stud facing up. This setup allows the BJ to be pulled out on a hard compression hit.
The upper BJ on a Thing is the same as the stock BJ but with a heftier in the stud which requires a different alignment adjuster... which "ain't available"; harder to find than the spindle itself. The stock BJ alignment adjuster will not fit on the Thing stud but if you could find the right ream you might be able to ream a stock one to fit. Unless you are going to beat the pudding out of your rig the stock upper BJ should be OK.
The Thing spindle has a longer "torso" so instead of mounting between both arms as a stock bug, the bottom of the torso goes under the lower trailing arm and hooks into the BJ from underneath (its in the URL I posted). The spindle's spud is mounted ~ (roughly) 2 1/2" to 3" lower on the torso than in the bug spindle which give the car a higher ride.
As I understand it, the new "lifted" spindles they attach the same way as a stock bug arm which does not solve the problem of the lower ball-joint being pulled out of the lower trailing arm. It only solves the ride height problem.
The whole string I posted might have some information for you on the beam build including mistakes I made and comments, mostly helpful, from other STF members. I made a big mistake on the adjusters which I documented and also it turned out that the shock tower on the beam I was using was just too rusty for use; e.g., fix one area and another rusty, thinned out area would show its ugly head.
I am starting building a new beam build now, on the same thread, and am gather information on trying something else to solve some other problems I have run into with my glass buggy projects. I hope you find some help there.
Lee
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- Joined: Mon Nov 13, 2006 10:17 pm
Re: 68 baja build
One thing I forgot to add is that if you look at the new adjusters for the stock BJ beam the top of hole in top of the adjuster is located more towards the outside of the adjuster than it was for stock. I have been told, but I am not positive, that the hole was done like that, deliberately for the snake rape' r guys; you know, the low riders as they, apparently, need more adjustment to get the alignment correct. Again, I don't know this for positive but I have stayed away from them because they don't look correct.
Lee
Lee
- bikesndbugs
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- Joined: Fri May 27, 2016 10:15 am
Re: 68 baja build
thing spindles might give me too much lift because of swing axle. Still keeping an eye out for good deals on thing spindles on craigslist but im really pushing for linkpin. The adapter beam is the best option. Have some family friends that have a lot of experience so im working to get an adapter beam made. Thanks for the ball joint info though.
Travis
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I spend way to much time on this site
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Re: 68 baja build
I was once told that the ratio of travel front to rear should run in the 60% to 90% range. I don't know if that is the gospel but it does sound right. If you go K&L you can easily go past that so I would be prepared to change to IRS in the rear at the same time. The two upgrades together will open up a whole new world to you when done.
Lee
Lee
- bikesndbugs
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Re: 68 baja build
irs will happen someday when that is im not sure but it is in the plan for now just link-pin nothing major just the basic linkpin beam maybe some gussets. Im focused on getting it going asap because i have to drive it soon. Hopefully its somewhat off-road worthy by winter. 60% to 90% would that be more front or rear? I know in trophy trucks they usually have a bit more in the rear. Ive ridden in swing axle link pin bajas and they do fine so gonna go with that for now. been designing some paint jobs for it and im gonna throw my 1 piece on it soon
Travis
I spend way to much time on this site
I spend way to much time on this site