The goal of this little project is to create a type-1 dual-carb linkage based on the GBE design, but addressing the following issues:

The stock supports for the cross-rod are not of good quality and actually cut into the crossbar over time. After this happens, the cross-rod is free to move vertically and consistent adjustment becomes impossible. Also, the GBE linkage is not easily rebuildable. The three arms are welded to the solid cross-rod and can only be disassembled by grinding out the weld.

My approach to the supports is to substitute real heim joints. The hiem joints I found have a 3/8" hole. This turned out to be slightly smaller than the cross-rod, requiring a bit of grinding in order to get the joint onto the rod. Of course the grinding and subsequent rewelding destroyed the plated finish.

The above approach was serviceable, but I did not replace the center support so the cross-rod continued to move vertically in the center under driving conditions.

My next idea is to replace the solid rod with hollow tube that I have fashioned from 3/8" steel brake line. This is very much lighter than the solid rod. This was also slightly larger than the heim joint ID. It was, however, close enough that I was able to sand the tube along its entire length to make it possible to slide the joints into position.

What I now need is two replacement arms to fit the ends of the tube and one for the center. I would really prefer not to weld them on and something lighter (like aluminum) would also help reduce wear. If the new arms can be 1/2" wide where they fit over the tube, I could go with a grub-screw, or possibly a press-fit with plumbers solder. Either would allow easy disassembly later.

Figured out how to construct the arms. Steel sleeves will fit over the tube. The arms can be welded to the sleeves and some sort of pin can be run through both tubes. Here is my first attempt:

Clearly a cleaner hole is needed. A drill-press would help. I guess this one will be a prototype. ;-)

The middle arm is located by a roll-pin.

The down-rods have been tweaked once to many times. New ones built from 1/4" steel rod and a 1/4" 28 pitch die (to match the hiem joints I already had).

Please Visit V.W. Performance