Friday, March 21, 2008

Kombi Aerodynamics


1974 with 1600 motor
1974 with 1800
Many owners don't realise the wheelbase of a Kombi is the same as the Beetle!

Kombi aerodynamics
I posted this on "other site" about 18 months ago.
I know the Kombi has a larger frontal area and initially has more air to push but the basic design with the Kamm effect rear end compensates once it starts moving.
Test were also done with quarter lights in front and rear opened which really upset airflow to air intakes and can create higher running temps on very hot days.

It is often said that Kombis have the aerodynamics of a brick.

The Kombi is more aerodynamic than a Beetle. I posted the research from University /factory research some months ago.


I also have camper and bus and at 85-90 get around 10-12 litres per 100k depending on conditions.
As for arerodynamics please read the following.
The idea for the Type 2 is credited to the Dutch


Volkswagen importer Ben Pon, drew the first sketches of the van in 1947.
Aerodynamics is a branch of fluid dynamics concerned with the study of gas flows. The solution of an aerodynamic problem normally involves calculating for various properties of the flow, such as velocity, pressure, density, and temperature, as a function of space and time. Understanding the flow pattern makes it possible to calculate or approximate the forces and moments acting on bodies in the flow. This mathematical analysis and empirical approximation form the scientific basis for heavier-than-air flight.
The aerodynamics of the first prototypes were not good but heavy optimisation took place at the wind tunnel of the Technical University of Braunschweig

The wind tunnel work paid off, as the Type 2 was aerodynamically superior to the Beetle despite its slab-sided shape. Three years later, under the direction of Volkswagen's new CEO Heinz Nordhoff, the first production model left the factory at Wolfsburg

Interior Refurbishment of Camper





Interiors:

Camping interiors.
Most campers from approved VW conversions can be repaired and updated.
Bench tops, cupboards, robes, fridge cabinets, stove are easily removed.
Nearly all are bolted or screwed together. If you are worried about getting it all back together take digital camera shots as you go and also mark with chalk where panels fit.

If you remove sink, where fitted, you can see where frames are fastened to body or other cabinets.

With seperate fridge cabinets they are usually fastened to floor or to bulk head. Undo fasteners, screws or bolts, slide cabinet forward gently in case electrical or gas pipe is clipped to it and then lift off.

You can see how bench top is fastened once you remove sink and these usually lift easily.
Save the plastic strip that seals bench top to side of vehicle though if damaged it is available in most hardware stores.

If panels of furniture are damaged, usually by separation of fibres through water, and need replacement you can use these as a template to make new ones.
These can be from original type board, pine or newer materials with melamine finishes.

With the cheapness of modern power tools you can buy sanders, jigsaws etc that you could throw away after as they will save you many times their cost over sending work out.

Kombis on Display

Kombi Ownership

VW NOTES AND ANECDOTES

Now you have a Volkswagen , especially a Kombi, you have entered into

ownership of the most favourite “cult” car in the world.

From Company Directors, movie stars & millionaires to hippies and the varied people who inhabit our planet you will find VW owners have one thing in common, they laugh, and are happy, even when their VW upsets them. VW’s are probably a bit like cats, you don’t own them , they own you.

Things to do :

1. Buy John Muir’s book “ How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive- a Manual of Step by Step Procedures for the Compleat Idiot.

There are many other Manuals and Maintenance books but this is the one.

Logical and anyone can understand it. It is also very funny.

2. Learn to check basic procedures- regularly check oil- most people think a VW engine is aircooled-it is- but also oil cooled or kept at correct operating temperature. Water “cooled” engines are not kept cool by the radiator but kept at correct operating level.

If your VW does not have temperature gauge there is an easy way to check before the red idiot light comes on to warn you. If you can hold dipstick in your hand or even if you have to swap it from hand to hand it is not too hot.

3. Learn “the wave”. This is probably the most important part of owning a VW, especially the Bus, Van , Camper, Pickup etc. Just a gentle acknowledgement through windscreen is OK though you often find frantic waving by new owners who have only just found out about “the wave”.

4. Somewhere close to home there will be a VW specialist, maybe young, maybe old, he could be gruff or happy but he will have the knowledge to help you as long as he or maybe even she, knows you look after your VW.

5. If you can’t find one there will be someone who will stop to talk to you and they will know someone. In most countries there are VW Clubs, many online and many with groups with FAQs sections. As an example I had an enquiry from UK and sent e-mail with phone number to contact and within 10 minutes the enquirer had a phone call from a VW owner less than a mile way from his home who solved his minor electrical problem.

6. Most VWs whether with standard carburation or later model after market usually start by turning ignition on- getting the pretty lights –depress accelerator once- take foot off and turn to start.

In colder climates you may need to do it a couple of times but don’t hold your foot down.

Like most good engines VWs need a little time to warm up to correct temperature and you will soon to get to know when this is.

7. You don’t have to check water, so no antifreeze, only oil and tyre pressures are the daily, weekly checks. Being rear engined it is essential that tyre pressures are correct. Porsches, Ferraris and other exotica need same care.

8.There are many after market suppliers of parts and accessories especially in UK and USA. Even body panels and mechanical parts are manufactured by non VW companies plus there is suppliers of original parts in Europe, UK, USA, Australia plus a huge source are the VW suppliers in Brazil and Mexico where production of the Beetle and the Kombi only ceased last year (2003)

9.In most countries there are regular events like the Day of the Volkswagen, Bugfest, Run to the Sun etc plus swap meets, Concourse Shows etc. Some of these are like rock concerts, other catering more for the enthusiast and family.

10. Most VWs have a name. You may change this if you wish providing you use similar procedure to changing the name of a boat.

Select a bottle of wine, brandy, or whatever is your favourite, pour a little over the front bumper and announce the new name. You then drink the rest of bottle with friends who must also contribute a bottle to this auspicious occasion.

For the many who go through a midlife crisis a VW is safer than a Harley,

less expensive than a Porsche or even an E-Type or MG etc, far less problem than a mistress or a gigolo, as your wife/husband can learn to love your VW, and also if looked after should be an appreciating asset.

Warren Matthews

Australia

July 2004 ©

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Kombi Konnection

Autos Blogs - BlogCatalog Blog Directory

THE KOMBI KONNECTION


Welcome to The Kombi Konnection Blog.
We hope you will join our Forum which has many photos of members Kombis, technical information and "how to" with additional links to other Kombi information.
Camping areas throughout Australia and other places as well as information about Kombi events and meets.
The main link to the Forum is http://www.thekombikonnection.com

It only takes a few minutes to register and you can join members from Australia, United Kingdom, New Zealand, USA, Thailand, The Netherlands and other countries to discuss your Kombi or the one you would like to buy.
You can discuss and show your restoration or ask how to go about refurbishing your Kombi.
There is also links to Recommended Repairers and Part Suppliers.