swingaxle -> irs?

i've only just started thinking about this possibility in the last 15 minutes, and i don't really know too much in this area, so bare with me.

as some of you know, i have a '68 that i'm slowly getting ready for the road. i also have a busted up '70 fastback sitting in my parents' backyard doing basically bugger all except rusting and rusting and rusting away.

if i were considering the possibility of a conversion from swingaxle to irs in the beetle, how useful would the fastback's innards be to me?

or am i in the wrong paddock here?

either way, can anyone give me a basic rundown on exactly what is involved in such a job? or a link to a website that can give me some more info?

thanks!!

Get a Beetle rear end i think the Type 3 is slightly wider... but keep and use the rear brakes.

thought it might be.

already got the brakes in the beetle 🙂

thanks! 🙂

i am very interested in the response to this question, as after a day out off roading in the buggy (although it went a treat a few times in ruts and over mounds i bottomed out) yesterday. i think the buggy has gotta go up a bit. so i think out goes swing and in needs to come irs. would this be correct?

thanks

If anyone wants an IRS pan / bits and pieces u2u me

I have a 74L bug that is goint to Sims in a month or 2

Has a IRS rear end that is fine

sent you u2u. dont trash it recycle it....😀 i will do my bit.

i think the wider track of a type 3 would be more suitable in a buggy!!! and also they have stronger torsion bars!!!
cheers
rhys

you can use all the parts from a type 3 on your beetle after you convert it to IRS. the type 3 wagon only has the bigger brakes which result in a slighty wider track. im using these in my 1500 with no problems.

I used all the Type 3 stuff when I did my conversion-in fact I'm glad I had a complete rear end, because I had to cut out the pivot brackets,as after getting 2 sets of the custom fabricated ones, their quality was bad enough to make them unusable. Don't attempt to start the job unless you have access to all the equipment needed-angle grinders,oxy,mig welder etc. and the services of a good welder.You will need to hire the jigs from Vintage V Dub to enable the brackets to end up in the correct position for proper rear wheel alignment. Of course it is a lot easier with the body off.I did mine like this and think it would almost impossible with it still on.If you are not confident with your ability,give the job to the experts.Some before and after shots

before

B4 shot

After

kombi_kid wrote:i think the wider track of a type 3 would be more suitable in a buggy!!! and also they have stronger torsion bars!!!
cheers
rhys

The T3 is the same track width. A T3 subframe is an ideal 'kit' of all the components u need for an IRS conversion on a beetle. You can cut the inner pivots from the T3 frame and weld then to the beetle chassis and bolt everything else in. However, you will need a jig to get them in teh right place - as mentioned, Vintage VWsupplies can rent. You will also need to 'massage' the chassis forks as IRS ones are a different shape to give CV joint clearance at the side of the gearbox.

Nice job nbturbo,very slick :thumb

yeah looks a good job and thanks 4 the info. bit beyond my tool kit at the moment.🙁 will have to sort something out.