What springplates fit what model beetles?

1,769 posts · joined Oct 2004 · 14 Feb 2009, 12:44 pm

#695178

Guys, am I correct in saying that its the torsion bar length that determines what type of springplate that is required for a particular model beetle?

Am I also right in saying the following?

On the early beetles (pre 60 I think) the torsion bar protruded past the torsion bar bush retaining plate, then there was a change & the torsion bars ended level with the springplates, then when the beetles went IRS the bars where once again 2 versions made a short & a long?????

Early long torsion bar version (swing axle)

Short torsion bar version (swing axle)

Short IRS torsion bar

Long IRS torsion bar

Axle length does not dtermine springplate/torsion bar type. Different axle lengths were made possible by longer casting on the ends of the axle tubes, the spring plates themselves stayed in the same relative positons.

Any help would be appreciated, dont want to sell the incorrect part to a potential buyer.

Hope other members dont mind me using their photos.

Cheers
Brendan

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Special Air Service Chief "Gunna"

1,769 posts · joined Oct 2004 · 14 Feb 2009, 7:59 pm

#695262

Added photos & some extrainfo that I think is right.

Cheers
Brendan

Calling all NSW Mid North Coast Veedubbers

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dangerous 23 Windows of Awesome

5,901 posts · joined Jan 2005 · 15 Feb 2009, 5:33 am

#695297

Hi Brendan,
there is basically three different lengths,
The late IRS is the longest.

Yes Pre 1960 was intermediate length at 627mm,
then the short ones at 552mm,
and then the long IRS one of which I cant recall the length, but it is atleast 650 from memory.

The swingaxle type three is technically different at 626mm, but will fit using the pre 1960 spring plates.
(although the early spring plates axle bolt holes are no slotted).

Thanks for gouping the pictures. The Airsoles picture shows a short tortion using IRS spring plates.
In that pic, they use an adjustable aftermarket spring plate,
but to use short tortions in IRS applications, a custom springplate would be needed anyway.

westi wrote:That's mad Alan.

Special Air Service Chief "Gunna"

1,769 posts · joined Oct 2004 · 15 Feb 2009, 7:21 am

#695303

Thanks Dave, that should have me sorted.

Cheers
Brendan

Calling all NSW Mid North Coast Veedubbers

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