quick Q - steering box?
Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2008 9:29 pm
Is the Thing steering box a standard type 1?
Yes. Type 3 also uses the same box (just with a different Pitman arm).
http://www.shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=41485
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Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2008 11:30 pm
Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 6:55 pm
Ah Marc, thanks!
So, if I take the steering box clamp now on my front beam, weld it down for offroad flogging, I could install another type 1 box without worrying if the boxes are simlar. Sound logical?
So, if I take the steering box clamp now on my front beam, weld it down for offroad flogging, I could install another type 1 box without worrying if the boxes are simlar. Sound logical?
Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2008 1:36 am
Correct. The clamp has an indexing notch on both sides, installed one way it puts the box at the correct angle to line up with a Beetle (or Thing) steering column, reversed it puts it lower for a Karmann-Ghia...be sure you have it pointed the right way before welding 
In my experience with Brazilian-made replacement beams, the indexing lug is in the wrong place more often than not so don't go by that - modify the lug and/or the clamp as necessary to get the box & column aligned (with the box mounting bolts screwed in equally).
I wouldn't go nuts on the weld, though - a small bead maybe ½" long on either side should provide sufficient strength while still being easy enough to grind away if it ever did become necessary, and not embrittling the beam tube too much - you'll probably break something else in the steering linkage first, even with a weld that small.
In my experience with Brazilian-made replacement beams, the indexing lug is in the wrong place more often than not so don't go by that - modify the lug and/or the clamp as necessary to get the box & column aligned (with the box mounting bolts screwed in equally).
I wouldn't go nuts on the weld, though - a small bead maybe ½" long on either side should provide sufficient strength while still being easy enough to grind away if it ever did become necessary, and not embrittling the beam tube too much - you'll probably break something else in the steering linkage first, even with a weld that small.