1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

WHO WANTS 1ST GEN rAcK @ pInIoN STEERING?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-28-03, 05:50 PM
  #101  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Mosport Raceway,Bowmanville,Ont.
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Turns out I have way more 1/4 stock than 3/16 so OVERKILL it is, were back on!!!
WoooooooHoooooooo
Old 04-28-03, 05:51 PM
  #102  
Junior Member

 
Coal's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Just gotta say.......... WICKED!

Keep the pics coming, looks like this would be a great economical improvement
Old 04-28-03, 06:10 PM
  #103  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Mosport Raceway,Bowmanville,Ont.
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Can you guys help me ? I need to know roughly how many kits are going to be needed, like is everyone on the forum with a 1st gen gonna want one? Or are other forums gonna hear about this through word of mouth, I dont have time to be involved with other forums. Just trying to get a ball park figure for the laser-cut Co. Or can anyone involved with or work at a fab. shop want to cut these out. I would just send you the CAD layout then I will bend them up my self with a brake.
Old 04-28-03, 06:12 PM
  #104  
FD > FB > FC

 
hornbm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Bothell, WA
Posts: 3,873
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
well what I'd do, is make a few to start with and then fab them as you need to.

You can take this tim eto see if someone else would be willing to help you fab them.

I know I will be wanting one, but I want to hear others feadback once they have installed it.
Old 04-28-03, 06:23 PM
  #105  
Got some screws loose!

 
TOUGHGUY's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Somewhere in Canada
Posts: 313
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I posted a link to this thread on the V8RX7 forum. There are some guys interested but most are from somewhere south of our border J. If you can come up with a ballpark price range I bet you would get a more decisive answer.

Toughguy
Old 04-28-03, 06:31 PM
  #106  
FD > FB > FC

 
hornbm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Bothell, WA
Posts: 3,873
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
sorry to burt your bubble, but this thing may not fit with a v8 swap.
Old 04-28-03, 08:13 PM
  #107  
Never Follow

iTrader: (18)
 
82transam's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: North Jersey
Posts: 8,306
Likes: 0
Received 67 Likes on 49 Posts
Well, I would be with hornbm on this, but most fab shops like the one he would be using usually require some sort of minumum order to make it worth their while. Obviously this varys greatly from shop to shop but in most cases its more than just 5 or some small number. I guess you'll have to find out how many you'll have to get made and then let us know to see if you can get x number of people in on teh deal. If that makes any sense....
Any idea on how much you'll be charging for the whole kit? reguardless I'm in for one.
I don't think *everyone* will want one as some people here simply use their FB as a daily driver and aren't really interested in modding it, but its pretty safe to assume that the majority of us will want one. Eventually the word will get out and more people will want them. You might find yourself to be quite busy making these
Old 04-28-03, 08:28 PM
  #108  
FD > FB > FC

 
hornbm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Bothell, WA
Posts: 3,873
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
yeah I'm just remembering about the reverse indiglow guages for 79-83 that everybody wanted and swore they would buy, and nobody bought them.

Thats why I think it would be good to make a small number to start with. Once they start selling, you then go fab a shitload more of them up.

Joliver, just dont want ya to go broke doing this lol.
Old 04-28-03, 08:52 PM
  #109  
Rotary Freak

 
setzep's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: MN
Posts: 2,524
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'd just make the one and try it out. Work out the bugs then offer it as a kit after it's all worked out.
Old 04-28-03, 09:20 PM
  #110  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Mosport Raceway,Bowmanville,Ont.
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Wow thanx for the feedback guys. I dont think there will be any bugs to work as it is a simple setup and I am way to familiar with VW stuff, so no if ands or buts about it this WILL work beautifully. I promise!!!!! I am going to make 4 to start and go from there. Im really not in this for the money, I would be happy if I made enough profit after selling 50 or so to be able to buy and have professionally tuned Haltech E6K. Used would even be fine.
Old 04-28-03, 09:44 PM
  #111  
Rotary Enthusiast

 
jayroc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Yokosuka
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I will definitely buy one. Well, I won't pay some unreasonable amount, but I don't think a kit would be too awful expensive. $150-$200? range?
Old 04-28-03, 09:46 PM
  #112  
Blood, Sweat and Rotors

iTrader: (1)
 
DriveFast7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: California
Posts: 3,742
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Can some of the Ontario, canada guys on this board test drive your car with the rack and pinion and post feedback on this thread? I'd like to read what others have to say. I'd like to buy one too! What year Golf rack is it and are replacement parts pleantiful?

Driving it on Mosport would be ideal!

Thanks J Oliver for R&Ding this modification!
Old 04-28-03, 09:51 PM
  #113  
Got some screws loose!

