Lower struts for Super Beetle

helbus Administrator Mad fabricator, paint and body

7,386 posts · joined Sep 2002 · 22 Dec 2005, 11:32 am

#440355

One of the original struts in our 1971 Super beetle is leaking. It has two nuts on the top holding it.

Is there a lower strut available for them?

Maybe a specific Golf strut?

Only want to lower the front about 2"

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DIY-DUB Custom Title Time!

1,591 posts · joined Apr 2004 · 22 Dec 2005, 11:41 am

#440360

only options i know of are the adjustable ones that v-force makes or what squizy has done and get the cups re-welded 3inches, personallly squizy's cab is dead sexy with the stance its got, ill be goin the same route if i feel a need 2 do something sooner rather than later but since my bugs now a full on project id say ill be skipping that phase.

BiX Veteran Volks Folk

2,499 posts · joined Sep 2002 · 22 Dec 2005, 12:03 pm

#440369

Try the sydney clubs website, there is a good article on this there. Also try a search, this topic has been disscussed numerous times. There are other options to the ones listed above......

I have no sympathy for my car, only the wallet that pays for it!
Go hard or go home!!!!

DIY-DUB Custom Title Time!

1,591 posts · joined Apr 2004 · 22 Dec 2005, 12:08 pm

#440373

i guess if you had the later type strut with the 2 lower mounting bolts you could get new ones from any old suspension shop cos its like a typical strut design, unlike what ive got with the 3bolt ot the spindle then lower B/J

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,789 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 22 Dec 2005, 6:54 pm

#440496

First of all read hear to get your mind around your options

http://www.clubvw.org.au/struts.htm

I thought you bought a 1500??

Anyway..... glad you have seen the light 😏

For starters i dont understand the "It has two nuts on the top holding it." it should have 3

The simplest way to lower a super WITH STOCK wheels is to cut off the cups and lower them

If you "just" lower the cup your strut will be under continual pressure.
Yes there are options of Boge or Sachs running a golf strut.

Seriously - your best option is to call Richard at V Force (or u2u Alex Holzl) and have a virtual beer with him.
He will give you all the goss

Seriously - your best option is to get a set of lowered adjustable struts for under a grand.
This gives you the option of dropping 1 - 5 inches in a early super AND running up to 8" x 18" under stock guards.

I am running 6" x 195's under stock guards with room to spare.

Futue te ipsum!!!

helbus Administrator Mad fabricator, paint and body

7,386 posts · joined Sep 2002 · 22 Dec 2005, 7:08 pm

#440499

Actually you are right, I had committed to memory and it failed me.

It has three nuts at the top and three bolts at the bottom.

I simply cannot afford adjustable struts. I blew all our money on a Berg shifter for the bus. 😀

We are keeping stock wheels, no chance of changing that.

I have had to get a bit of mechanical work done so money is really dried up.

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helbus Administrator Mad fabricator, paint and body

7,386 posts · joined Sep 2002 · 22 Dec 2005, 7:10 pm

#440500

This is the original fuel line I had replaced as the 1971 fuel hose to the engine bay was still there. First thing I had to do to feel safer from fires.

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helbus Administrator Mad fabricator, paint and body

7,386 posts · joined Sep 2002 · 22 Dec 2005, 7:11 pm

#440501

The back brakes were not real good either with both rear wheel cylinders leaking and one shoe having the bonding fall off it.

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helbus Administrator Mad fabricator, paint and body

7,386 posts · joined Sep 2002 · 22 Dec 2005, 7:13 pm

#440504

I will be putting new ball joints, tie rods and bushes in the front to get rid of the 'shimmy'

The leaking RHF strut is a concern also, and I suppose it is best to get that done at the same time. We want to keep it stock, but two inches lower would be nice. Especially since the rear has sagged a little bit.

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helbus Administrator Mad fabricator, paint and body

7,386 posts · joined Sep 2002 · 22 Dec 2005, 7:30 pm

#440509

Does anyone have a pair of struts locally I can buy cheap, so I can lower it using the "cup repositioning" method.

This car is not a power machine, and is staying with stock wheels, so it should be ok. The Helbus, now that is a weapon 🙂

EJ22 into Bay Microbus - Finished project build thread- click on this spot here for info

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,789 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 22 Dec 2005, 9:04 pm

#440548

the good thing is 3 bolters are much more common than 2 bolters

IF it is worth anything i am sure if you contact V Force he would lower a set for you and a set of lowered inserts as well.

