does the steering damper on the beetles have much of an effect on steering stability?? what is the difference without one?

It makes a difference on bumpier roads - less kickback thorugh the steering

so without it does the steering have a tendency to wander when you hit bumps?

yes.

ok... next question...
what is required to install a damper on a beam that doesn't have one already fitted.???

Eeeeuw... I think dampers were fitted form 1959 onwards - if you have an earlier beam, I wouldn't worry. Unless you want to swap beams and tierods etc or do some welding

[ Edited on 24-10-2005 by VWCOOL ]

oh... i have a 57... and just had all the steering fixed up - new tie rod ends, steering box tightened up and centralised, new front shocks etc... she wanders a bit when hitting bumps and stuff... so just wondering if it can be easily fixed or a pain in the ass....
thanks

If you have had all that done then thats as good as it gets.
You have to remember it was all designed and built for crossply tyres etc.
You could up date your front end to a a late model beam but it won`t improve much.
Not worth all the work and effort really.

yeah... i wasn't expecting it to steer like a new car but was wondering if it could be improved... has a little slack in the middle where you turn the wheel and nothing happens... cant be bothered updating to a later front end... seems like too much work.