VW Rear Suspension build without cutting up a VW Pan

[CH701Builder]

All, I am wanting to get started on building a simple VW Trike, but I don't like the idea of cutting up VW pans for the rear suspension.

Is there a good place for pictures, ideas or plans for Coil/shock setups or other types of rear suspensions people have come up with?

Thanks,

CH701Builder

 

[rhino 2]

Keith....Welcome to Trike-Talk.......:wave4:...

 

[trikeman]

:wave4:

 

[peteg59]

Welcome to the site.:clapping:

Unless you can fabricate the framework to support the engine/transaxle assembly, there is no way that I'm aware of to build a VW powered trike without sacrificing the rear framework from the pan assy.

You don't necessarily need the full pan, but getting all of the suspension and shift linkage aligned similar to how it came from the factory would be difficult at best without a "donor" pan to work with.

I would recommend finding a donor that has independent rear suspension (68>up). While they're definitely getting harder to find, parts cars are still out there.

Good luck.

 

[kerryb]

Welcome to the fun. Just took mine around the block for the first romp of spring...going fast didn't blow the dust off, darn.

For a custom frame, you might check out someone similar to these guys; https://carolinadunebuggies.com/xcart5.3/roadster-t-dune-buggy-chassis.html

However, from the pics, it appears they cut up a factory frame to make their customs.

 

[CH701Builder]

Pete and Kerry,

Thanks for the encouragement. Yeah, I just don't like cutting up a pan just for the mounting portion of the rear suspension.

I will look for something later with an IRS suspension. I currently have a Baja, 66 body on a 69 pan, 1914 with dual 40mm Dellortos' Runs fairly good at my altitude, (house at 9,100' but drive down to Colorado Springs, quite often)

Anyway, thanks for the info, and I'll see what "pans" out..... pun intended!!!

Keith

 

[vwbug72501]

Super Beetles are a good source for rear suspension/frog-legs. You maybe can find one with front end collision damage that hasn't been bailed yet. Supers are less desirable than Standards so you won't be thinning the herd if you cut one up. Also, there's a lot of rusty pans out there. Don't have to cut up a solid pan.

 

[TomyJ]

VW mid engine



VW mid engine by "Bad Ass trike co".com, Have fun...

 

[DeathBySnuSnu]

Beams and brackets are readily available for buggies.

http://vwparts.aircooled.net/Custom-Rear-Torsion-Housing-IRS-p/5519-11.htm

BA trikes has been out of business for many years now. They did not sell well and could not make a living with them......went back to his regular job (if I remember right at the local power plant).

Of course a swing would be easy.

Look at the mid engine IRS dune buggy parts for an irs.

I just cut up an IRS pan for the torsion tube. Building an odd kit car.....going tube chassis and mid engine with irs.

 

[TomyJ]

View attachment 85411VW mid engine by "Bad Ass trike co".com, Have fun...

Swing arms and coil overs should get you close to what you want, rear engine or midengined is up to you, have fun in your build...