Steering Column Year/Size and Steering Box

Does the '68 column have the key on the column or in the dash?

I wanted the key in the dash so I chose a column early enough for that.

I don't think you will have to shorten any VW column. I actually devised a way to lengthen mine to get the steering wheel farther from the dash.

It has been recommended that you not use a column with a collapsable section because, at their age, they tend to fail.

Believe all but maybe the very (pre '55) and the later universal knuckled Super Beetle steering columns were same length and don't have to be shortened at all.  I have 2 '71 VW bugs and they use the collapsible column.  While good in a front crash so you don't get skewered - the cage tends to crack and split (not good since you can't easily see it). 

@Michael McKelvey posted:

Does the '68 column have the key on the column or in the dash?

I wanted the key in the dash so I chose a column early enough for that.

I don't think you will have to shorten any VW column. I actually devised a way to lengthen mine to get the steering wheel farther from the dash.

It has been recommended that you not use a column with a collapsable section because, at their age, they tend to fail.

I'm not sure if the '68 has the key on the column. Regardless, I plan to do a push button ignition on the dash.

On my 1969 the key is on the column and I am pretty sure 68 as well.  67 was on the dash.

But there wasn't a button on dash on either the VW or the 356 --- just the key on dash.

You should get the TRW steering box. There are places where it might be cheaper.

@WOLFGANG posted:

But there wasn't a button on dash on either the VW or the 356 --- just the key on dash.

I'm pretty sure he knows that. He's adding one because he wants to.

Here is an interesting thread that someone here posted on the subject of steering boxes.

http://cal-look.no/lounge/inde...p/topic,19621.0.html

@Carlos G posted:

Here is an interesting thread that someone here posted on the subject of steering boxes.

http://cal-look.no/lounge/inde...p/topic,19621.0.html

That would be me

And glad to see you have it marked for future reference...

@DannyP posted:

I'm pretty sure he knows that. He's adding one because he wants to.

Correct... I put one of these push button start switches (see link below) on another car I restored and it works surprisingly well so far for $26 so I'm going to put it on my speedster too. It gives the car a more modern feel.

BANVIE Car RFID Push to Start Ignition kit Engine Start Stop Button Switch Keyless Go System with Leather Key https://a.co/d/inAo83V

What about these power steering units? Are they a waste of money?

https://www.mooreparts.com/ada...rick-x3-utv-2017-18/

@Ace posted:

What about these power steering units? Are they a waste of money?

https://www.mooreparts.com/ada...rick-x3-utv-2017-18/

I can’t speak for Speedster owners but the steering is so light in my Spyder if I had power steering I wouldn’t be able to feel it at all. I pretty much steer it with my fingertips now.

@Ace posted:

What about these power steering units? Are they a waste of money?

https://www.mooreparts.com/ada...rick-x3-utv-2017-18/

The steering isn't heavy or hard to handle in a Beetle or Speedster, even when lowered and with some extra caster dialed in- why would you want to complicate it unnecessarily?  I can't see power steering in such a light car actually being a benefit.  I get it in a high speed offroad desert race car with much taller tires, but not in a street car.

Ok, that's makes sense. Thanks!

@Ace You do you, by all means.

But these cars are often best when they are simple.

Trust me, I know as I painfully added a bunch of conveniences. I have a gasoline heater/defrost, plenty of power outlets(USB), cell-phone holder, heated seats, and bluetooth receiver and amp/speakers. To hide all of that so it works well was not easy.

The accessories are nice to have, but not really necessary.

Danny it is the same with sound systems they work at low speed when wind noise is not an issue.

Mine works at cruise speeds too under light throttle. I have Polk 6.5" patio speakers under the dash pointing at my ears. You do lose the bass though. No space for a sub in a Spyder. It would add too much weight anyway.

Since the cockpit is smaller than a Speedy or roadster, IMHO the wind buffeting is reduced.

.

The problem with putting a good sound system in these cars is that you can't hear the engine over all the noise coming out of the speakers.

.

Meh. Under WOT you can only hear the engine.

And if hooning(NO, NOT ME!) the tunes are decidedly not playing. The only sound playing is the engine.