the swallow tail project has begun.......

**Valver.** · 18-12-2011, 05:24 PM

That's one serious rear beam setup

!! A handy tip: make sure you reinforce the mounting area, otherwise the mounts will eventually tear off the chassis, given almost all the energy is being transferred to them instead of being dispersed evenly across the beam in flex. You can weld around the seams as well as around the base of the studs where they come through the chassis. Even better is to replace them altogether with bigger diameter, grade 12 versions and then drill out the bushing carriers. It's probably too late to do this now, though, as you won't want to cut into that nice rear deck (which looks luurrrvely, by the way!!) to access the factory studs.

I have to say, I can't stop looking at those gussets on the cross bar, though. The polishing is pretty good elsewhere, so this area really stands out. Have you tried getting a Mothers Powerball on there? These are perfect for getting into the finer grooves

Your build is awesome, though. We're really taking it to the Euros down here now

**Jarred** · 18-12-2011, 06:59 PM

crazy rediculous. so good.

**alex g** · 18-12-2011, 07:02 PM

I have seamed all the joins , in hindsight it would have been a good idea to rebuild the stud and mount area , nothing that would be hard to do in the future if problems arise. Theres also a rear steel H beam welded in across the chasis rails to pick up the fuel cell and so on.
Polishing is one of those love hate things, its 90% done but most areas still need a finish off by hand.

It sure is an exciting time for the mk1 golfs down under.