Narrowing front axle beams

[Beetlemankurt 588]

Hi all, I know when it comes to track width, most people want to make things wider....but I'm different :).....

My KW W924 project actually needs the front axle to be about 2mm narrower each side so that the wheels just tuck inside the front guards/fenders....

Now, I'm thinking that I might have to carefully cut 4mm out of the centre of the beam, and either:

a). Try to tack/weld he beam together and keep all straight or

b). After making the cut, make an alloy side plate for both sides to slot in nicely between the I beam shape, attach each side with JB Weld and if needed, add a couple of nuts/bolts for a mechanical bond also.

The only other option I can think of is changing the location of the holes that the kingpin slots into but I really don't think there is enough room without adversely affecting steering lock. 

Thoughts/ideas from the brains trust please :).

cheers

Kurt

[Willy iine 17797]

Does your chassis offer roll center adjustment (at the pivot point of the arms to chassis)?  Some chassis (like my Xpress) do which allow for roll center to be closer to the center, farther from the center, higher/lower than center position.   It is EXTREMELY useful for stubborn bodies like the 1000 TCR to tuck in the front wheels.

Otherwise I would adjust based on wheel offset by using thinner axle hex hubs (I have from 3mm to 5mm range + offset spacers) and trimming the plastic where necessary on the back of the wheel to allow for clearance.   GL with your project!  

[Beetlemankurt 588]

@Willy iine thanks mate. Unfortunately there is zero adjustment on the beam/axles in the standard kit, and this particular axle is also un powered so no hex drives either......so that seems to be limiting options available that don't involve power tools .....I appreciate the suggestions though mate....will keep mulling the options over in the meantime.

Have a great weekend. 

Cheers

[Tamiyastef 1607]

Can you get a picture of the axle that needs shortening? Is there clearance for wheels with less offset as that is the easiest option IMO. 

[Beetlemankurt 588]

15 hours ago, Tamiyastef said:

Can you get a picture of the axle that needs shortening? Is there clearance for wheels with less offset as that is the easiest option IMO. 

Thanks mate, it's just the standard kit axle beam as pictured. 

I've had a good look at the aftermarket wheels and there only seems to be this one option regarding dayton spider rims...so no offset adjustability there unfortunately. 

I think I may cut 4mm out of the centre of the beam, drill a hole lengthwise in each half, tap a thread and use some threaded rod to screw it back together again. Then I'll support it with an alloy "shaped brace" on the rear glued on with JB Weld. Should be almost invisible when painted. (Fingers crossed). Should also be plenty strong given its fastened to the leaf springs with u clamps. 

Thanks heaps for the suggestions mate, always appreciate others thoughts.

Will post how it turns out!

Kurt