replacing struts with a beam?

Hey everyone, im thinking about building a baja bug. I have a tatty 71 super bug that im thinking about fitting a front beam to and getting rid of the struts. I know it would be easier just to pick up a standard bug to convert but this already has irs and its just sitting round. I was thinking about just cutting off the old frame head and welding on one to sute a beam? Can this be done? Im a boiler maker so cutting stuff up and welding back together isnt a problem. Its just an idea at this stage, i havent done any serious planing yet.
Alex.

If you are a boilermaker rather than a P-plater, you will know how to a) measure, b) measure, c) cut and d) weld. Go for it. But keep in mind the Supers have a longer wheelbase to 'normal' Bugs

Buy a Superbug Baja kit!
-Staggers.

Hi

Also read this http://www.clubvw.org.au/pioneering.htm

Steve

I would get advice from an engineer before I retro-fitted a beam to a strut front end. You will be modifying the chassis, which is the usual trigger to get the 2004 Australian Design Rules operational. You might find that you are suddenly building an Individually Constructed Vehicle rather than building a Modified Production Vehicle. The differences between building an ICV and an MPV are manifold, complicated and expensive.

Hi

Frame head replacment is a dealer/factory recommeded procedure, so I dont think there will be any problem with engineering.

From the frame head back the chassis are identical, so what VWCool mentoined about longer wheelbase does not apply, the extra wheelbase is in the chassis head.

Steve

Tis a wise option for a baja,

get rid of those f-n struts!!!

If frame head replacement is a factory/dealer option then it must be done EXACTLY as they say or it may not be acceptable. The tiniest little difference can be enough for it to be rejected. Use caution and get an engineer's written opinion before doing it.

1303Steve wrote:Hi

Frame head replacment is a dealer/factory recommeded procedure, so I dont think there will be any problem with engineering.

From the frame head back the chassis are identical, so what VWCool mentoined about longer wheelbase does not apply, the extra wheelbase is in the chassis head.

Steve

Yep. What I meant was there will be a disparity between the new wheel location and the old location within the Super bodyshell

bajachris88 wrote:Tis a wise option for a baja,

get rid of those f-n struts!!!

Chris, you've been a baja expert for about 3 months now, so just settle down.

hang on a minute crazzyfiggi...

almost every car in the world is macpherson strut these days, including a number of very capable 4wds and WRC winning cars. in fact, the only factory aircooled cars that made any impact as rally cars were macpherson strut. I was stunned earlier this year at what my mates strut front jackeroo was capable of offroad. the other thing is, real offroad work mostly has to do more with the rear than the front when it comes to VWs (in my experience), afterall that's where the traction comes from. The only extra thing you really want in the front is clearance. So a pair of raised struts might be the go. you could adapt some struts from a FWD which would instantly give you bigger brakes and heavier springs (not to mention being much cheaper and easier than a new framehead). I'm not personally aware how stiff the shell is, but that can be worked on by way of bracing and barwork, as well as trimming it for more clearance and approach angle.

I know some people are gonna rain cow poo on me and say strut beetles suck and all that, but i honestly think it's worth thinking outside the square. you could be the first in a whole new school. 😉

Thanks for the replys everyone, some interesting ideas. I found this super converted to beam front end. http://www.shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=103219&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0 Im now thinking it might be easier to buy a standard bug and convert it to irs using all the stuff from the super. I would have rather used the super for a baja as its not really a bad car, almost a pitty to just pinch the irs and toss the rest. I will have a good look over the car this weekend and decide what im gona do.
Alex.

One problem with a Super as a Baja is the fact that as soon as you chop the nose off, you're hacking into the bodyshell's integrity. It's a 'stressed member' in Supers, but not in 'normal' Bugs

Like I said, buy a Superbug Baja Kit!
Perhaps you could brace the front end and use a heavy duty strut brace to help the rigidity of it?
-Staggers.

http://www.paruzzi.nl/webwinkel/?zoeknummer=137&dealer=
-Staggers.