Why Lower a Beetle?

AlienJohn · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2014 7:14 pm Post subject: Why Lower a Beetle?

Why do so many people lower their beetles?
Do they drive better?
JB
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Chanbob · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2014 7:18 pm Post subject:

That is a question with a lot of answers. Some do it for the performance, some do it for the looks, some do it for both.
Same reason a person lowers anything, personal choice.

I lowered my Super because I like lowered cars, I like the look of a lowered Beetle and I love the fact that I get an upgrade in handling.

Juanito84 · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2014 7:19 pm Post subject:

#1 Looks
#2 Aerodynamics
#3 Better handling due to lower center of gravity
#3 So they're closer to the ground in case they fall out or have a low bridge
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Glenn · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2014 7:20 pm Post subject:

#1 lower center of gravity give better handling.
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joeyk803c · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2014 7:39 pm Post subject:

Why listen to rock music? Or Country? Why like DC comics?

Usually, its all just a matter of personal preference.

Tim Donahoe · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2014 8:25 pm Post subject:

I let my Super Beetle stick way up in the front--in case I run into a hoard of zombies and need that extra bit of clearance as I tank-drive straight over them.

In reality, I leave it the way VW designed it. I haven't bottomed out yet--like in my wife's PT Cruiser that is too low in the front--so ... my bug's height works for me.

Tim

oasis · Samba Member Joined: December 12, 2002 Posts: 2168

Lowering falls into two categories: (1) looks, (2) handling.

(1) All lowering affects looks.

(2) All lowering affects handling -- but not always in a good way. It depends if any time and care went into the combination of suspension, brakes, wheels and tires.

Slammed cars are for looks, and they handle like poo. Cars built for handling tend to look better to the customizer/owner but that is usually regarded as a secondary benefit.

Beetles and Super Beetles were never built for looks or handling by Volkswagen. They were meant to be inexpensive, efficient, reliable point-to-point vehicles with acceptable comfort. That said, that is what made them the perfect platform to change its looks or change its attributes.
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DadsOld74 · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2014 9:11 pm Post subject:

Lowering the front looks nice sometimes, but we've got snow and bumpy roads around here. So, I like a little ground clearance and am leaving mine stock. I'm happy with the way it handles.
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OLD VW NUT · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2014 9:53 pm Post subject:

While I've never cared for the slammed look I do like a slightly lowered VW. I lowered a 72 SB - a recent build that was sold to make way for my current ride. With 13" wheels and lowering the front with new adjustable struts I think it has a great stance. The rear hasn't been touched - just allowed to let gravity slowly have its way. Cool

With new disc brakes at all four corners it stops much better than it goes!

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Juanito84 · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2014 10:04 pm Post subject:

Another reason for adjusting ride hight is that keeping the CV joints as flat as possible helps with fuel mileage.
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Hyperspace · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2014 11:07 pm Post subject:

I've seen a few lifted bugs. The idea of a lifted vintage looking bug keeps nagging me. I think it could look dope.

I suppose you get what you pay for, I am not a fan of the cut off bump stops and body mounts thing.
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Joel · Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2014 12:21 am Post subject: Re: Why Lower a Beetle?

AlienJohn · Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2014 4:19 am Post subject:

Thanks for all the replies.
I guess for my purposes there's no real benefit to lowering my Beetle.
I'm a bit of a purist and I like driving it just the way it is, and the way
it was when I got my first one about 45 years ago.
JB
_________________
All Hail Snorkelstang !

72 Standard Beetle
74 Karmann Ghia Coupe
76 Fender Telecaster

wuwei75 · Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2014 4:41 am Post subject: Re: Why Lower a Beetle?

Busdriver79 · Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2014 5:34 am Post subject:

Super Beetles, more so than Standard Beetles, just look kinda goofy sitting up so high in the front...they always look like they're going uphill...the big gap between the tire and fender is way too much...lowering a Super Beetle just makes them look right. Cool

PS....and yes, they DO drive better at speed and in windy conditions !

DadsOld74 · Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2014 8:49 am Post subject:

Yeah, if I drove my car over 70 more often, I might consider it more. But, the closest freeway is 90 miles away and I don't spend much time on it. It all depends on how you need to use your car. And, I agree. I like the idea that I'm getting a timeless sensation when I drive it.
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"If one does not fail at times, then one has not challenged himself." - Ferdinand Porsche

Juanito84 · Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2014 7:24 pm Post subject:

Personally I like the way my car is at its stock height. It's not so low that I get stuck in snow drifts or that I bottom out on bad, pot-hole covered roads. It's also not so tall that it fells like it's going to flip over on pavement or spin in circles on ice.

True, I can't go as fast as all the lowered sports cars on freeways. Nor can I cut though bad roads and terrain like tall sport utility vehicles.

But if I lowered it, then there would be a lot of places that I wouldn't be able to go to anymore. And if I raised it, then I would probably have to cut my highway driving speed even further.

If the day comes that every road that I need to use be well paved and well plowed when it snows, then, and only then, would I personally consider lowering my car. Until then it's not worth it to me.
_________________
If a water cooled engine cools its water with air, isn't it just an overcomplicated air cooled engine?

Tinkeredbug · Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2014 8:29 am Post subject: Re: Why Lower a Beetle?

Drive a stock height Beetle at more than 80mph and you'll understand why

They can go that fast? Rolling Eyes

Glenn · Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2014 8:48 am Post subject: Re: Why Lower a Beetle?

Captain Jacques · Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2014 9:53 am Post subject:

Mine's at stock height, but I drop a 60 lb. iron plate in the trunk if I'm going any distance on the Interstate. I can still cruise at my usual 75 mph, but it makes a world of difference in tracking.
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