I've been reading a lot of this stuff .....

Post by **syncropaddy** » 24 Apr 2006, 09:09

Hi Simon

So you agree with me on using sunscreen .....

Spacers alter the steering offset geometry and add stress the wheel bearings. During the mid to late seventies there were enough cases of wheel spacers causing problems that some insurance companies would not take you on if they were fitted to your car. Anyway if you purchase wheels with the correct dimensions you dont need them. Do you?

Yes I have driven a lowered van and no I saw no real difference and it had the products fitted from some of those companies mentioned. WHy? Because the lad who fitted them didnt know the first thing about suspension geometry modifications as many people dont.

Broaden your horizons, don't have such a blinkered outlook on things, like they say, ignorance breeds hatred.

Well Simon, I have a very innotive outlook on things, particularly motoring things and in the late 60's at the tender age of 16 did my first engine transplant. Those days you didnt pop down the shops and buy 'kits', you used your brains and your engineering skills to make/adapt what you could and yes I remember banded steelies and the problems surrounding them generally caused by the people who made them not understanding the effect over wide wheels would have/poor tyre technology/bad manufacture. They were so wrong and yet they WERE made and so were the spacers that people used to get the damn things to fit!!! Anyone with a lathe and a drill can manufacture spacers and that doesn't make it right or fit for purpose does, it?
I have also in the past built a successful range of Formula VW cars, Sporting Trials Cars and Autotest cars and a couple of competitive rally cars as well so I think Im reasonably qualified.

Please dont get me wrong Simon, I am all for modifying / customizing but for Gods sake think it out first and do it carefully and fully. I am very aware that your knowledge on T25s is way up there with the best and the research you have done on them is execellent and Im sure that you will agree that if you need advice stay away from bar stool mechanics ...........

Use sunscreen

Clash460

It might be cheaper with the power steering and you wont end up looking like an American with all the meat and pills !!

Post by **clash460** » 24 Apr 2006, 15:37

good on ya buddy
a fair point, does that mean I have to give up the guiness as well seeing as we are into stereotypes

as CJ said earlier a good thread!!!!!!

Post by **syncropaddy** » 24 Apr 2006, 19:22

Never give up the Guinness .... its a gift from Mother Nature

Post by **clash460** » 24 Apr 2006, 19:29

cant argue with mother nature

Post by **Macflai** » 25 Apr 2006, 09:18

syncropaddy wrote:Never give up the Guinness .... its a gift from Mother Nature

a bitter gift from MN

Tasted it some weeks ago at Johnnie's Fox in Glencullen... for me it was okay more or less to be the first time but for my gfriend. woooof, her face was like poem from

>

Post by **Russel** » 25 Apr 2006, 18:56

Definetly a gift from mother nature.
Been reading all above and all good points.I find the most conserning mod that people do without a second thought( as long as i can bolt it up)is fitting tyres from cars and dont check load ratings.And even more conserning is fitting car alloys that they dont now the load rating or cant find it, then think to them selves "a these come of a heavy car so they must be ok on my van".In recent times insurance companys are more and more asking if spacers are fitted due to increased risc assesment.
i think ile stop at that before i go of on one

Each to their own but be considerate(safe)to otheres.And of coure inform ure incurance company of any mods.

Post by **syncropaddy** » 26 Apr 2006, 19:49

Thank you Russel .......

Victor, on the Guinness thing, we will have to give you some training !!

Of course everyone is welcome to join .... Im buying !!

Post by **Macflai** » 26 Apr 2006, 22:47

syncropaddy wrote:Victor, on the Guinness thing, we will have to give you some training !!

Ok then, Andrew!! when you see a delivery truck full of big Guinness metallic cans, stop it and buy a can, it will be nice for the weekend!!

Post by **Russel** » 27 Apr 2006, 06:07

Looks like another trip to Ireland is in order.Will have to be next year as to busy preping for a sahara trip at present

.Only drink Gunnies here or Windhoek back in SA.
Last Ireland trip was full of gunnies

Post by **Macflai** » 27 Apr 2006, 10:36

Russel at Syncro-Nutz wrote:Looks like another trip to Ireland is in order.Will have to be next year as to busy preping for a sahara trip at present .Only drink Gunnies here or Windhoek back in SA.
Last Ireland trip was full of gunnies

Bitter guys!!

Post by **Horza** » 27 Apr 2006, 10:48

This thread is getting a bit Heavy for me.

Post by **clash460** » 27 Apr 2006, 14:58

stout chaps I expect

Post by **Diamond Hell** » 27 Apr 2006, 15:14

'Use sunscreen'

I agree.

I don't agree with power steering, especially not offroad - I'm all for steering feel.

I think most Syncros in the UK are running standard suspension, with a couple of noteable exceptions. What VW designed with the Syncro was ideal for a compromise on/off road commercial vehicle. That it was used on the Paris-Dakar and various Australian safari rallies confirms it's efficacy as an off road vehicle, by original design. The experience of Syncro owners on here confirms it's efficacy for on road use on a daily basis.

Curiously, if I wanted to drive a sporty car I'd buy a hot hatch or a coupe. I wouldn't buy a van with poor weight distribution, high unsprung weight and the aerodynamics of a barn door.

<insert silk purse/sow's ear analog here>

However this is a personal choice.

Post by **Macflai** » 27 Apr 2006, 15:23

Macflai wrote:
Russel at Syncro-Nutz wrote:Looks like another trip to Ireland is in order.Will have to be next year as to busy preping for a sahara trip at present .Only drink Gunnies here or Windhoek back in SA.
Last Ireland trip was full of gunnies

Bitter guys!!

Sometimes I don't know how to say things, remember I am not from UK or so, I do my best. I mean "bitter guys" (don't know if that means another weird thing) that really I don't understand how their tongue feels nice drinkin the gift of Mother Nature...

Post by **Horza** » 27 Apr 2006, 15:31

Sorry Victor, we thought we were joining in the joke. Bitter is a type of beer, as is Heavy (in Scotland anyway) and Stout would be what Guiness is.