Super Beetle front strut mods ???? - Cut-Weld-Drive Forums

tgoo426193 · July 21st, 2012, 03:16 PM

I am building a Rod starting with a 1972 Super B and wondered if anyone has done modifictions to the strut system up front

In particular, I want to move the axle centerline forward as seen when they install the straight axle in a "beam" suspension

My plan is simply to relocate the strut towers forward 6 inches or so, and of course make the cuts and welds needed to move the underside components. I will be smoothing out the lumps and bumps on the inner fender wells anyway as it will have no front fenders and it appears a nice curved panel can be built and fastened to the existing tower flanges to cover the strut/spring assembly

Any photos of a project someone has already done would be great as well as any input as to the changes

**Unkl Ian** · July 21st, 2012, 05:29 PM

Nobody has attempted anything like that.
Most agree the Super struts are pretty ugly looking, without fenders. Moving them forward, won't help that situation.

Dbug makes the adapter to install a beam, as the Volksrod Gods intended.

rostigbug · July 21st, 2012, 11:49 PM

[QUOTE Dbug makes the adapter to install a beam, as the Volksrod Gods intended.[/QUOTE]
just statrt with this or you will wind up like your avatar

buy the adaptor,buy the extender and buy a link pin beam

tgoo426193 · July 22nd, 2012, 03:22 AM

Gotcha on the looks, however with the cover over the tower I think it will take on a nicer appearance

Also, since the lower control arms somewhat resemble a straight axle beam I was considering mounting a pair of hairpin radius rods in place that I have hanging on the wall. The OEM sway bar would stay put and do it's job and the hairpins would just go along for the ride

I've seen the posts and ads for the beam adapters, but I like taking a new approach. That's just me, I don't mind taking the first plunge, and I already have everything to rebuild the front end along with lowering struts and a disc brake conversion kit, all new sitting here on he workbench. I have the rest of the parts to do disc brakes all around as well

And BTW, I'll be doing lots of louvers here & there on the body. I have two louver machines if anyone else has the need. All the details are on my website

I must keep focused on my shorty bus project for now but I'll post pix of the abortion (or not) when I get started, so the next guy that asks the same question has an example to consider, "good or bad"...

Here's the link to my VW page if anyone cares to watch the progress
http://www.tlgenterprises.com/vw_stuff.htm

Thx for the input thus far and I'll watch for more

then

rostigbug · July 22nd, 2012, 08:52 AM

avatar

tgoo426193 · July 26th, 2012, 07:03 AM

Over on the projects update, I posted something more on the future of this "extended" strut project. It should be interesting at the least

Let me know yer input. Yeh, I know what I'm about to hear. Go ahead, I've got big shoulders. Here's the thread link

http://volksrods.com/forum/showthrea...541#post546541

.

tgoo426193 · July 26th, 2012, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rostigbug

avatar

avatar times 2 or 3 maybe ??

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kbwakesk8 · July 26th, 2012, 12:11 PM

http://www.shoptalkforums.com/viewto...33135&start=15
A ARM KIT for a super

Bugula · July 26th, 2012, 12:26 PM

Put an extended beam kit in it.

tgoo426193 · July 26th, 2012, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kbwakesk8

http://www.shoptalkforums.com/viewto...33135&start=15
A ARM KIT for a super

Nice suspension, but if I read the cost of that A-arm system right, I don't think I'll have that amount tied up in "all" the parts to do my entire build. This build is just a step above a basic Rat Rod economy project

I see you have a trick rear suspension also. I may get a jag on to build a wild Baja bug and I'll be fileing those web links for future reference

.

tgoo426193 · July 26th, 2012, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bugula

Put an extended beam kit in it.

Thx for the input Bugula, however I already replied to that comment earlier in the thread

Maybe it's not the practicality, but rather the challange???

Remember -

then

and, don't forget my Avatar
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Jon · July 27th, 2012, 12:04 PM

I just looked at your project and I have to say thats fucking cool.
I think you should first and foremost not chop it. Do not remove the SB suspension, put those fenders back on and make a truck bed and use some widened rear beetle fenders. Slam the hell out of it and it will very cool. Give it a big flake paint job with some scallops....

It will be so kool and more unique then just another fenderless volks rod. You can even put skirts on it and make it a sled... The SB front ends look so good really low as they are wide. your roof has this awesome bubble shape, go with it keep everything round and yourll be thrilled with the outcome.'

Just dont put a FG hood with a grill on it as those are gay and silly looking.

sandfreaks · July 27th, 2012, 01:45 PM

I agree except chop it!
Its to damn bubbly.
JMO

tgoo426193 · July 27th, 2012, 02:40 PM

Thx for all the input. I'll be watching close

I must get a hood yet and those first couple years Supers were bastard parts. I think I found one though. I have a louver machine and figured i'd use it on this project

Here's a link to my louver page

http://www.tlgenterprises.com/50s_hot_rod_louvers.htm