 
TOUGHGUY's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Somewhere in Canada
Posts: 313
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for the heads up hornbm but you haven't "burt" my bubble. I can make a 5.0 fit I can sure as hell make a R & P fit.

Out of curiosity, what are you basing your opinion on? Do you have a 5.0 RX7 tucked away somewhere? Maybe I'm missing something in my measurements? By all means enlighten me if you can.

Toughguy

P.S.- Hey Brad, you trust me to test it out for you?
Old 04-28-03, 09:56 PM
  #114  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Mosport Raceway,Bowmanville,Ont.
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thats the price I was thinking $200 tops, no more, but I will not be able to supply the VW rack for that. Im thinking it will include:
Rack bracket
All hardware to hold rack to bracket
steering colum brace and bearing
Install instuctions and proceedures

It seems no one wants to mod. their own old box in order to make the colum bearing support, soooooooo, I will have to come up with a cost effective way to do this for you to sell as part of the kit. I would like best to just sell the made bracket with instructions on how to do what I have done at home. Its really not that hard or time consuming to accomplish and we all will have rack and pinion much faster I would say. If this is not what you guys want then I will have to come up with a simple colum bearing.
Old 04-28-03, 10:01 PM
  #115  
Right near Malloy

iTrader: (28)
 
Pele's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Behind a workbench, repairing FC Electronics.
Posts: 7,836
Received 503 Likes on 341 Posts
Question *Raises Hand* DING! Question...

Okay... How much does the old box, linkage, and all related bullshit weigh?

How much does the Rack, bracket, and all related bullshit weigh?

Since the column is kept, that doesn't count. Likewise with the outer tie rod ends.

Basically, what's the estimated weight gain of the swap?

I'd assume the box and rack are almost comparable in weight, give or take a few pounds... Especially since the box is full of oil. What's the bracket weigh? The good thing is all the weight is added down low, plus it may add to chasis rigidity.

Also, whats the bracket made of? I know there's a whole bunch of grades of aluminium and steel.

For the column bearing, on the cage of the bearing you cut out of the box, there should be a number or something... Most bearings can be outsourced. Perhaps a shop that specializes in rebuilding steering components, transmissions, or differentials will be able to help. The old steering box can be quite pricey to those who need it for racing classes and whatnot, so many people may not want to cut it up. Perhaps add a provision for a grease fitting.

Oh yeah... Where do all the universal joints and **** come from?

How bout when you need to get it aligned? I assume the thread pitch for the rack ends/inner tie rods and outer tie rods will be off. If people are getting their own racks, what outer tie rods are we going to use?

Last edited by Pele; 04-28-03 at 10:11 PM.
Old 04-29-03, 01:40 AM
  #116  
ROTARY POWER

 
remydrm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: N.CA
Posts: 611
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I am so in !! Let em know what the final price is and what pieces are needed that you aren't going to provide in your kit. Also where and how much the other parts cos that we have to source out our selves
thnx, very exciting
Old 04-29-03, 03:04 AM
  #117  
Junior Member

 
REDS TTYPE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: N.N. VA.
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re: *Raises Hand* DING! Question...

Originally posted by Pele
Okay... How much does the old box, linkage, and all related bullshit weigh?

How much does the Rack, bracket, and all related bullshit weigh?

Since the column is kept, that doesn't count. Likewise with the outer tie rod ends.

Basically, what's the estimated weight gain of the swap?

I'd assume the box and rack are almost comparable in weight, give or take a few pounds... Especially since the box is full of oil. What's the bracket weigh? The good thing is all the weight is added down low, plus it may add to chasis rigidity.

Also, whats the bracket made of? I know there's a whole bunch of grades of aluminium and steel.

For the column bearing, on the cage of the bearing you cut out of the box, there should be a number or something... Most bearings can be outsourced. Perhaps a shop that specializes in rebuilding steering components, transmissions, or differentials will be able to help. The old steering box can be quite pricey to those who need it for racing classes and whatnot, so many people may not want to cut it up. Perhaps add a provision for a grease fitting.

Oh yeah... Where do all the universal joints and **** come from?

