Light nose

We need to remember that pan based speedsters are running ancient VW suspension.

The original VW Beetles were always a little light in the front end.  It was always fun driving over a high bridge in a strong cross wind.

Original 356 had the battery in the nose ,  probably to put some weight up there as with doing that they needed to run a thick cable back to the starter which cost $$$.

This is my steel work helping to add weight on the nose,

and at the same time to lower the battery :-)

@James550 posted:

This is my steel work helping to add weight on the nose,                                                             and at the same time to lower the battery :-)

That's in your (plastic fantastic) Speedster?  That's very ambitious, and an interesting way to tackle the issue!  How much weight do you anticipate it adding to the front?

And now you've got me looking at the trunk area of my early IM thinking the way they shaped the spare tire area cuts down so much on space- I know how to work with fiberglass- could expand it and glass a chunk or 2 of metal into the new shape, adding room for a few things as well as adding some needed weight (at the right end of the car)- this could be an interesting winter project?

PS- did anybody notice the different thickness caster shims available on the JBugs site? https://www.jbugs.com/product/...Bm7POj8aAvN7EALw_wcB

@Bob: IM S6 posted:

We need to remember that pan based speedsters are running ancient VW suspension.

The original VW Beetles were always a little light in the front end.  It was always fun driving over a high bridge in a strong cross wind.

Yup we had a 67 bug convertible - even so that car could easily get up to 70 ( I think maybe a tad more)  before I chickened out (dual Dellorto carbs, built motor, etc blah) - maybe also I was younger and more reckless ha

I'm still looking into some weight either side of the pretty fair sized battery..

Also going to have the alignment checked and wheel balance, not sure the cowl shake can't be addressed there some too

How is your steering damper on your car ?  I remember that causing quite an issue over bumps on my 1969.

That metal work is pretty awesome and would add even more weight if you added, or maybe it is already there, some tubing square or round to support it and give you some crash protection.

Adding weight is not my concern, I justwant to replicate the original Porsche design.

I'm working now on the back seat the same way.

Gary Bloom (Flat Four Fan over in South Africa) did the same thing with the back of his Speedster to more closely replicate the original Speedster.  

If I were to do mine, I would be really tempted to delete the rear seat cushion and carpet that seat area and then add some tie-down loops to use it as a package tray.  Expecting someone small to sit back there is more of an uncomfortable joke, IMO.

Most are using a back in fiber but it is based on a coupe design.

I decided not to choose the easiest way and to do it in steel but it wil be closest to the speedster design at the end.

Just kind of a light, week-end project, right?   😉

@James550 posted:

Most are using a back in fiber but it is based on a coupe design.

I decided not to choose the easiest way and to do it in steel but it wil be closest to the speedster design at the end.

Dude.