| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
Joeys1969
Samba Member
Joined: April 13, 2010
Posts: 234
Location: Florida
|
 Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 7:24 pm Post subject: Narrowed beam.. What do I need? |
 |
|
I have been researching about purchasing a narrowed beam, 4 inch narrowed and adjustable to be exact. I know in order to make this work on my 69 beetle, I will need to purchase other items besides the beam. Can someone make a list of what else I will need to purchase for the beam to bolt on to my car? Thank you in advance,
Joe |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
19-VW-74
Samba Member
Joined: June 28, 2009
Posts: 320
Location: washington
|
| Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 7:29 pm Post subject: |
|
|
If the beam is bare, you will need:
4" narrowed torsion leaves (you can have your existing ones narrowed for cheap - new narrowed leaves can run you over 100 bones.)
Narrowed tie rods (2" each) (you can narrow your own - just cut two inches of each rod with a pipe cutter or a metal chop saw. Then use a tap to make new threads at the end)
Narrowed sway bar if you plan to run one
New torsion arm bushings/bearings and seals
You can run your old shocks
Caster shims (I assume you're lowering the car a bit)
You will need to move the torsion arms from your old beam, as they are not reproduced.
While the beam's out, its a good idea to change out your ball joints for new.
If you plan on slamming, you'll need drop spindles.
Just curious - what wheels are you planning on running? 
_________________
-Austin
"It's a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it."
My 1974 Standard Beetle Build:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=492617
Future's so bright, I gotta wear shades. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Joeys1969
Samba Member
Joined: April 13, 2010
Posts: 234
Location: Florida
|
| Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 7:43 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Thanks for the quick reply! And I just got the wheels a couple days ago haven't seen another car with them, they're from mamotorworks. The iron cross rims in white : ) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jhicken 
Samba Member
Joined: October 24, 2003
Posts: 6183
Location: Flagtown, NJ
|
| Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 8:15 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Consider buying a beam from Pete at Airkewld. He can set you up with all you need [leaves, tie-rods, balljoints, etc.]. Although more expensive that the DIY suggestion from an earlier poster, it's nice to have something designed and built to all work together.
After having issues with another beam, I got one from Pete and haven't been happier. I had originally considered Airkewld, but decided to save a few bucks and went with a cheaper solution.
Lesson learned.
-jeffrey
_________________
Central Jersey Volkswagen Society
Vintage Volkswagen Club of America, New Jersey Chapter |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Airkewld
Samba Member
Joined: November 14, 2003
Posts: 2294
Location: 3673 South Bullard Ave, Suite 120, Goodyear, AZ 85338
|
| Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 8:38 pm Post subject: Re: Narrowed beam.. What do I need? |
|
|
| Joeys1969 wrote: | I have been researching about purchasing a narrowed beam, 4 inch narrowed and adjustable to be exact. I know in order to make this work on my 69 beetle, I will need to purchase other items besides the beam. Can someone make a list of what else I will need to purchase for the beam to bolt on to my car? Thank you in advance,
Joe |
Thanks Mr. Hicken for the recommendation.
Joe, depending on the goal for the amount of drop, you will need the beam, narrowed torsions and narrowed tie rods. If you have never replaced any of the factory components, it might be a good idea to get tie rod ends, ball joints, steering dampener and maybe shocks. But, if you plan on slamming it, lowered ball joints, shorter shocks, drop spindles, tie rod flip kit, maybe even caster shims will be needed in addition to the above mentioned items. If you want to talk about the options and your overall build, we are available to talk M-F 8-4 MST @ 623-518-3537.
_________________
Airkewld Customer Service
info@airkewld.com
623-518-3537
Continuing to be the Best Customer Service Company in the VW industry in 2012! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
kburg12
Samba Member
Joined: June 06, 2010
Posts: 318
Location: South Carolina
|
| Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 8:39 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Not white, but here is my vert with chrome iron cross and 2 inch drop spindles and disc brakes. I still need a narrowed beam to be able to drive with this setup.
_________________
A terrible mind is a beautiful thing to waste!!!