How bout when you need to get it aligned? I assume the thread pitch for the rack ends/inner tie rods and outer tie rods will be off. If people are getting their own racks, what outer tie rods are we going to use?
most of them have been answered
Old 04-29-03, 09:11 AM
  #118  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Mosport Raceway,Bowmanville,Ont.
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
People, People read from the very begining of the post way back to the first page, it is pretty riviting stuff I would say.
Bracket: mild steel
Colum bearing: stock, pack it once with grease and it will be fine for years, or use a sealed bearing and never look at it again.
Universal joints: Stock VW rabbit right off colum
Tie rods and ends: VW inner tie rod ends, VW tie rods, Mazda outer tie rod ends.
When steering is alinged it does not matter what moves the wheels. What matters is where the wheels are in relation to the ground and the chassis. One more thing. Stock RX7 specs has the tie rod pivot point far away from the center line of the car. With a rack installed this pivot point is much closer which will improve steering feel and much less bump-steer. Remember guys the 1st gen steering system was made up using parts sourced right from the B2200 truck, some of the worst steering possible. Anyway still a little more work to do. I am going to have to put this on someone elses car 1st because mine wont be running when the kit is finished. Anyone live close enough to Mosport Raceway and wants to be a test vehicle let me know.
Old 04-29-03, 10:43 AM
  #119  
Senior Member

 
AdamAnt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Burlington, Ontario
Posts: 517
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I live in Mississauga, and my steering is fucked, my steering box has tones of play. I would love to be the tester. Just have to fix my trany mount first.

Let me know
Old 04-29-03, 11:50 AM
  #120  
r71's daddy

 
David88vert's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 935
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I want one. I am a definate. Ready for it now.
Old 04-29-03, 11:59 AM
  #121  
Born 2 Brap

iTrader: (1)
 
Maguire's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Louisville, Ky
Posts: 1,068
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 2 Posts
I know im going to want one, just not sure when. So put me down for the second batch.

I got a little confused with what was decided on the steering box. I am right in saying that, you decided not to modify the steering box and fabricate a mouting bracket insted?
Old 04-29-03, 02:48 PM
  #122  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Mosport Raceway,Bowmanville,Ont.
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yes! For some unknown reason nobody wants to cut up their box, oh well more work 4me. Any way just got back from fab shop to get laser cutting costs and then I bought round stock to make a new bearing retainer for you lazy guys (just kidden)
and I also decided to go with a sealed needle bearing so I got 10 to start with.
Bearings: $9.13 each
Round stock mod. for bearing with bearing cap$25
Laser cutting $65-70 per bracket
Bracket material $17.36 per bracket
Hardware: $5.00
Painted bracket material $2.00/bracket
Nickle cadium plating*** nice stuff $30.00 each
labour: ?????????????? like I said Im not out to make a killing so I will let you know tonite or tommorow. It all came to $126.49 with a unpainted bracket and such. Well if this is a go I need 10 money orders asap once I decide on labour. Sound good yes or no? Get your trans fixed Adam!!! I got some thrashing to do. LoL!!
Old 04-29-03, 02:48 PM
  #123  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Mosport Raceway,Bowmanville,Ont.
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yes! For some unknown reason nobody wants to cut up their box, oh well more work 4me. Any way just got back from fab shop to get laser cutting costs and then I bought round stock to make a new bearing retainer for you lazy guys (just kidden)
and I also decided to go with a sealed needle bearing so I got 10 to start with.
Bearings: $9.13 each
Round stock mod. for bearing with bearing cap$25
Laser cutting $65-70 per bracket
Bracket material $17.36 per bracket
Hardware: $5.00
Painted bracket material $2.00/bracket
Nickle cadium plating*** nice stuff $30.00 each
labour: ?????????????? like I said Im not out to make a killing so I will let you know tonite or tommorow. It all came to $126.49 with a unpainted bracket and such. Well if this is a go I need 10 money orders asap once I decide on labour. Sound good yes or no? Get your trans fixed Adam!!! I got some thrashing to do. LoL!!
Old 04-29-03, 02:54 PM
  #124  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Mosport Raceway,Bowmanville,Ont.
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yes! For some unknown reason nobody wants to cut up their box, oh well more work 4me. Any way just got back from fab shop to get laser cutting costs and then I bought round stock to make a new bearing retainer for you lazy guys (just kidden)
and I also decided to go with a sealed needle bearing so I got 10 to start with.
Bearings: $9.13 each
Round stock mod. for bearing with bearing cap$25
Laser cutting $65-70 per bracket
Bracket material $17.36 per bracket
Hardware: $5.00
Painted bracket material $2.00/bracket
Nickle cadium plating*** nice stuff $30.00 each
labour: ?????????????? like I said Im not out to make a killing so I will let you know tonite or tommorow. It all came to $126.49 with a unpainted bracket and such. Well if this is a go I need 10 money orders asap once I decide on labour. Sound good yes or no? Get your trans fixed Adam!!! I got some thrashing to do. LoL!!
Old 04-29-03, 02:56 PM
  #125  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Mosport Raceway,Bowmanville,Ont.
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
What the fock happened there. Sorry MOD for my triple post. At least they wont miss anything this time. YA RIIIIIIIGHT!


Quick Reply: WHO WANTS 1ST GEN rAcK @ pInIoN STEERING?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:35 PM.