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Is a 2 inch narrowed front end legal in WA?

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Newt Wolfsburg Wizard

478 posts · joined Mar 2008 ·

#890685
Hi Guys,

I was thinking about narrowing a ball joint front end and then running 6 inch Hot Wire.

But am wonder if the track will change / will be legal.

Or do I just need to go back to Licensing and ask for permission in advance.

Any thoughts?

Ta

Newt
It is as it is - If you didnt enjoy today, you've missed the opportunity.

cnfabo Custom Title Time!

1,353 posts · joined Apr 2008 ·

#890737
not legal..dont think adjusters are or even dropped spindles for that matter....

they would not be able to tell though thats the trick....

vlad01 Compulsive Aussie Vee Dubber

4,270 posts · joined Jun 2010 ·

#890753
Newt wrote:Hi Guys,

I was thinking about narrowing a ball joint front end and then running 6 inch Hot Wire.

But am wonder if the track will change / will be legal.

Or do I just need to go back to Licensing and ask for permission in advance.

Any thoughts?



Ta

Newt

I think track change of more than 10mm is not legal unless an engineer approves of it

71 notchback,
Past owner of, 70 NB, 73 SB and 72 FB TLE

vwo60 Veteran Volks Folk

2,036 posts · joined Feb 2007 ·

#890784
In Queensland you can have a increase of track of 25MM, any reduction of track is not allowed, if you narrow the beam to fit wheels with the incorrect offset you are stll effectivly still over track as it is the wheels relationship to the suspension that is the issue, not the track. fit a set of wheels that maintain the factory geometry and have a car that handles well.

68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#890804
Newt wrote:Hi Guys,

I was thinking about narrowing a ball joint front end and then running 6 inch Hot Wire.

But am wonder if the track will change / will be legal.

Or do I just need to go back to Licensing and ask for permission in advance.

Any thoughts?

Ta

Newt

Hi newt,
You are narrowing the front track of the car by 2 inches which will be illegal and make Your car handle like its 6 inches narrower...
a beetle front end is wider than the rear end... so its best to keep it like that...

so, its NOT a great idea..

unless You are going to carry it on a trailer or truck..

2 inches wider... YES... IMHO..

Lee

if You narrow the rear end by 2 inches it may be OK.
- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---

empi Compulsive Aussie Vee Dubber

4,131 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#890813
Ah dont take yr car to a Vw specialist for the RWC go to a generic vehicle tester, 99.9% wouldnt know that the beam has been narrowed and 2in is barely noticable (unless u r a supe Vw nutter and you can tell)
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vwo60 Veteran Volks Folk

2,036 posts · joined Feb 2007 ·

#890864
Some people might want to keep it legal, kill some one and you end up with culpable driving charge when they investigate your vehicle, then the insurance company does not pay out if you even have bothered to insure it.

kombibob AKA: Volkswagen Type 2 Transporter Van Robert

1,698 posts · joined May 2004 ·

#890865
Are adjusters legal?
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Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,789 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#890873
I believe it is down to how they are installed

Cut and butt weld is a non compliance
Futue te ipsum!!!

Newt Wolfsburg Wizard

478 posts · joined Mar 2008 ·

#891198
Interestingly, looking at some old hot wires that I have.

They have 10 cm inside from the wheel flange to the inner rim (same as standard rims). The out side measurement is 8 cm (standard IS 3 CM).

So the rim is 2 inches wider (on the outside) which moves the centre of the rim 1 inch out (which in theory would offset a beam 2 inches narrower (1 inch each side).

Unless my math has failed me.

I dont know if the majority of 6 inch VW rims run the same geometry.

Newt
It is as it is - If you didnt enjoy today, you've missed the opportunity.

matberry Moderator Go hard or go home

8,114 posts · joined Mar 2006 ·

#891210
^^^ what your doing here Newt is your only looking at one rule. You might meet the track measurement change but the modified beam, torsions, tie rods etc also should be disclosed and proven engineeringly safe. I'm not recommending one way or the other, that is up to you, but are the Hotwires really worth narrowing the front end for? 15" + diameter is more important in my mind to keep the gear ratio's closer to stock with proper tyre choice. This is a priority for performance AND longevety. Don't get me wrong, I like the narrowed look, but as with anything, it must be done properly for it to work well. Yesterday I drove a vehicle that I would call unsafe. An extremely narrowed beam (4') without any swaybay in an empty lightweight panel with inward offset front wheels........I'd call it dangerous and without improvements by at least fitting a sway bar, shouldn't be on the road endangering the driver and others.
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