Custom made volkswagon powered 8x8 with sea doo pump

[chris davison]

I wonder if there is a difference between the bug and the bus auto trans. I know there is in the 4 speeds the bus was always a beefier trans. I think Leighos has a good idea with his subaru automatic 92 hp and a shaft for the rear axles that he will power his prop with.

[Noel Woods]

Chris I think your machine maneuvers very well, surprisingly well for a big machine in fact. It was an impressive showing.

I've seen a few bugs equipped with the semi-auto transmission, and a van as well. I don't doubt the theory of the automatic being heavier as this is generally he case compared to a manual. Of course everything is a trade off.

[chris davison]

Thanks for your interest Noel I have heard about these auto trans when they first came out yes I am that old. I have never seen one but I have heard about them really heavy and leaky the two things I dont want and I have never even heard about someone using one in an off road machine. If I just fix my shifter and make the engine a dual port 1835 I'd be happy. I went up to a place called white rock its an off road area just to run around some trails. I was kind of dissappointed all the trails were narrow for a dirt bike or quad. Walley wasn't happy going over whoop-te-doos and neither was my rearend. I did go thru some mud about 6 ' deep really sloppy and watery my front end was all over the place as first the left then the right side got traction. What did you think of my turning abilities after viewing the video? No one can seriously question the turning abilities of a rearend with just spider gears and brakes.

[Noel Woods]

[QUOTE=chris davison;170249]as you can see I wish I had an automatic trans. and about 40 more hp.

Chris: VW had a semi-automatic transmission that is a direct replacement for the manual transmission. Basically you shifted the thing manually but there was no clutch. I know there were many of these transmissions produced, and out there in salvage yards. Just watching your machine, I think you have plenty of power, and that thing looks great.
Noel

[chris davison]

I dont know exactly where they came from but it was most likely a steam ship. How or why they settled in Georgia is a mystery to me.

[rodp]

My grand mothers family came over from england some time around 1903 her father was a Baptist pastor. Not quite sure where they lived, her maiden name was Baker.

Quite a common name is that, what area did they come from? I wonder how long the trip took them in those days, some of those big sailing ships weren't very quick.

[philipatmaxfour]

Chris, Thanks for the video. Your aatv is truly amazing. Please find a way to treat us to more video.

[chris davison]

My grand mothers family came over from england some time around 1903 her father was a Baptist pastor. Not quite sure where they lived, her maiden name was Baker.

[rodp]

Smethwick is predominately Asian now, mostly Indian I think so not really a problem with any trouble. You would struggle to spot a white face there now a days I don't know how long since you last came over here but you may be surprised now at the ethnicity of some towns.
I have some Indian mates (some English born) who get really uptight about recent immigrants here, always makes me smile

[Leighos]

Ha, small world, I'm in Brierley Hill (Dudley borough) about 15 / 20 minutes from Smethwick. How long since you left, would you recognise it now?

It sure is, I remember Dudley well. My family emigrated to NZ when I was very young, have been back to see relatives quite a few times over the years.

[rodp]

I'm in New Zealand, originally from your corner of the world - started my life in Smethwick :-)

Ha, small world, I'm in Brierley Hill (Dudley borough) about 15 / 20 minutes from Smethwick. How long since you left, would you recognise it now?

[Leighos]

Hey Leighos, where you based, not the States obviously?

I'm in New Zealand, originally from your corner of the world - started my life in Smethwick :-)

[rodp]

Hey Leighos, where you based, not the States obviously?

[Leighos]

Chris,

That's fantastic to see Walley doing his thing, so impressed on how well it turns too.
Funny that you should mention the automatic trans, I'm thinking now about using one for my build also, they are plentiful here with all the jap imports.

Thanks for those calcs, I'm used to US measurements as I work with aircraft every day

[chris davison]

as you can see I wish I had an automatic trans. and about 40 more hp.

Lets see 105 fpt at 3600 rpm x first gear = 362.67 x ring and pinion = 1490.9363 x jack shaft ratio of 2 to 1=2981.8726 fpt at the axles thats real good you can run 30 inch tires what will you weight 2300 lbs do you need these in metric equivalants?