TheSamba.com :: View topic

Fri Dec 27, 2002 5:20 pm

Anyone ever ttried modifying there Dog Legs when lowering a Bus? The part just inside the Arch, where most folks have the rubbing problem. Why not remove it and weld a Angle Iron piece across there for strenght?

Any ideas if it would work and not weaken the Bus?

Tue Jan 14, 2003 2:05 am

I AM FINISHING MODIFYING MY DOGLEGS IN MY CREWCAB, AND I DIDNT REQUIRE A PIECE OF ANGLE IRON. I FABBED A RISER PLATE THAT RELOCATED THE THE WHEEL WELL CIELING 2" AND THEN CUT THE BOTTOMS OF MY DOORS AND MADE THEM MATCH UP. IT LOOKS VERY CLEAN , BUT ISNT SOMTHING I WOULD RECCOMEND FOR A NOVICE TO ATTEMPT. IT TOOKS ALOT OF HOURS AND I HAVE MANY YEARS OF METAL FAB EXPERIENCE, SO DEPENDING ON YOUR SKILL YOU MIGHT WANT TO FARM THE JOB OUT TO A SHOP THAT DOES TIN WORK.
LATER, ODIN
ODCUSTOMS@AOL.COM

Tue Jan 14, 2003 4:18 am

try changing tire size first. like 155s someone did this to a bus i own. i was pissed when i discovered it. tires still rubbed.

Tue Jan 14, 2003 8:00 am

clarification. "someone did this to a bus i own" (modified the wheel arches)

155s will probably eliminate the problem

Tue Jan 14, 2003 6:11 pm

Your best bet is to stick with 14" wheels and go with some tires like 185/55/14 or maybe 60-65 aspect ratio if you can get them in without rubbing. Most people like the look of 15 or even 16" wheels on lowered buses but you have to butcher them to do this. Give yourself enough side wall for driving comfort but low enough to look right on a lowered bus. It is personal preference but with a little work and measuring you should be able to hit a combination that looks good. If you meant slammed instead of lowered...then you are on your own. Get out the torch and slice her up or go with 45 aspect ration tires and look like a wanna-be sports car.

Tue Jan 14, 2003 7:44 pm

Yeah, I say use the 14" wheels. Then you have already "lowered" the bus some without any mods , and you don't have to lower it as much to get the same visual effect. And since you didn't have to lower it as much, depending on your tire choice, you shouldn't have to mofify the arches. A little here, a little there, it all adds up (or subtracts, in the case of lowering). Saves a LOT of money, and gives almost the same effect.

Tue Jan 14, 2003 8:35 pm

This is my single cab that has 185/60/14's and the beam is not narrowed or the doglegs cut up. The tires do rub on bumpy corners but if I raised it a half inch it wouldnt. I would not go any lower without airbags for safety.
http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/52376.jpg

Tue Jan 14, 2003 9:15 pm

another thing you can do is put coilover shocks on the front. they tend to be a bit hard on the shock mounts but it keeps the tires from rubbing on all but big hits.

Wed Jan 15, 2003 1:49 am

Earlyman,

any advice on which coilover shocks to use?
thanks,
< das nut >

Wed Jan 15, 2003 5:20 am

i'm perty sure beetle rears. its been a while.

Wed Jan 15, 2003 12:55 pm

Coil over shocks are made for offroad applications not lowered buses. I understand they may help with tire rubbing but you will be much happier (so will your passengers) if you find the right tire/wheel application. This will give you better ride and keep the value from dipping due to drastic mods. Busboys sells a special kyb shock for lowered buses.
Doug

Wed Jan 15, 2003 8:58 pm

Hey doug,

I don't suppose you know what shocks they are? I live in the great white north and there ain't no busboys up here. Finding someone who truly knows anything about VW's let alone the splitties is truly rare. My double cab is itching to find the weeds but until I can find a solution that will work for me she's staying up in the clouds. Thanks,

Mo