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RAT Bug Narrowing

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57 Chook Shed Custom Title Time!

1,021 posts · joined Oct 2002 ·

#326009
Just thought I`d put up a few pics of work I did on my `61 Rat Bug other than just the beam narrowing (which is covered in many different magazines and websites).
The first problem I found with narrowing my beam 6 inches (really just an exercise in finding just what is involved) was that the turing capability had been reduced to about 1/4 of a turn on the steering wheel. This was because of the tyres fouling on the headlight bowls and the top of the inner guards/boot floor area(!!).
To get it to the show at Glenelg at the end of that same week that I started doing this work, I just cut some nice big gaping holes in the inner guards........................

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One mans cancer is another mans patina

[img]http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?action=attachment&tid=87480&pid=815561&aid=84900[img]

57 Chook Shed Custom Title Time!

1,021 posts · joined Oct 2002 ·

#326029
Also had to reshape the back of the headlight bowls to clear the tyres. I ended up cutting just over half of the original bowl depth away. I re-fitted the headlights and the tyres fouled on the back of the bulbs!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, I searched the parts bin and ended up fabricating some brackets to attach late Bay Kombi sealed beam headlight units.
They are about half the depth of an original 6V Bug unit.
Anyway, here`s the back of one of the new bowls......

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One mans cancer is another mans patina

[img]http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?action=attachment&tid=87480&pid=815561&aid=84900[img]

mattie started the skid`s for kids foundation then got defected hah

1,258 posts · joined Jan 2003 ·

#326044
man that looks tuff!
stuipid beetle breaks everytime i drive it.....

pete wood 23 Windows of Awesome

6,828 posts · joined Jan 2004 ·

#326313
is that all legal in SA? Do you have to have it certified or something?

What was it like to drive with that much of the beam gone? aside of the lack of turning circle.
"stoopid is stronger than axles"
http://drivingnotpolishing.blogspot.com.au/

ROTORBUG Casual Dubber

43 posts · joined Mar 2005 ·

#326456
Nice work. Not scared of a bit of cutting and welding.
Is that zinc coated sheet that youve used?

57 Chook Shed Custom Title Time!

1,021 posts · joined Oct 2002 ·

#326617
No sure about the legalities, but we have no RWC or anything. The key is just not to get caught.
The cops don`t really care about Dubz over here, it`s more your Rice Burners and Commodore shite that attracts their attention.
I have heard that there is some law about pre `72 cars when it comes to lowering i.e there is no limit.
ROTORBUG I actually used a pair of old rear Bug guards to fabricate the tubs out of. These came from my mate Aaron when he was having a clear out. He had blasted and primered them with the intention of repairing the dents. Not much left of them now hey!!
And no, the more cutting and welding the better as far as I`m concerned!!
Cheers
Gra.

[Edited on 28-3-2005 by 57 Chook Shed]
One mans cancer is another mans patina

[img]http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?action=attachment&tid=87480&pid=815561&aid=84900[img]

Brad Wolfsburg Elder

3,764 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#326632
cool, hey what did you do about the shock towers ? Are you still running shocks ??
Brad
Why copy when you can own an original ?
Meyers Manx Australia