This is on my '60 Ghia. Would removing the fuel tank make the job easier? Do I get better access to the top nuts? The PO welded the top of the beam to the frame head so I need to cut through it with an angle grinder or something. I can't see how I can do that from under the car!
Raf

[Edited on 15-10-2003 by karmannghia60]

it does on a beetle ...no help i know if tank is over the front beam it may be the same as

Seeing it's so easy to remove the tank, why not?
Also if you are using a trolley jack to lower it, you can stand over the top & steady it as it goes down.
Geez, I bought a 62 beetle 30 years ago that had that done to it, supposedly to stop front end shimmy. Take a good hard look at it- there may be be a bent frame head involved.

[Edited on 15-10-2003 by geodon]

Why would they weld it if it was a bent frame? I thought maybe the frame was rusted where the bolts go through but its not the case. I had a good look

Karmann Ghia60
The PO or whoever did it may have just bought a new welder... why else would You do it... Maybe they thought that 6 bolts were not enough to hold the front end into place....
Yes, with the Beetle its MUCH easier with the tank Out... I have just done mine, replaced everything on the front end, ball joints tie rod ends etc... I now have the tank in, and its nearly impossible to do anything... and don't forget the top two bolts on the opposite side of the torsion bars.. You can get New rubber blocks from Mick Motors... cheers.. Lee

If I remember rightly, it had had a head on & been fixed. The mounting bolts were not able to fix the FE on firmly enough to prevent the steering wheel ( & front wheels?) shimmying & car repairers I spoke to at the time said welding the FE on was a way around it. So why was yours welded on in the 1st place? Mounting bolts stripped perhaps??

YES remove the fuel its only 4 bolts and the hose.

this way you can get to the tie rod ends easier as well.