Rebuilding a 718 RSK
Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2015 9:48 am
hi Everyone
im busy working on a project to get a Porsche 718 RSK replica to its full glory. the car is running but very poorly and i was hopeful that some of the wizards on this forum could offer me some guidance. please be gently... i come from a ford background having just finished a Lotus 7 project and this is my 1st air cooled vehicle.
Beetle : 1968
Body work >
the fibreglass shell seems to be a universal-products body. my initial observation is that its fitted properly. problem i have is with the doors and the front bonnet (i dont know how the hinge is assembled so not sure which way it opens) the doors dont have handles on the outside and i was wondering what sort of latch i could fit from the inside. currently there is a sliding kitchen door style deadbolt holding it in place.
front tow hitch : is there any specific mounting points that you guys would recommend i weld a loop onto for the tow hitch. my current plan is to get a flat bar across the chassis in the front (not sure where yet) and then have a L shaped bracket that can be bolted on when ever i need to tow the vehicle. the height of the vehicle and fibreglass shell makes it impossible for me to just tie the rope to the chassis from underneath without it breaking the fibreglass.
engine >
im not sure which engine this is exactly . all i have is the paperwork which says its a 1968 beetle. i plan on doing a full service on the vehicle and would like to know what parts (with part numbers) i need for a full service. Oil, Oil filter, Air filter, Plugs, Points, etc
Electricals >
all of the lights need to be rewired and replaced. the current rats nest of wiring under the dash is a problem. would you guys recommend i get a new wiring harness or create my own. i plan on using after market gauges and switches on the dash.
Generator .... so last night as i was driving the car lost power and died on the highway. a quick test found it to be the battery and i quickly sent for another battery from home. i am considering replacing the generator with an alternator. it could also just be part of the wiring thats a problem.
Carb >
there is a flat spot on 1st gear just after take off. it seems to be a problem with the change over from the idle circuit. i also find that it doesnt idle smoothly. will strip the carb and get it cleaned out. any recommendations on where to find carb kits or even a bigger better carb i should consider.
gearbox >
there is a grinding only when changing from 2nd to 3rd gear. could this be resolved by just replacing the oil and doing a gearbox service or could it be something more to worry about.
interior >
i would like to know what seats would fit best in the rsk or if i should consider getting a custom seat made up. currently there is an evo bucket seat and its horrible. i cant change gears comfortably and i feel like im about to fall out.
thanks in advance for all of the help
im busy working on a project to get a Porsche 718 RSK replica to its full glory. the car is running but very poorly and i was hopeful that some of the wizards on this forum could offer me some guidance. please be gently... i come from a ford background having just finished a Lotus 7 project and this is my 1st air cooled vehicle.
Beetle : 1968
Body work >
the fibreglass shell seems to be a universal-products body. my initial observation is that its fitted properly. problem i have is with the doors and the front bonnet (i dont know how the hinge is assembled so not sure which way it opens) the doors dont have handles on the outside and i was wondering what sort of latch i could fit from the inside. currently there is a sliding kitchen door style deadbolt holding it in place.
front tow hitch : is there any specific mounting points that you guys would recommend i weld a loop onto for the tow hitch. my current plan is to get a flat bar across the chassis in the front (not sure where yet) and then have a L shaped bracket that can be bolted on when ever i need to tow the vehicle. the height of the vehicle and fibreglass shell makes it impossible for me to just tie the rope to the chassis from underneath without it breaking the fibreglass.
engine >
im not sure which engine this is exactly . all i have is the paperwork which says its a 1968 beetle. i plan on doing a full service on the vehicle and would like to know what parts (with part numbers) i need for a full service. Oil, Oil filter, Air filter, Plugs, Points, etc
Electricals >
all of the lights need to be rewired and replaced. the current rats nest of wiring under the dash is a problem. would you guys recommend i get a new wiring harness or create my own. i plan on using after market gauges and switches on the dash.
Generator .... so last night as i was driving the car lost power and died on the highway. a quick test found it to be the battery and i quickly sent for another battery from home. i am considering replacing the generator with an alternator. it could also just be part of the wiring thats a problem.
Carb >
there is a flat spot on 1st gear just after take off. it seems to be a problem with the change over from the idle circuit. i also find that it doesnt idle smoothly. will strip the carb and get it cleaned out. any recommendations on where to find carb kits or even a bigger better carb i should consider.
gearbox >
there is a grinding only when changing from 2nd to 3rd gear. could this be resolved by just replacing the oil and doing a gearbox service or could it be something more to worry about.
interior >
i would like to know what seats would fit best in the rsk or if i should consider getting a custom seat made up. currently there is an evo bucket seat and its horrible. i cant change gears comfortably and i feel like im about to fall out.
thanks in advance for all of the help