Re: Hydraulics on VWs

[Jake Kooser <jake_k@ibm.net>]

I too have toyed with the idea for the same reasons Toby mentioned.  The
idea I had was similar to what John mentioned.  I thought the front
could be done (on a type 1 style beam) by coupling the two adjusters
with a sturdy tie rod and having a snowplow or similar ram laying down
on top of the frame head with a sort of bell crank arrangement to the
adjusters.  The main problem I considered was some sort of coupling to
the adjusters that would be strong enough to handle the forces of
everyday bumps, yet be easily coupled to the ram.  The rear end seemed
straightforward to me, just use the Sway-A-Way rear torsion adjuster
with a ram, or maybe a screwjack.  Check out Rod & Custom magazine for
ideas, either pictures of completed cars or technical articles.  The
street rod crowd forces themselves into the same corner we are (i.e.
lack of space) in an attempt to stay 'clean' in appearance.  Indy-car
type pushrod suspensions and hydraulics are becoming commonplace on the
show-crowd leaders in R & C.  For a particularly good example of both
hydraulics and screwjacks, try and find an article with build-up
pictures of ZZ Top's Cadzilla.  I may still have that issue, or another
one with hydraulics that I could copy and fax, or scan for the really
patient.  I also have a couple of books on suspension design that may
offer more info, if I can find any relevant info.

Jake "lots more crazy ideas where that came from" Kooser
'71 Squareback (the little girl)
'66 type 1 roadster (probably the one that would have the kooky
hydraulics)
'73 zooper beetle (Barney)