Betty the Oval - Donovan D - ex-MINCE

[Donovan D]

I see you fitted a steering damper, very good idea, my 58 Ghia wobbles all over the place when I hit a bump

The beam had the mounts on when I got it from FFR.
Didnt even realise that the early ones didnt have it.

[retrovan]

I see you fitted a steering damper, very good idea, my 58 Ghia wobbles all over the place when I hit a bump

The beam had the mounts on when I got it from FFR.
Didnt even realise that the early ones didnt have it.

Made mounts for my 52 as it makes a hell of a difference in the ride, you feel safer at speed.

Herman

[Donovan D]

Things have been going slow.

Im busy with the steering shaft, box and tie-rods. Dave at FFR made me a new hub for the steering wheel as the one I got with the wheel was a bit bulky.


Should the inside of the steering shaft that connects to the steering box also be splined ? Im guessing it should be but not sure.
I can see spline marks on the inside but its definitely not as clean cut as on the steering box coupler. When the two are connected the shaft can be turned without the steering box turning and I can feel it moving over the splines, once all is tightened with the clamp and shoulder bolt it seems to be fine.

Splines in the part below?

[Haans]

Don't believe so ,.....if my memory is serving me well. Splines on the steering box side,...which fits into the steering tube from the top. Pinched with the clamp and bolt
Me thinks

Haans

[retrovan]

Don't believe so ,.....if my memory is serving me well. Splines on the steering box side,...which fits into the steering tube from the top. Pinched with the clamp and bolt
Me thinks

Haans

This man is correct, just tighten well and it cuts splines by it self.

Herman

[Donovan D]

Thanks Haans and Retro

Fitted the left side fender and finished off the wiring for the rear lights. Still need to do the running board on that side.

[Riaan.N]

I like the sneak peek of the engine

[Eugene]

I like the sneak peek of the engine

Yea, I love the minimalistic approach

[Donovan D]

Very minimalistic indeed.

Busy busy busy...
So it seems the steering dampener bracket is in the wrong place with about 5cm.
Centered up the steering box, equal turns to each side and this is the result on the steering dampener, when turning left and right.

[Donovan D]

I was hoping to get the doors on and all the door parts assembled during this time. Our company went on lock down a week before the actual lock down started. Its business as usual for the wife and myself working remotely from home.

As luck would have it the 1/4 vent window rubbers are not correct for early beetles. Also battling with the door mechanism, seems the one I have is to worn out and dont release like it should.

I managed to redo the running board on the passenger side and fit the decklid. The decklid seems a bit warped and the fit is not 100%, I guess it can be expected from these old cars. Even fitting something simple as the bumper took a couple of hours as the empi brackets had to be slapped with the hammer.

[Tony Z]

EMPI.... come on D - that car deserves better

[acpaterson]

Exactly. Dude!. EMPI????!!!

[Herbie]

Wow DonovanD. Rey nice project. Keep up the good work.
Neels


Neels

[Eugene]

Yea....Empi????

[Donovan D]

The rear bumper and bumper brackets are empi. Ja ja ja, until I find a good rear bumper it is what it is. I had the rear bumper rechromed and also painted the brackets.
Front bumper is original and very straight.

Plodding along and doing what I can during this period.