68 Convertible Beetle
75 FI Standard Beetle |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
5lam
Samba Member
Joined: November 02, 2011
Posts: 45
Location: Queensland, Australia
|
| Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 9:05 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| jhicken wrote: | Consider buying a beam from Pete at Airkewld. He can set you up with all you need [leaves, tie-rods, balljoints, etc.]. Although more expensive that the DIY suggestion from an earlier poster, it's nice to have something designed and built to all work together.
After having issues with another beam, I got one from Pete and haven't been happier. I had originally considered Airkewld, but decided to save a few bucks and went with a cheaper solution.
Lesson learned.
-jeffrey |
I contemplated doing it myself too, but after checking out what Airkewld has to offer, you'd be crazy not to buy from Pete. It takes all the guess work, and blood, sweat and tears out of your project.
I bought a complete lowering kit just before christmas, and installed it over a weekend. It's so much easier, and it looks badass too.
So yeah, look up the Complete Lowering Kit on Airkewld, and you're set.
I couldn't be happier with how my 64 looks now.
_________________
Custom doesn't come in a Box! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jhicken
Samba Member
Joined: October 24, 2003
Posts: 6183
Location: Flagtown, NJ
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Joeys1969
Samba Member
Joined: April 13, 2010
Posts: 234
Location: Florida
|
| Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 4:03 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| jhicken wrote: | Here's a pic of my '69 with an Airkewld 2" narrowed beam. I have 5.5" earlies with Michelin 145's.
-jeffrey |
What is the tire size you're running? 145 65 15? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Joeys1969
Samba Member
Joined: April 13, 2010
Posts: 234
Location: Florida
|
| Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 4:10 pm Post subject: Re: Narrowed beam.. What do I need? |
|
|
| Airkewld wrote: | | Joeys1969 wrote: | I have been researching about purchasing a narrowed beam, 4 inch narrowed and adjustable to be exact. I know in order to make this work on my 69 beetle, I will need to purchase other items besides the beam. Can someone make a list of what else I will need to purchase for the beam to bolt on to my car? Thank you in advance,
Joe |
Thanks Mr. Hicken for the recommendation.
Joe, depending on the goal for the amount of drop, you will need the beam, narrowed torsions and narrowed tie rods. If you have never replaced any of the factory components, it might be a good idea to get tie rod ends, ball joints, steering dampener and maybe shocks. But, if you plan on slamming it, lowered ball joints, shorter shocks, drop spindles, tie rod flip kit, maybe even caster shims will be needed in addition to the above mentioned items. If you want to talk about the options and your overall build, we are available to talk M-F 8-4 MST @ 623-518-3537. |
Airkewld thanks for the response, I will deffinetly give you a call because I'm interested in the 4 inch narrowed adjustable. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jhicken
Samba Member
Joined: October 24, 2003
Posts: 6183
Location: Flagtown, NJ
|
| Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 7:09 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Joeys1969 wrote: | | What is the tire size you're running? 145 65 15? |
These are the Coker Michelin repops, they don't mark an aspect ratio, they are listed as 145R15's. If I had to guess, they are probably closer to '80's
Here's a side view
I had been running the Continental 145/65/15's which were a pretty low profile tire. This added to my previous beam issue so with the new AirKewld beam, I went for the taller Michelins. The Michelins are a much better ride than the shorter Contis.
-jeffrey
_________________
Central Jersey Volkswagen Society
Vintage Volkswagen Club of America, New Jersey Chapter |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Joeys1969
Samba Member
Joined: April 13, 2010
Posts: 234
Location: Florida
|
| Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 6:56 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Cool, thanks for the info Jeff! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Airkewld
Samba Member
Joined: November 14, 2003
Posts: 2294
Location: 3673 South Bullard Ave, Suite 120, Goodyear, AZ 85338
|
| Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2012 8:10 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Joeys1969 wrote: | | Cool, thanks for the info Jeff! |
Also, to figure out what you need for your application, we have article on that here http://airkewld.co/4QkGjl
_________________
Airkewld Customer Service
info@airkewld.com
623-518-3537
Continuing to be the Best Customer Service Company in the VW industry in 2012! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
