The transmission was the next big step to making the frame
into a rolling chassis. Since VW designs their vehicles to have the motor in
the back the axle runs through the transmission. There was a part number on the
frame and we were able to determine the frame is a 1954. This means we would
need a transmission modified, since the size of the transmission changed in
1966. I shopped around and ordered what we needed at the best price. It was
supposed to take 3 weeks to arrive. It took seven.
I also ordered axle rods and axle tubes to go with it. I
knew I was buying used axle tubes. Both tubes used were less than 1/3 the price
for one new one. However, when they arrived I was surprised at their condition.
It was clear by their appearance they had been on the ground
under the vehicle and years of weather had caused them to sink into the asphalt.
I used the metal grinder with a wire wheel brush to get the big chunks off. A—was
gracious enough to take the parts to work and sand blast them so they were
clean and pretty.
Next we discovered despite careful research and ordering the
right modified parts to fit our frame, the transmission did not bolt in
correctly. I took pictures of the problem and posted questions for the
experienced minds on The Samba.com as
well as sending them to the guy I bought the transmission from. Eventually, Ry—coworker
Ru—said the bracket the transmission was supposed to mount to looked like it
had been welded on poorly. Sure enough…
C—cut it off and mounted it to the transmission. Then we
carefully slid the transmission into place and bolted it to the rest of the
frame. Once it was properly positioned C—re-welded the bracket on and then we
were in business.
However, because of the design of the transmission the axles
and axle tubes have to be put in and on the transmission first before it can be
mounted to the frame. So we unscrewed the bolts and carried the transmission to
another surface. This is what the transmission looks like without the gears or
axles.
The problem was I forgot to order the parts that connected
the axle to the transmission. I had all the parts that went from the outside of
the axle tube to the wheel rims. I had no idea the differential gear and
fulcrum would not come with the transmission. So another call was made, more
money was paid, and time elapsed until the parts arrived.
Finally, the fulcrums go inside the differential gear, the
differential gear goes inside the transmission, the axle rods go inside the
fulcrum, the axle tubes go over the axle rods, and the whole kit gets bolted to
the outside of the transmission. Ta-Da! We are in business.
Here is a view of the transmission with both axle rods and
tubes in place and the transmission mounted from the front of the frame.
Here is a view of the transmission mounted with both axles
and axle tubes mounted from above the frame.
Just getting the transmission bracket welded on and the
parts assembled and mounted took all day. We will have to save adding all the
parts that go between the axle tubes and the wheel rims for another day.
I had hoped to have the rear wheels on in early March over my Spring break but that clearly did not happen. The transmission didn't arrive until Easter a month later but even then we did not have all the parts.
Next step adding the bearings, shocks, and braking system.
Oh... and in case you are wondering, the tag hanging from the transmission is to remind us there is no oil in it
:-)
