TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sun Sep 25, 2005 6:43 pm

I find that my splits ride is a lot more bouncy than my 58 Ghia. I am sure some of this is from the tires but are the spring rates higher on the front and rear. If so, could I switch to an oval era torsion leaves and/or rear torsion bar for a smoother ride.

-Craig

Sun Sep 25, 2005 7:01 pm

Are you running the same type shocks on both cars?

Sun Sep 25, 2005 7:18 pm

I believe they are both bosch. The Ghia when it hits a bump the suspension seems to soak it in. The split when it hits a bump the whole car jumps up. This lead me to think it was higher spring rates in the front and/or rear. It doesn't seem to keep on moving which would indicate bad shocks.
The ghia has 165 15" tires and I have used both stock 16" radials and conti low profile 175/55 15" and 205/65 15" on the Split. I suppose I should try the Ghia's wheels to get an apples to apples comparision. I seem to recall that VW was trying different spring rates on the early 50's splits.

-Craig[/u]

Sun Sep 25, 2005 8:22 pm

What year is your split?

Sun Sep 25, 2005 8:24 pm

My split was built in July 1950 and has the telescoping shock conversion on the back not the lever shocks it originally had.

-Craig

Sun Sep 25, 2005 8:32 pm

I think you're right. The early ones, -50, did have differing rates.

Mon Sep 26, 2005 6:48 am

They're bouncy Craig... that's a split.. My '57 is like your Ghia, totally different behavior over bumps at speed. That is why they redesigned the suspension for the zwitter!

Not sure if you can replace the spring... ought not to, that is what a split is supposed do </lecture>

Just cinch down you seat belt and keep the roof open so you don't hit your head........... :lol:

BTW: lets plan that drive for Combus day weekend, Gary wants to take his new car out...

Mon Sep 26, 2005 8:57 am

Bosch doesn't make shocks. Karmann Ghias are heavier than a split and have different weight distribution I bet.

Mon Sep 26, 2005 11:47 am

The splits also have stiffer torsionbars.

Mon Sep 26, 2005 12:45 pm

If one were to swap out springs from a spare 58 front end and torsion bars from a similiar era car it would presumably right more like an oval right? I know thats heresy to some, but if I could improve the ride that easily it seems like a no brainer for someone not concerned with historical accuracy. Plus I would save the parts for later resale anyway.

-Craig
ps. I should have said Boge shock that was the oem supplier right?

Mon Sep 26, 2005 12:50 pm

Coolair, keep us informed on this. I might want to do the same. I have one split that is totally original. The other split will have GB 2 liter, disc brakes front only, etc. It will basically look stock, though. So I will want it to ride nice, though.

Mon Sep 26, 2005 1:12 pm

Yeah Boge would be a OE supplier. I know alot of guys run front beams from later cars. I will but mine will be narrowed so It wouldn't be a good comparison.

Mon Sep 26, 2005 9:02 pm

I have the info on all the different rear torsionbars, but will post it later. All I can say for now is that splits torsionbars are much stiffer than later. :wink:

Mon Sep 26, 2005 9:05 pm

Great! This will be interesting. Are they interchangeable?

Tue Sep 27, 2005 12:33 pm

As promised, here are all the types of reartorsionbars used: (sorry in metric, I was too lazy to convert...) :wink:

25x553mm splits up to end of September -52(Chassinumber 1-397022)
24x627mm Zwitters 10/52 and ovals 8/59 (Chassinumbers 1-397023 -
2528667)
These are the same ones on left and right.

22x553mm From 9/59 to 8/66 (Chassinumbers 2528668 - 117000001)
21x553mm From 9/66 and on (Chassinumber 117000001 ->)
23x???mm "Stiffer version" probably longer version, from -70
on (Chassienumber 1102141186 ->)
These are different on left and right.
Finally :
22x676mm IRS

Hope this helps. :D

The splines are the same on them all. You just need to use the correct springplates for the different lenghts on the springs.

Tue Sep 27, 2005 2:42 pm

Very good info. Thanks!

Wed Oct 05, 2005 4:20 pm

I actually did swap out the front torsion bars for a set of later oval torsion bars. They are quite a bit softer and let the car sag off of the rubber stop by at least 1.5". This normally would not have been a problem but with my car having 2" drop spindles and 175/55-15" on the front it caused an interference problem between tires and fender. If I didn't have the drop spindles I would have cleared the fenders but it pushes out the front wheel out just enough so the tire is even with the front fender. With the Split torsion leaves the suspension arms touch the rubber stopper and lift the car up another 2" at least. This gives me enough clearance so my tires don't rub. With the oval torsion leaves the tires I dropped it off the jack stands only to find the tires touching the fenderst. I was quite heart broken after hours of time swaping the torsion leaves. So I spent the next few hours swaping back.

My Ghia with the same oval era torsion leaves rides like a cadillac compared to the split. Its quite amazing what a little softness does for the comfort level. The suspension will soak up the bump without transmitting it to your ass.

I will have to go with a 2" narrowed beam to be able to use oval torsion leaves. Of course this will stiffen the suspension some also but at least my tires will clear the fenders.

-Craig