Z-bars ??

sander288 "Bolt-on Master"

1,404 posts · joined Aug 2008 · 6 Jul 2010, 1:27 pm

#788893

Anyone had much experience with Z-bars, more importantly can z bars be retro-fitted to earlier swingers?

I've seen the just kampers race car has a adjustable z-bar and read on some other forums that Z-bars are the most ideal addition to a swing axle.

I've been down and seen Mr Mackie and loved his set-up with the compensating spring and cable tuck but thought that the z bar would be more ideal and lighter than adding both... (do you have any photos greg?)

I'd really appreciate peoples feedback on this as it is easy to become confused (maybe just me???)

http://www.justkampers.com/blog/view/just_beetles_goes_touring_car_racing

http://www.shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=122651

http://www.shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=122567

cheers

Shaun

BMW R65 LS
1967 1300 Deluxe
Swing-axles FTW ❗

sander288 "Bolt-on Master"

1,404 posts · joined Aug 2008 · 11 Jul 2010, 6:46 pm

#789962

no one has any experience with Z-bars? how about fitting one to a car?

BMW R65 LS
1967 1300 Deluxe
Swing-axles FTW ❗

HappyDaze Superannuated

2,887 posts · joined Jun 2009 · 11 Jul 2010, 7:15 pm

#789969

When I was Vee racing, a few tried Z bars. They all went back to leaf type compensating springs❓

There could be much discussion about the whole swing-axle system - too much to do here I recon.🙄 We could go over this sometime, when we both have the time, Shaun - I would be happy to pass on a few 'tips' and suggestions.

Cheers, Greg

I'd rather wear a Beetle out by racing it than by polishing it!

Newt Wolfsburg Wizard

478 posts · joined Mar 2008 · 24 Jul 2010, 12:33 am

#792339

Many years ago I fitted a type 3 Z bar to a 62 Beatle by making up my own pivot brackets out of a bit of tube welded to a bit of plate at 90 degrees and then bolted the plate in the appropriate spot somewhere above the whole where the shocky bolt goes through (as diagonally appropriate). I used a bit of rubber hose between the cross bar and the tube (which oddly enough didnt seem to wear all that much - come to think of it, it is still on the car 10 years later).

From memory, the Z arms ended up being a bit closer together.

The result seemed reasonable, increasing the load on the inside wheel, though I always felt it tended to increase body roll.

Newt

It is as it is - If you didnt enjoy today, you've missed the opportunity.

HappyDaze Superannuated

2,887 posts · joined Jun 2009 · 24 Jul 2010, 9:14 am

#792370

If it is set up correctly the compensating spring (that's what a Z bar is) will increase body roll slightly, if nothing else is changed. Normally a stiffer front anti-roll bar is used in conjunction with a compensating spring, and - ideally- softer rear torsion bars.

Get the whole lot right, and the outside rear wheel camber will 'go slightly negative' on hard cornering.👍 This does not happen in the case of trailing arms, in fact the opposite occurs.👎 Expecting a bit of flack over this.😂

Cheers, Greg

I'd rather wear a Beetle out by racing it than by polishing it!

Craig Torrens 6 times Australian, 7 times State Hillclimb Class Champion

8,040 posts · joined Jan 2003 · 24 Jul 2010, 12:23 pm

#792397

why would you get flack ?

HappyDaze Superannuated

2,887 posts · joined Jun 2009 · 24 Jul 2010, 5:20 pm

#792435

For saying positive things about swing axles.😁

I'd rather wear a Beetle out by racing it than by polishing it!

sander288 "Bolt-on Master"

1,404 posts · joined Aug 2008 · 24 Jul 2010, 5:25 pm

#792439

Hahaha, thanks greg, I am now a big swing ale fan now, you should put some pictures of your model swing axle thing... Working on the spring for the back, roll cage first though (monday... woohoo!👍)

BMW R65 LS
1967 1300 Deluxe
Swing-axles FTW ❗

sander288 "Bolt-on Master"

1,404 posts · joined Aug 2008 · 24 Jul 2010, 5:25 pm

#792440

swing ale, the best brew..... lets try swing axle! 😀

BMW R65 LS
1967 1300 Deluxe
Swing-axles FTW ❗