new on the site - - original gas tanks and loose front suspension

new to the site and fairly new purchase of 550 Spyder Does anyone on here know if an original size and style gas tank is available or the specs for making one?

Also it appears that the left front control arm or something is loose, you can rock the wheel back and forth while holding the sides, similar to a loose bearing...any thoughts??

John,

If your wheel bearings are properly adjusted and in good shape, and the brake backing plate is properly torqued to the steering knuckle, and the problem is on one side only, then I'd be thinking tie rod end or ball joint.

If you don't already have one, get a good copy of a VW Beetle shop manual (I suggest www.BentleyPublishers.com) and look at the exploded view of the front suspension. That will show you the most likely points of failure and give you the proper sequence for troubleshooting/disassembly/reassembly.

Good luck.

TMc

Thanks very much Terry. I will pick up a copy of the book! Happy Holidays!

John-

When you get it figured out, post the results. I'd like to know how close (Or far off) my guess was.

TMc

The bentley book is great!

I couldn't have built my car without it..

Mike

Will do terry, thanks for your input mike.

Happy New Year!

John, there is a guy who built a couple of tanks for a Vintage owner, I think. Check out Spyderclub.com. BTW, the original filler is a lot closer to the top edge of the hood, toward the windshield. And the tank is close to 20 gallons, as this was a good endurance racer in its time.