Hello Guy and others,
Yes, I have been grappling with the problem of the half shafts for some period of time. You could of course buy a complete setup from Toni Berni in Italy, if originality is absolutely necessary, but the cost is pretty daunting. In addition the outer cardan is 90mm in diameter and does not fit inside the Fiat 600 trailing arm. I did my car using Fiat 128 cardans on the outer end and made my own side plates with VW type 1 joints for the inner side. Works great, but a lot of work.
So I have designed a new system. It incorporates the following items:
2 gearbox side flange kits with a bearing and seal (no rubber boots required)
2 gearbox stubaxles set up to use standard "square stones". Use yours as Fiat made two different sizes.
2 Tripode housings with tripode and rubber boot 70mm diameter. - these bolt directly to the side flange kit and are replaceable.
2 axles splined both ends
2 tripode housings with tripode and rubber boot 70mm diameter - wheel hub end - fits inside Fiat 600 trailing arms without modifications
2 stub axles
2 bearing carriers
2 wheel bearings
2 wheel hubs (you could use Fiat 128 wheel hubs if you wanted.
There you have it, a complete system with all parts individually replaceable.
I have the prototype done and with the manufacturer at this point. I am just waiting to get the first shipment in. I have not been able to set a price as this time.
Note: One of the classic reasons for breaking the cross-pin out of the inside end of the axle is on overly lowered cars the axle shaft can catch on one of the stone slots. POW end of axle. Hopefully this kit will do away with this problem altogether.
Regards,
Paul Vanderheijden