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I'm starting to build my steering assembly for my kitman speedster and wondering what year of parts I should get. I'm building most of the car based on '68 beetle parts but I'm not sure how close the the length of the steering column for a speedster is to a '68 beetle. I suppose if the one I get is too long, I can cut it to fit but it could be too short. Can someone help me find out what year I should be looking for to avoid any modifications?

Also, I'm wondering if I should spend more time on it trying to get a custom tilt steering column like this to work on it or if that's just not worth all the work? https://www.ebay.com/itm/40171...a1N8tpxoCfuMQAvD_BwE

Maybe this one on ebay would be the easiest option? https://www.ebay.com/itm/275545458858

For steering boxes, I'm guessing I should get this TRW one but I'm not sure why it's better than the cheaper one from PartsGeek?

https://www.beckparts.com/new-...s-1/steering-box-trw

https://www.partsgeek.com/wxs1...1HFn4QxoCuUsQAvD_BwE

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Does the '68 column have the key on the column or in the dash?

I wanted the key in the dash so I chose a column early enough for that.

I don't think you will have to shorten any VW column. I actually devised a way to lengthen mine to get the steering wheel farther from the dash.

It has been recommended that you not use a column with a collapsable section because, at their age, they tend to fail.

Does the '68 column have the key on the column or in the dash?

I wanted the key in the dash so I chose a column early enough for that.

I don't think you will have to shorten any VW column. I actually devised a way to lengthen mine to get the steering wheel farther from the dash.

It has been recommended that you not use a column with a collapsable section because, at their age, they tend to fail.

I'm not sure if the '68 has the key on the column. Regardless, I plan to do a push button ignition on the dash.

@DannyP posted:

I'm pretty sure he knows that. He's adding one because he wants to.

Correct... I put one of these push button start switches (see link below) on another car I restored and it works surprisingly well so far for $26 so I'm going to put it on my speedster too. It gives the car a more modern feel.

BANVIE Car RFID Push to Start Ignition kit Engine Start Stop Button Switch Keyless Go System with Leather Key https://a.co/d/inAo83V

@Ace posted:

What about these power steering units? Are they a waste of money?

https://www.mooreparts.com/ada...rick-x3-utv-2017-18/

The steering isn't heavy or hard to handle in a Beetle or Speedster, even when lowered and with some extra caster dialed in- why would you want to complicate it unnecessarily?  I can't see power steering in such a light car actually being a benefit.  I get it in a high speed offroad desert race car with much taller tires, but not in a street car.

@Ace You do you, by all means.

But these cars are often best when they are simple.

Trust me, I know as I painfully added a bunch of conveniences. I have a gasoline heater/defrost, plenty of power outlets(USB), cell-phone holder, heated seats, and bluetooth receiver and amp/speakers. To hide all of that so it works well was not easy.

The accessories are nice to have, but not really necessary.

Mine works at cruise speeds too under light throttle. I have Polk 6.5" patio speakers under the dash pointing at my ears. You do lose the bass though. No space for a sub in a Spyder. It would add too much weight anyway.

Since the cockpit is smaller than a Speedy or roadster, IMHO the wind buffeting is reduced.

Last edited by DannyP
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