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Slamming a '64 Bug
Allbones - February 8th, 2013 at 03:37 PM

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 - February 8th, 2013 at 03:40 PM

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.

Allbones - February 8th, 2013 at 03:47 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BiX
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 :lol:

Allbones - February 8th, 2013 at 03:48 PM

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

Allbones - February 8th, 2013 at 10:07 PM

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

SunshineKarmann - February 8th, 2013 at 11:15 PM

Yep. Best to remove those bump stops too.

psimitar - February 9th, 2013 at 06:54 PM

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.

Allbones - February 10th, 2013 at 01:44 AM

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

AndrewB - February 11th, 2013 at 12:58 PM

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 - February 11th, 2013 at 02:03 PM

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 - February 12th, 2013 at 09:01 PM

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 - February 13th, 2013 at 09:22 AM

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 - February 15th, 2013 at 12:47 PM

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

Allbones - February 18th, 2013 at 10:46 AM

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.