Guys,

Thinking about upgrading my 1969 road car so it can handle a bit of mixed terrain (dirt road/rough surface). Thinking of adding a sump guard of some sort. Also interested to know what size/width of tyres I can fit on stock rims with a stock front beam. Having trouble identifying any “all-terrain” tyres..

Lastly is tow points. I have found a towing bar for the front end, appears to bolt direct to beam and has a towball receptacle attached. Haven’t found a suitable rear towbar as yet though…Any ideas?

Will there be any raising involved?

Sump skid plates usually bolt onto the underside of the rear bull bar frame that wraps around underneith for a buggy/baja. I guess being a stock sedan, if you can get a rear tow bar kit that goes to the rear torsion arms you can plate the underside, from back and extending all the way to the gearbox. Just be sure to cut out some holes for easy oil change.

What rims you are running? AT's (all terrains) for 14 inch rims are getting very scarce, 15 inch is easier.

Google class 11 off-road

beetles have about 260cm ground clearance from the sill off the road any way.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taqV0QM53O4 

Just get a genuine VW Australia Hayman Reese towbar to use as a sump guard.

Get some 1950s rear torsion bars and spring plates for more lift.

Get some BF Goodrich all terrain tyres and suitable wheels.

Thanks for the reply's guys.

I dont really want to lift the car if it can be avoided. The "off-road" will mostly consist of dirt track, not rock hopping!

It seems really hard to get all terrain style tyres in sizes that will fit into the stock guards at stock height without rubbing.

So far I have turned up Nankang FT-7's in 175/80/R15 which is pretty damn close to orginal spec (165/80/r15)...

With the towbar, its isnt shown on the hayment reese website, I will give them a call!

Ah ok...might have to hang out and find a preloved one..

I am northern beaches sydney.

What advantage will the 14" rims give over 15's? Are there more sizes availiable in 14" for all terrain?

I have a VW towbar that mounts to the bumper, goes under the motor and then bolts to the torsion tube housing thats good for protection. Let me know if that interests you and I can send you a pic and price.

If you're only doing dirt roads and not 4wd tracks, then just leave it alone! Stock Beetles are much better off-road than most cars anyway, as long as you watch your speed and don't spin it off the road!

Power would be great to have on dirt roads. Steering with the accelerator so to speak.

How does a Beetle with good power drive on dirt roads compared to say an EH Holden?

The old Holdens have very light rear end easy oversteer on dirt, but easy to steer sideways with countersteering. I learnt to turn left to go right etc. as a youngin' in an EH Holden. Does a Beetle control as easily with the heavy rear, light front.

Look at Bridgestone winter dueller tyres. I don't think you can buy then in aus. Saw them tall and skinny on a trailer and looked like a great off road tyre for a bug. Looked like t was 15" maybe 175 or185

Here are some pictures of my tow bar - it does protect the engine a lot.

Here is the tow bar:






And here it is on the car:










Or for a clearer look at how it mounts:


and this is how you use it off road:


Many years ago, I had a steel skid plate made up that went from the front of the transaxle to the back of the engine, then had the tow bar welded to the back of that, making it all one piece. It worked great, but was as heavy as anything.

Thanks for the responses guys.

Really appreciate it.

I would recommend sticking with 15" rims. Tyres for 14"s are just getting too hard to get.


Smiley

Quote:

Originally posted by Smiley I would recommend sticking with 15" rims. Tyres for 14"s are just getting too hard to get. Smiley

Quote:

Originally posted by AA003 Quote: Originally posted by Smiley I would recommend sticking with 15" rims. Tyres for 14"s are just getting too hard to get. Smiley It is hard to get tyres in 15" that will fit under the guards.

If your after a tow bar and are prepared to manufacture your own then there is a bit of info that may be of help here,

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=83482&page=2 

by plating the bottom of the bar it would give the engine some protection. I should point out that I did 3 months towing a trailer (15,000 km) without once taking the trailer off the car, when I got home I checked the bar with a straight edge and was unable to measure any deflection from when I built it.

Simohagz, I have a towbar for you....shoot me your email address and I can send pics

These are also helpful

185R14C LT tyres work well as rally-pattern tyres after the side tread blocks have been opened up a bit, makes a really good gravel tyre.

the old transaxel straps are great of you want plenty of noise, try one of these