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Torsion bars to Struts question?
DubbyFan - June 28th, 2011 at 02:29 PM

Hope some kind sole out there maybe able to answer my question. When did Beetles in Australia change from torsion
bar front ends to strut front ends, as in what year model?

Thank you.


Craig S - June 28th, 2011 at 02:40 PM

I think you'll find both were available simultaneously. This is one that confuses a lot of people because they were called different things in different countries, and also because some updated parts were used on both types.

There were two different model beetles that had struts, one that had a flattish windscreen and dash, and the later one with a very curved windscreen and dash.

The model names/designations are (roughly) as follows:

Europe / Australia / USA
1302 / S Bug / Superbeetle
1303 / L Bug / Superbeetle

In Australia, I believe that we started getting the S Bug in 1971, with a change to the L Bug sometime in 1973 (several people will jump in to correct my dates). The last strut beetles sold here were in 1975 (although stock might not have all been sold by then).

At the same time, a traditional beam front suspension Beetle continued to be sold, and sales of these continued until 1976.

Therefore if anyone is talking about a Beetle from the 1970s, it's always best to clarify what sort they are talking about. Whilst there are numerous ways of telling the difference, probably the easiest relates to whether the spare tyre lies flat in the luggage compartment, or sits in a more upright fashion.

Hope that helps.

Craig


Aussie Dubbin - June 28th, 2011 at 03:44 PM

Are you looking to buy or just curious. Look at spring around the front shocks that is the strut type front end


DubbyFan - June 29th, 2011 at 06:05 AM

Thought I put this here yesterday, must have pushed the wrong button, age aye!

Hope one of you kind and knowledgeable people maybe
able to answer my question.

Which year was the last that torsion bar front ends were
made on Australian made Beetles, as in when did the torsion bar models stop and the strut versions start?

Thank you.


Craig S - June 29th, 2011 at 07:53 AM

You did, but in a different section:

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91297 


Special Air Service - June 29th, 2011 at 10:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Aussie Dubbin
Are you looking to buy or just curious.


I think he's buy-curious :lol::lol::lol: