Lowering a 71 beetle

Barnabie · 2010-08-22T11:38:30+00:00

Hi guys, does anyone have any advice on who to take a 71 Beetle 1300 to, to have it lowered (front + rear)?? Don't wan't it to be panscraping low, but definitely low enough to tidy it up. Also, what sort of cost would be reasonable to expect?? I live in NSW (rural) but don't have a problem with taking the car anywhere in NSW or even in Victoria if necessary. Any advice greatly appreciated. Thanks, Kris.

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 · 25 Jul 2011, 12:35 pm

#853606

Wired1 wrote:The cheapest way to lower the front on either a ball joint or link/king pin front is to cut the beam and turn it. If you can weld it will cost you only time

That was the done thing 20 years ago but there's no excuse for the cut and turn these days.

Swayaways are cheap as dirt, require the same amount of work and are atleast adjustable once it's all said and done.

Oh yeah welcome to here 😉

Wired1 Learner Dubber

14 posts · joined Jul 2011 · 25 Jul 2011, 1:09 pm

#853616

Thanks, yes I agree - beam adjusters are cheap and not much harder to fit than a cut and turn but I was offering the cheapest way to do it. If money is no object then I would reccommend dropped spindles with beam adjusters and a 2" narrowed beam to compensate for the dropped spindle push out. I'm building a '63 beetle at the moment that has this setup and it is the best way to go as it gives you a good drop but doesn't bugger up the ride quality.

1974 beetle - 1967 baja project - 1963 beetle project

Dean1974 Slammed & Awesome Dubber

96 posts · joined May 2009 · 4 Sep 2011, 10:43 pm

#860297

zayus wrote:
Paulc1964au wrote:dropspindles were approx $300 and i paid approx $200 for labour.

It is also important to get the tire combination right as well i have 195 x 65 x 15 on the rear and 175 x 65 x 15 on the front.

The front tires are rubbing on full lock but hoping once i put decent shocks on the front it will improve
Paul,

That is the best piece of information I have read, regarding drop spindles and tyre size.

Thanks,
Bryce

Hi Paul with front tyre size did that alter speed limit also did you fit adjusters or did you go for shorter shockers??? The reason i am asking i have dropped 2.5 inches and there is no suspension movement very few mm not sure what to do but i will check my front tyre size and i think they are same as rear size....Thanks Dean

Paulc1964au Custom Title Time!

1,627 posts · joined Mar 2010 · 5 Sep 2011, 8:40 pm

#860427

Still have shocks, in the end though i had the guys at RAW install a 2 inch narrowed beam and no more rubbing. As far as i can tell it didnt alter the speed and the circumference hasnt changed from the original tyres

/url]Streetwise Aircooled Volkswagens
My 69 Bug

donn Wolfsburg Elder

3,515 posts · joined Nov 2005 · 16 Sep 2011, 9:34 am

#862347

So after you change the height of the front do you need to realign the front geometry? I'm thinking of lifting the front of the wench.

I dream of a day when a chicken can cross a road without being asked for it's motive!

5starz Learner Dubber

10 posts · joined Apr 2009 · 13 Mar 2012, 7:38 pm

#891735

Do you have too have a narrowered beam to install drop spindals and adjusters. Or can you just put narrower tyres.
Thanks in advance.

Paulc1964au Custom Title Time!

1,627 posts · joined Mar 2010 · 13 Mar 2012, 9:22 pm

#891766

If I had thinner front tyres I probably wouldnt have needed the 2 inch narrowed beam however there is only so low you can go without narrowing the beam

/url]Streetwise Aircooled Volkswagens
My 69 Bug

5starz Learner Dubber

10 posts · joined Apr 2009 · 14 Mar 2012, 12:55 pm

#891818

Oh ok cool. i got the adjusters but want it just a bit lower so thinking thinner tyres and drop spindals. thanks for the reply.