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 crazyfiggi
A.k.a.: Alex
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| posted on October 23rd, 2006 at 08:20 PM |
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replacing struts with a beam?
Hey everyone, im thinking about building a baja bug. I have a tatty 71 super bug that im thinking about fitting a front beam to and getting rid of
the struts. I know it would be easier just to pick up a standard bug to convert but this already has irs and its just sitting round. I was thinking
about just cutting off the old frame head and welding on one to sute a beam? Can this be done? Im a boiler maker so cutting stuff up and welding back
together isnt a problem. Its just an idea at this stage, i havent done any serious planing yet.
Alex.
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VWCOOL
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| posted on October 23rd, 2006 at 10:23 PM |
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If you are a boilermaker rather than a P-plater, you will know how to a) measure, b) measure, c) cut and d) weld. Go for it. But keep in mind the
Supers have a longer wheelbase to 'normal' Bugs
Pay your debts, CxxT
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Volkswagenboy
A.k.a.: Brenton Barry
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| posted on October 23rd, 2006 at 10:25 PM |
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Buy a Superbug Baja kit!
-Staggers.
STAGGERS AUTOMOTIVE - Heavy Vehicle Diesel Specialist
JB CUSTOMS & CLASSICS - Car Builders
2/53 Tradelink Drive, Browns Plains |
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1303Steve
A.k.a.: Steve Carter
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| posted on October 23rd, 2006 at 11:18 PM |
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Hi
Also read this http://www.clubvw.org.au/pioneering.htm
Steve
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shaihulud
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| posted on October 24th, 2006 at 04:40 AM |
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I would get advice from an engineer before I retro-fitted a beam to a strut front end. You will be modifying the chassis, which is the usual trigger
to get the 2004 Australian Design Rules operational. You might find that you are suddenly building an Individually Constructed Vehicle rather than
building a Modified Production Vehicle. The differences between building an ICV and an MPV are manifold, complicated and expensive.
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1303Steve
A.k.a.: Steve Carter
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| posted on October 24th, 2006 at 09:39 AM |
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Hi
Frame head replacment is a dealer/factory recommeded procedure, so I dont think there will be any problem with engineering.
From the frame head back the chassis are identical, so what VWCool mentoined about longer wheelbase does not apply, the extra wheelbase is in the
chassis head.
Steve
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bajachris88
A.k.a.: Chris Leete
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| posted on October 24th, 2006 at 11:49 AM |
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Tis a wise option for a baja,
get rid of those f-n struts!!!
(ô_!_/ô) (ô_!_/ô)
69' baja: kombi box, thing spindles, irs, disc front, type 3 rear drums, 2 inch lift kit, 31x10 rears. 
New engine in process: 94mm p&bs, 74mm C/w chomol Crank, 35.5x39 SP heads, turbo. Wierd combo, hopeful torque monsta! |
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shaihulud
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| posted on October 24th, 2006 at 01:15 PM |
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If frame head replacement is a factory/dealer option then it must be done EXACTLY as they say or it may not be acceptable. The tiniest little
difference can be enough for it to be rejected. Use caution and get an engineer's written opinion before doing it.
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VWCOOL
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| posted on October 24th, 2006 at 03:08 PM |
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| Quote: | Originally
posted by 1303Steve
Hi
Frame head replacment is a dealer/factory recommeded procedure, so I dont think there will be any problem with engineering.
From the frame head back the chassis are identical, so what VWCool mentoined about longer wheelbase does not apply, the extra wheelbase is in the
chassis head.
Steve
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Yep. What I meant was there will be a disparity between the new wheel location and the old location within the Super bodyshell
Pay your debts, CxxT
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pete wood
A.k.a.: figure itout
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| posted on October 24th, 2006 at 08:39 PM |
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| Quote: | Originally
posted by bajachris88
Tis a wise option for a baja,
get rid of those f-n struts!!!
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Chris, you've been a baja expert for about 3 months now, so just settle down.
hang on a minute crazzyfiggi...
almost every car in the world is macpherson strut these days, including a number of very capable 4wds and WRC winning cars. in fact, the only factory
aircooled cars that made any impact as rally cars were macpherson strut. I was stunned earlier this year at what my mates strut front jackeroo was
capable of offroad. the other thing is, real offroad work mostly has to do more with the rear than the front when it comes to VWs (in my experience),
afterall that's where the traction comes from. The only extra thing you really want in the front is clearance. So a pair of raised struts might be
the go. you could adapt some struts from a FWD which would instantly give you bigger brakes and heavier springs (not to mention being much cheaper and
easier than a new framehead). I'm not personally aware how stiff the shell is, but that can be worked on by way of bracing and barwork, as well as
trimming it for more clearance and approach angle.
I know some people are gonna rain cow poo on me and say strut beetles suck and all that, but i honestly think it's worth thinking outside the square.
you could be the first in a whole new school. 
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crazyfiggi
A.k.a.: Alex
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| posted on October 24th, 2006 at 08:59 PM |
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Thanks for the replys everyone, some interesting ideas. I found this super converted to beam front end. http://www.shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=103219&postdays=0&postorder=asc... Im now thinking it might be easier to buy a
standard bug and convert it to irs using all the stuff from the super. I would have rather used the super for a baja as its not really a bad car,
almost a pitty to just pinch the irs and toss the rest. I will have a good look over the car this weekend and decide what im gona do.
Alex.
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VWCOOL
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| posted on October 24th, 2006 at 11:11 PM |
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One problem with a Super as a Baja is the fact that as soon as you chop the nose off, you're hacking into the bodyshell's integrity. It's a
'stressed member' in Supers, but not in 'normal' Bugs
Pay your debts, CxxT
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Volkswagenboy
A.k.a.: Brenton Barry
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| posted on October 24th, 2006 at 11:36 PM |
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Like I said, buy a Superbug Baja Kit!
Perhaps you could brace the front end and use a heavy duty strut brace to help the rigidity of it?
-Staggers.
STAGGERS AUTOMOTIVE - Heavy Vehicle Diesel Specialist
JB CUSTOMS & CLASSICS - Car Builders
2/53 Tradelink Drive, Browns Plains |
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Volkswagenboy
A.k.a.: Brenton Barry
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| posted on October 24th, 2006 at 11:47 PM |
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http://www.paruzzi.nl/webwinkel/?zoeknummer=137&dealer=
-Staggers.
STAGGERS AUTOMOTIVE - Heavy Vehicle Diesel Specialist
JB CUSTOMS & CLASSICS - Car Builders
2/53 Tradelink Drive, Browns Plains |
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