king and link to balljoint or strut?

71superbug The Itch Itcher

1,184 posts · joined May 2004 · 23 Mar 2005, 11:34 pm

#324680

hi i was wondering if it is possible to convert a beetle with a king and link front end to either balljoint or mcpherson strut.

and if so how much work/money would be required?

Anthony

68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 23 Mar 2005, 11:54 pm

#324687

Hi Anthony,
It IS possible to convert a link king pin torsion bar front end to the later Ball Joint torsion bar front end....

I think its nearly a straight swap over.......
depending on the model of the chassis its going on....
there are just 6 bolts holding them to the front of the chassis
plus the shock absorbers [different mounts] axles, hubs & tie rod ends and steering etc....

Tie rod ends may need changing....

Ball joint front suspension arrived in German made Beetles in 1966 model year... [actual date 6th August 1965]
Not sure about Australian made Beetles...
Maybe 1968.... was the first year We had them... that would mean 4 bolt wheels...

Changing Link king Pin front end to McPherson Strut would be a Major untaking and You have to rebuild the front of the car, as the McPherson struts bolt to the Body.....
Not the chassis, as in standard Beetles.... so If You take the chassis off a Super beetle, You cannot drive the chassis around.... You can in a standard Beetle...

Maybe someone has done this changeover....

Lee

http://community.webshops.com/user/vw68autobug

[Edited on 23-3-2005 by 68AutoBug]

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Che Castro ankle straps

1,945 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 24 Mar 2005, 9:30 am

#324788

switching from K&L to balljoint usually requires cutting off and grafting in a later frame head. The distance between the two tubes in the beam where the bolts go through is more on a BJ beam. The shocks and spindles are different, the steering box is the same and I think the tie rods are the same.

If this is in regard to the standard '74 you want to buy, then it is definitely a balljoint beam already with a swing axle rear end.

Like lee said, switching to a macpherson strut would require you fabricating shock towers into the '74 body, which would be pretty pointless as you might as well just get a superbug.

Jon

VWCOOL 23 Windows of Awesome

5,158 posts · joined Jun 2003 · 24 Mar 2005, 9:43 am

#324792

FORGET IT

Buy what you want or need (a later-model beetle or a SuperBeetle) because custom fabrication is an expensive waste of time when the factory has already done it for you

Pay your debts, CxxT

71superbug The Itch Itcher

1,184 posts · joined May 2004 · 24 Mar 2005, 9:07 pm

#325115

sure thing. 🙂

Anthony

lliszabailey Learner Dubber

9 posts · joined Jan 2011 · 10 Jan 2011, 3:47 pm

#820894

How about a strut like a shock and strut boot in your car? i think
It will not cost you you much by having those parts

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 · 10 Jan 2011, 4:00 pm

#820898

Maybe check the dates before you post,

Threads from 6 years ago are dead and buried well and truely
That guy hasnt been around for years