'69 Karmann Javelin

The wheel spacers will make the steering feel very different. I know from experience with the Hornet X running a similar wheel set up using Mustang Bullet wheels. Takes getting used to. Also watch out for clearance issues on the front turning radius of the rims and tires. Suggestion only: add a little "lock tight" to the wheel studs to keep the "Spacer"mounting lugs from backing off. With all the pressure from the wheel "center" moved out away from the Hub can have a tendency to walk the lugs loose. I solved this issue with "lock tight" on the threads of the lugs. ***CAUTION*** lock tight makes it really had to get the lugs back off though. 

Hi Manuel, I've been watching your thread since the beginning and I've got to say your car looks like it's going to come out looking really nice.
I purchased a 69 AMX brand new when I was your age, and I still have it.
There are just a few comments I'd like to make about your project.
The very first modification I made to my AMX was to install some chrome Crager S/S mag wheels, but to do so I had to install a spacer so the spokes in the wheel would clear the brake calipers. I think they were only 3/8" thick (certainly no more than 1/2"). After driving on them for about 5000 miles, the brake pads wound up wearing out totally uneven. I had to remove the spacers, install new brake pads and have the rotors turned. Fortunately I came across a set of 15x7" Chrome Magnum 500's (off a Boss 302 Mustang) that worked out perfectly.
My point is, I would be very cautious about installing spacers that are too thick. I've heard horror stories of ruined ball joints if wheels are spaced out too far. Of course you have trunions, but what kills ball joints, would probably play havoc with a trunion.
I noticed you have a fondness for spoilers, I too installed a Mark D. rear spoiler on my AMX as soon as they became available. Just a small detail, but the roof spoiler and the Mark D. spoiler were not designed to work together. Both accomplish the same function (to prevent high speed lift). I don't think using both would ever cause you any aerodynamic problems while on the Autobahn, I just think one spoiler negates the need for the other one. But if you like the way it looks, then that's all that really matters.
Good Luck with your plans. I love the 70's style side stripe.

Edited by 0069X - Apr/23/2012 at 3:05pm

Interesting that they bothered to convert the speedos to KM/H?  In Australia AMI (Australian Motor Industries) assembled CKD kits for Javelins into right-hand-drive .. but didn't bother with things like converting the wipers to sweep in the other direction, putting the auto sector markings on the "other" side, etc, etc.  The KM/H must have been a real compliance issue?

Really loving the car Manuel. Good luck and thanks for educating me on the karmann javelin. I had no idea such an animal ever existed. Very cool!

You need to wait until you get it together before you start lowering. You're going to add a little weight all around, though not much. Has it been raised? I don't know how long the stock shackles should be, but someone here will know. Measure from center of bolt to center of bolt though.  It's easy to lower the rear with spacers between the spring and axle. The front will be a little harder. I still think it's wise to get everything together before you determine how much to lower it though.