Beetle - Lowing and Tyres I need some practical advice

nick_and Learner Dubber

13 posts · joined Feb 2009 · 13 Jul 2010, 10:40 am

#790307

Hi Guys,

Nick here. Long time observer, not too often poster 🙂

Anyways. I've got a 67 Beetle.

I'm planning on lowering next month and need some help with the front end. I know there are lots and lots of posts about this but I'm still getting confused. I'm not planning on slamming the car, just 2.5" drop or so.

So, at the moment I have totally standard set up. Tyres are 165 R15 86S

1. If I get just 2.5" drop spindles, do you think I'll get rubbing on the guards? Will there be a noticable wheel offet with spindles in place?

2. If I get 2.5" drop spindles with a 2" narrow front beam, is there a chance that I might get rubbing on the inside then?

3. If I get a whole system, drop spindles, narrow beam with adjusters. Can I use the adjusters with the drop spindles in place to raise the suspention up to close to stock if I ever need to?

I'm after a lowered look with minimal impact on suspension feel.

Thanks guys in advance for your help.

Cheers Nick

Paulc1964au Custom Title Time!

1,627 posts · joined Mar 2010 · 13 Jul 2010, 11:04 am

#790308

Good topic i am about to do the same thing. At this stage i am getting 175 x 60's x 15 inch on the front and 195 x 65 x 15 inch on the rear. The problem is finding a tyre brand that covers the range of size i need. I would have preferred the fronts to be 165 as well but cant find a bran tyre that does a 165 x 60 and a 195 x 65

I am going to install drop spindles only and see how it goes. I am hoping I will not need to narrow the beam at this stage.

Interested to see how it goes.

/url]Streetwise Aircooled Volkswagens
My 69 Bug

nick_and Learner Dubber

13 posts · joined Feb 2009 · 13 Jul 2010, 1:04 pm

#790327

hehe......I have been reading your post regarding tyres.

I'll be in the same boat trying to work that out next. I'm keeping the wheels stock so I thought I'd lower first then work out what tyres to choose.

I'm no tyre pro. I know I can get Michelin XZX tyres in 165 15R but they are $300+ each so I'll have to change to something that's more budget fitting, probably be the same P175/60R15 or similar

71-BEETLE-SEDAN AKA Josh

1,058 posts · joined Mar 2009 · 13 Jul 2010, 1:10 pm

#790328

I have a michelin xzx for $100 for sale now. And it is a 165 15R. Check out the for sale section.

Paulc1964au Custom Title Time!

1,627 posts · joined Mar 2010 · 13 Jul 2010, 1:15 pm

#790329

Nick,

The advice I have received so far is too get the wheels and tyres first.

The tyres I am going to buy are the FALKEN ZE912 which should be around the $140 mark (still need to get a quote)

here is a link to the falken site

ZE912

Should have my wheels sometime this month

/url]Streetwise Aircooled Volkswagens
My 69 Bug