The only other thing you might want to consider is heat treated springs (shortened - not cut) and new inserts and leave the cups alone??

Futue te ipsum!!!

BiX Veteran Volks Folk

2,499 posts · joined Sep 2002 · 23 Dec 2005, 9:00 am

#440654

I actually run 2inch lower springs in my super. Try king springs, they arn't in the catalague, but if you ask they can be made specially for you, as they were a standard line in the past. I run them with koni inserts and they are fine. You can also get std height/stiffer, lower/stiffer and std ones. mine cost me 200 about 2 years ago.

options are;

cut std springs
put in lower springs
put in adjustable vforce struts
move lower cup
i think pedders also said they can thread some std struts

if your just going to be driving about on the street, any of the above options should be fine, i run mine in khanacross and dirt sprints and with the stiffer and lower springs and the koni sport inserts i do bottom out every now and then, but thats normally on really big bumps or dips etc that you are hitting at 80km/hr......

I have no sympathy for my car, only the wallet that pays for it!
Go hard or go home!!!!

phil Seriously Crusin Dubber

128 posts · joined Mar 2005 · 23 Dec 2005, 9:28 pm

#440854

i got 2" lower coils for mine and they are fine, they are also king springs/coils and were ~$200 ,12 months ago through Beetle Exchange in Canberra,
i have had no handling problems or bottoming
if i had the money i would go the VForce option.....would love some big wheels
but the shorter, heavier springs are a good option for a street car

beerdoc Insano Dub Head

838 posts · joined Jul 2004 · 24 Dec 2005, 3:13 pm

#440995

Hi peter,

Tried to send these u2u but to big sooooooooo here they are:beer

Cheers Doc

Cheers Doc

reVOLKS at Fyansford Geelong
20th OCT 2007 STAY TUNED FOR DETAILS

helbus Administrator Mad fabricator, paint and body

7,386 posts · joined Sep 2002 · 24 Dec 2005, 5:26 pm

#441026

As the struts are leaking I have to definitley get new strut inserts. I can move spring cups no problems as I have all the equipment to do that.

The question is, Do I have to fit shorter strut inserts? They are available, but has anyone fitted them? I really cant affort the adjustable struts, and as we are only going to run standard rims and tyres, should be right!

EJ22 into Bay Microbus - Finished project build thread- click on this spot here for info

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,789 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 24 Dec 2005, 5:50 pm

#441031

Helbus wrote:The question is, Do I have to fit shorter strut inserts?

the answer is - you should.

Otherwise you will be in constant compression.

Your call - it is a matter of do you want it done properly / to the best available.

If you wanted the cheapest / most acceptable answer i would "just" lower the cups.

As a mechanical person you would understand the differences.

Your call

Futue te ipsum!!!

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,789 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 24 Dec 2005, 5:52 pm

#441032

You are replacing the struts anyway.

Just buy shorter ones and do the cups and use the same springs

Proplem solved.

Stock nserts or stock Golf inserts would be about the same $$$

Futue te ipsum!!!

helbus Administrator Mad fabricator, paint and body

7,386 posts · joined Sep 2002 · 24 Dec 2005, 6:02 pm

#441035

I will do it that way.

original springs on lowered cups and new shorter inserts. That way the ride should be pretty close to what it was and the tart will sit a bit more level.

EJ22 into Bay Microbus - Finished project build thread- click on this spot here for info

beerdoc Insano Dub Head

838 posts · joined Jul 2004 · 24 Dec 2005, 8:25 pm

#441051

Peter, Barry has put you well on the right track as he always does

If cost a real factor try second hand golf inserts
I am sure there would be people on this forum that may have a pair and give them to you hint hint

Cheers all

:beer

Cheers Doc

reVOLKS at Fyansford Geelong
20th OCT 2007 STAY TUNED FOR DETAILS

EgeWorks Wolfsburg Wizard

602 posts · joined Jan 2004 · 24 Dec 2005, 8:49 pm

#441057

Hi Peter, I have some very good condition inserts for your struts (standard length). You can have them for free if you want. Just give me a yell if you want them.