I have been invited to look a dormant auto x bug that will need to be revived and will be driven in our local "Historic" class for older cars.
What information might be valuable to know going in and where would you find it? When secured, I will share more details of the car.
David
well, you could start with the year. Pre-69 bugs have swing axles that have their own problems than the later full IRS bugs
I autocross an old Bug, though a big chunk of it isn't Bug anymore.
The only real concern might be the rear suspension type; early versions were swing axle, and need limiting straps (or similar) to prevent jacking during hard cornering.
Any idea what class it was raced in? That would help determine what systems may have been modified. Old ACVWs are big kid Legos, there really isn't much to be specifically concerned about given parts availability and ease of maintenance. Just normal neglected old car concerns.
Yes, a 1967. Raced in the day and set up as a prepared car on slicks.
It's been discussed here before!
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/how-about-a-super-beetle-as-a-track-car/23207/page1/
Edit: So okay, not a Super.
In reply to jr02518 :
'67 should still be swing axle, though if it was racing Prepared on slicks, it almost certainly had something to address the shortfalls of swing axle rear suspension.
Rust in the body is the only other big snag. Over the rear fenders, floorpans, heater channels, etc.
Everything I know about Bugs, I learned from Herbie movies. So, make sure this doesn't happen, otherwise you might finish in first AND third place.
jr02518 said:Yes, a 1967. Raced in the day and set up as a prepared car on slicks.
Does it happen to be from SoCal, and black. And when more specifically was back in the day?
Yes and no. I will confirm the color "back in the day".
What are the rules ?
USA 67 bugs were swing axle , drum front brakes and wide 5 wheels , plus a single port 1500 motor and 12v.....
European 67 bugs can have the above , or disc brakes with 4 bolt wheels, and even a 1200 motor ,
Let us know when you get it
As I remember Formula Vs use a Z bar on the rear to limit the swing axle action. I also remember old VWs and Porsches being set up stiff so they carried the inside front wheel while cornering.
FVs can now run 4 wheel disc brakes so rule dependent that's a possibility.
Beetles are one of the vehicles where the Colin Chapman (I think) saying applied: "You can make any suspension work in a race car, as long as you don't let it move."
A very good friend was a Beetle guy. FTD on a slalom course almost all the time, unless the Super Seven guy was feeling sporty. Low, light, FF slicks, zero suspension movement, or close to it.
He was also the only guy I ever met capable of making a Beetle engine sound good. No exhaust leaks, no weird coolong fan rushing air noises, no tweedling...
The front suspension has zero camber gain. Whatever static you dial in is what you get. At least lowering one is cheap and easy.
I hope it's got some oil mods. I could get my oil pressure light to flicker on the street with 235/75R15 A/Ss. They are fun to drive at the limit.
This thread needs pictures of beetles dodging cones! I have nothing useful to add other than when I lived in SF, there was a guy with a beetle on slicks and it ripped.
Mrs. InKansas getting after it.
Oh man I want to build an autoX beetle now.
Get the old HP book , How to Hotrod VW Engines by Bill Fisher ,
there is a good chapter on setting up your VW for autocross etc
Yeah its a 50 year old book, so find a used orange cover edition.....
The comment on not letting the suspension move seems to be the thing in racing now.
I watched Nascar and and Indy car races last Sun, and the lack of wheel movement in both was very evident.
A Beetle has the same suspension type as a Porsche 356 and the 356 dominated it's class for years.
There are loads of books out there on getting the most out of these.
If you're running in a modified class there is no reason why it can't be competitive with it.
for years many of the racing groups made it hard for "Herbie" to race and maybe beat the high $$$$ cars,
iceracer said:The comment on not letting the suspension move seems to be the thing in racing now.
I watched Nascar and and Indy car races last Sun, and the lack of wheel movement in both was very evident.
Because NASCAR mandates spring rate at certain tracks the cars are sometime set up to coil bind the springs at full aero and shocks are set up for minimal travel. That keeps the car low within the rules and allows minimal air under the spoiler.
What jj said, and also this info were the basis for several of my decisions.
Tom1200 said:A Beetle has the same suspension type as a Porsche 356 and the 356 dominated it's class for years.
There are loads of books out there on getting the most out of these.
If you're running in a modified class there is no reason why it can't be competitive with it.
Mostly due to weight and simplicity. Not due to any inherent handling performance, maybe a little on acceleration, due to the rear engined nature. Just a jumped up "Go-kart" for all intents and purposes.
Not that its terrible or that this idea is a bad one. Look at how much fun Karts or Dune Buggies, etc. are. Simplify and add lightness followed by as much tire as you can stuff under it.
VW Beetle & 356 suspension is 1930s GP technology and yes it's not great.
With that said the Beetle is light to start with and given all the availability of VW hop up goodies it,would still be capable of some competitive times.
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