Really off road - like, in water !

[PhillipM]

KL71's eh?
I bet they didn't have those originally

[fusername]

do you have any closeups of that shovel mount you made up? looks good, very similar to what I was trying to do on my car

[Sneaks]

::::THUD::::

I'm speechless.

[turbobaja]

Great job! I like the camo on it. You'd have a hard time convincing most people that isn't an original 166. Wonderful dedication!

[Mr Slug]

Thanks guys for the wonderful posts, I really appreciate that.

Here fuser, as requested a couple of pictures.

The blade end is real easy, just a strip bent around the shovel and a couple holes.



The clamp is a little more challengeing. The shape speaks for itself, but the only difficulty for me was the thin piece which is sprung steel.
I cut a section out of an old disposable saw. I could put the shallow bends
in cold, but had to heat up both ends red hot to get them rolled tight enough.

I put them in a large vice - the vice acted as a heatsink and kept the rest of the spring tempered.



hope this helps.

[Mr Slug]

yesterday I gave the beetle/schwimm a trial. Took it to deepest essex, drove cross country for a while, and have to report that the off road capability was fantastic. Then tried to reverse into the river (ready for a quick tow out if it all went wrong) The reeds and bottomless mud in the first location made it difficult to even get to the water. However, I eventually found a better spot in the river, but first went home and made a ridgid tow bar for my 4x4 Dodge truck. This enabled me to push the VW backwards into the water to see if it would float, and check for leaks. The rear end just started to float and no leaks, but the tow bar was too short to go further. This emboldened me to want to try and get it further into the water. My son was real keen to make the maiden voyage so I let him gently reverse into the water. As the front wheels were about half submerged, The water gushed in! - so Joe drove out quickly ........I took it home and found that I had forgotten to weld up some bolt holes in the front chassis cross member that were used to mount the old beetle body ...........

So, They were welded during the afternoon, ready for another try another day - I hope in the next few days

[PhillipM]

Well, at least your not looking at a stream of bubbles floating up to the surface and thinking 'Ooops, forgot those bolt holes' ...

[fusername]

that is so cool man! well done and congradulations! I wish i could come closeto this in ambition and skill.

[SANDDUDE]

Does the original model use the front wheels in 4 wheel drive to steer while driving in water?

~SD

[RyanB]

Simply one of the most amazing builds I have ever seen. You have awesome talent and alot of patience!

[Mr Slug]

You guys are so enthusiastic - and generous with your comments and advice.

Yes, the 166 is steered by the front wheels , kinda 'double front rudders' I guess.

When I get the last few issues sorted out, I will video the first voyage and post up a youtube clip.

Thanks again Guys, regards Slug.

[tikotiko]

very cool car you did a great great job

[bajaherbie]

got those holes welded up yet?

[david58]

got those holes welded up yet?

I don't think that is NUN of your business herbie.

[Mr Slug]

got those holes welded up yet?

I don't think that is NUN of your business herbie.

.....Yeah, don't get in the HABIT of asking such questions

Sorry,..........I'll close the door on my way out.


TBH, the holes were welded the same day, but we have had such stormy weather here in the UK since - I fear the 166 would fill up from above during one of the unpredictable and heavy downpours - that is how the weather works if you live on a little island.