Gettin the bugs out...

Siggymanx33 · Post by **Siggymanx33** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 10:43 pm

I took the Tow'd for it's maiden voyage today. The buggy is more fun than a barrel of monkeys. I took the car around the corner and actually saw a bunch of chilren running away as if they were scared....not to worry, it's only a Tow'd I'm going to have a few questions that I should know the answers too, but I'll defer to the experts. I also thought I would give some feedback on my rebuilt beam that I took an outer leaf out of on the top and bottom. When I bought the buggy, there were big lead weights welded on the front end. When removed them it didn't have much action and actually stood pretty tall. (extended) Anyway, the front end is very responsive and actually dives a bit under braking. (while simultaneously pulling to right as well?) Big improvement and adds to the fun of the car. My front brakes are pulling to the right. This doesn't suprise me as I completely rebuilt them myself. It's also the first time I've done so. Is this an adjustment problem or a bleeding problem? If I'm piuling to the right, what side would be the problem? Thanks in advance for any help!

Lee · Post by **Lee** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 7:07 am

My buggy does that if the front brakes aren't adjusted exactly the same. Since the front end is so light, any little mismatch will be exploited. Assuming that both sides were adjusted to spec, I would back off each of the adjusters on the right front a couple notches. That will make the left brake grab a little sooner, and will usually even things out for me. I wouldn't want to get the brakes too tight, which is why I recommend backing off the offending side rather than adding more to the other side. Also make sure that both front wheel bearings are properly adjusted. Take a test drive and see if that made a difference. If not, try bleeding both the front wheels again. Another thing I once had a problem with was those urethane bushings that take the place of the stock needle bearings. Turns out one of the bushings had too thick of a flange, and the set screw for the torsion leaves was not seating into the dimple that is provided in the leaves. Aside from being dangerous, this was throwing the geometry of the front end off. Interestingly, the car tracked perfectly straight until the brakes were applied, which brings me to my final suggestion: Have the front end aligned. Actually, you should align all four wheels, starting with the rears.

Old-Towd · Post by **Old-Towd** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 5:11 am

Lee great reply, That's where I would start. Good luck Dave on your Tow'd. JAY

Siggymanx33 · Post by **Siggymanx33** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 3:47 pm

Thanks for the response Lee. That gives me a good place to start.

90volts · Post by **90volts** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 4:43 pm

so you going to bring it out for burgers mext thursday for the cruise night at 5 guys then? :driving:

Siggymanx33 · Post by **Siggymanx33** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 4:59 pm

I haven't got it registered yet......and I still have a small punch list of things to do. If it's nice out, I'll head out with the other buggy.

LIGreenManx · Post by **LIGreenManx** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 2:17 am

Hey Dave great to see it on the road good luck nice day tomarrow they say i might talk mine out for a ride

Siggymanx33 · Post by **Siggymanx33** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 3:09 am

Thanks LI.... I had the buggies out for a few hours on Saturday and Sunday. Superbowl weekend, who would have thought? I hope I can break away tomorrow for a bit. 66 degrees is no joke.

LIGreenManx · Post by **LIGreenManx** » Wed Feb 06, 2008 2:17 pm

Dave That is great should be around 60 here today. Hopfully it will clear up by lunch so i can take a long lunch break and go for a ride. I have it stored here at work. You know Tom from Kustoms? He is working on his tow'd a bit for midamerica Ron