Slamming a '64 Bug

Allbones Officially Full-On Dubber

395 posts · joined Jul 2012 · 8 Feb 2013, 3:37 pm

#942782

So I'm about to start the task of lowering my 64 bug. I have no experience with bugs but I think I have an idea of what I have to do.

Removing the plates is no issue for me, thats just bolts, levering etc (and watch for the spring plate release, haha).

The thing I'm trying to get my head around at the moment is the spines.

At this point in time the car is stock height, havent taken exact measurements yet but at a guess it looks around 20cm clearence.

I'd like the car around 8-10 cm clear when done, so going by a spline table I found on Airkewld, I need to rotate the outter splines by anticlockwise 2 clicks (or inner for 2 clicks clockwise for and extra 1cm)

Is it that simple? and at this height will I need to notch my spring plates?

Thank you!
Johnny

BiX Veteran Volks Folk

2,499 posts · joined Sep 2002 · 8 Feb 2013, 3:40 pm

#942784

Remember that I think min ground clearance is 100mm in most states.

there is a table, inside and outside have divfferent rations. so you can use a combination of inside and outside splies to move the arm exactly.

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

Allbones Officially Full-On Dubber

395 posts · joined Jul 2012 · 8 Feb 2013, 3:47 pm

#942786

BiX wrote:Remember that I think min ground clearance is 100mm in most states.

there is a table, inside and outside have divfferent rations. so you can use a combination of inside and outside splies to move the arm exactly.

Yeh QLD is 100mm, fully laden, so realistically I shoule be aiming for 13cm or so unloaded.

I am aware of this but I want a low car for the time being, I may raise it later down the track but for the meantime that is the height I want to achieve.

I'm also unsure if that law applies as the bug is pre ADR and some cars come out lower than 100mm from factory (which is legal) so who are Queensland Transport to say it wasnt that low from factory 😂

Allbones Officially Full-On Dubber

395 posts · joined Jul 2012 · 8 Feb 2013, 3:48 pm

#942787

Also, this is the table I am using: http://airkewld.com/wp-content/gallery/lowering-the-rear-end/splines.jpg

Allbones Officially Full-On Dubber

395 posts · joined Jul 2012 · 8 Feb 2013, 10:07 pm

#942829

So will the spring plates need to be notched at this height?

SunshineKarmann Casual Dubber

34 posts · joined Dec 2008 · 8 Feb 2013, 11:15 pm

#942833

Yep. Best to remove those bump stops too.

psimitar Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,506 posts · joined Jan 2009 · 9 Feb 2013, 6:54 pm

#942929

here's another lowering table for spline amounts

Lowering chart

100mm is minimum height but also you are not allowed to lower or raise more than a 1/3 the distance from bumpstop to chassis.

madness is in the eye of the beholder 👍

Allbones Officially Full-On Dubber

395 posts · joined Jul 2012 · 10 Feb 2013, 1:44 am

#942978

Awesome, Thanks very much guys, will be tackling it in the morning 😀

AndrewB Seriously Crusin Dubber

141 posts · joined Jun 2011 · 11 Feb 2013, 12:58 pm

#943161

You need notched and extended spring plates if you want to go real low, or your rear end will keep you very busy trying to keep the thing straight, and it will go through tires and bearings. lol.

What beam and tyres are you going to run?

dont think about the splines too much, you will get very confused, just measure.

Allbones Officially Full-On Dubber

395 posts · joined Jul 2012 · 11 Feb 2013, 2:03 pm

#943168

How much extension is required? Is it dire that this happens?

We ended up notching 1" out of the plates at the deepest point.

From the measurements I took it's dropped approx 6.5cm, and I havent driven it to get it all to settle and bed in, so i'm expecting a few more centremeters.

AndrewB Seriously Crusin Dubber

141 posts · joined Jun 2011 · 12 Feb 2013, 9:01 pm

#943433

yes. sight down the side, you will see the rear tires toe in, with unextended plates.
you should go search on the samba, all the lowering info you need is on there.

Allbones Officially Full-On Dubber

395 posts · joined Jul 2012 · 13 Feb 2013, 9:22 am

#943495

I've been searching Samba and from what I can gather, 2 clicks will equate to needing a 1/2" extension. Does this sound correct?

AndrewB Seriously Crusin Dubber

141 posts · joined Jun 2011 · 15 Feb 2013, 12:47 pm

#943788

yea that sounds right,
what tyre combo and front beam are you going with?

Allbones Officially Full-On Dubber

395 posts · joined Jul 2012 · 18 Feb 2013, 10:46 am

#944278

Running 16580r15 rear and 13580r15 front.
4" narrowed beam on the front (with shocks), 2.5" drop spindles and one set of caster shims under the bottom tube.