Can shimmy be fixed?

kvbug (karen) · September 04, 2011, 06:31:53 PM

Generally, if a bug has a shimmy ( 40-45mph) can it be fixed? Was told it's not the tires.

lovebus (jack) · September 04, 2011, 06:38:47 PM

Depending on the year most of the time its an easy fix for early models and a SB may take more money but nothing to get upset about.

Most of the time a shimmy that happens at a certain speed is balancing, but not on a SB.

kvbug (karen) · September 04, 2011, 06:47:52 PM

It's this car. It's a 71, and I don't know if it's a Super ...how do I tell? Had the vents below the front bumper. Spare tire could lay in the trunk ( wasn't one in there).

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p5197.c0.m619&item=180718741352&viewitem=&category=6019

Bob(Herbie) · September 04, 2011, 08:10:17 PM

It's a Super Beetle if the spare tire lays down in the trunk!

lovebus (jack) · September 04, 2011, 09:21:21 PM

Spare is under the mat. Looks nice, go check it out.

Main thing to look for in a SB is make sure the Frame head is not rusted out. and the front strut mounts.

A shimmy could also be the front struts on a SB.

kvbug (karen) · September 04, 2011, 09:48:30 PM

OOPS ..didnt lift the mat down at that end of the trunk, just up toward the top. Strut mounts.. hmmm, didn't check them. censor++.gif Battery tray had been replaced but looked to be a good job. I didn't crawl under the car to look at the floor pans or heater channels. I'll have George do that for me! lol Small oil leak, seems to be near the pan area. Engine started right up without smoking, ran strong while idling. Even I ~ the stick-shift challenged one~ was able to drive it (yes, even put it in reverse a few times **^bana0). Forgot what it's like to be without power steering though.. whew.... lol

Paint isn't nearly as nice as it is in pics or in the "very clean" description, so another buyer is going to be pretty upset if they don't look at it first... some chips , scratches, etc.. Some can be buffed, but some can't. Presume that the pic was taken when they got it 4 years ago, since there's a temp tag on the back. IMHO it would need paint. Some pitting around the window chromes, but windows line up right. Bumpers seemed good. One door doesn't lock, and the trunk opener in the glove box may have had an issue but we got trunk open. Wipers worked but washer not hooked up, lights all worked. Buzzer worked with key in ignition.

So if George gives me the ok, and it doesn't have any major serious mechanical or body issues , then I think I'm gonna go for it. I'll have him assess the shimmy too. I don't need to shake, rattle, and roll my way down the road.. #@rofl3

Baha (Shawn) · September 04, 2011, 09:51:37 PM

Didnt we just see another car from Cream Ridge NJ? Coincidence?

My Questions.

Why does it have a PA temporary transit tag on it?

Did he just buy it? Why is he selling it if he just bought it?

Baha (Shawn) · September 04, 2011, 09:54:04 PM

Doh replied at the same time you did... Asked and answered

Go for it!!!!!! Yay! Good luck!!!! Dubs on the Boards is Next Saturday...You could Win Stock vert!!!!! **^bana0 **^bana0

kvbug (karen) · September 04, 2011, 09:54:57 PM

Front seats and steering wheel not stock... Would have to do that.

Baha (Shawn) · September 04, 2011, 09:58:27 PM

Quote from: kvbug on September 04, 2011, 09:54:57 PM
Front seats and steering wheel not stock... Would have to do that.

It's a peoples choice...The "people" wouldn't know that #@rofl3

Baha (Shawn) · September 04, 2011, 10:00:20 PM

BTW I have both the stock seats and steering wheel if you want to go stock...I'll swap ya

kvbug (karen) · September 04, 2011, 10:07:10 PM

hmm... peoples choice, good point! Paint really "needs" though, and I don't know if I'd have it buffed or insured in time. IF I get it. ( Im trying not to put the cart before the horse.. *she says as she's shopping for parts online* but I'm getting excited.)

Ohhhhh you have stock stuff??? 2@@cool I would do that. It's not that the steering wheel and the seats aren't nice, they are, but I just want the stock stuff. Guess I'm weird that way.. }dunn--

Just did some research..steering wheel that's in car was an option. Hmm... may end up keeping, again IF I get the car.. lol

lovebus (jack) · September 04, 2011, 10:15:38 PM

most common thing with the hood opener is it pulls away from the glove box, may need a new glove box and re rivet the opener to the new box.

shimmy can always be fixed if its not the two main things I mentioned above.

When is Geo. looking at it?

kvbug (karen) · September 04, 2011, 10:21:17 PM

Wednesday. I have a class Tuesday nights ,and George already had an appointment set up for Tuesday because of the long weekend.

And if the shimmy is from one (or both) of the two things you mentioned? No fixing?

50split(paul) · September 04, 2011, 11:16:42 PM

could be steering damper?
i'd go for the 68 in pa.