Add some lift and width to 1970 Beetle

[Mynticelx]

First, thanks to everyone for the incredible resources that this site provides. I have been lurking for just over a year with reading, learning. I have finally purchased a 1970 Beetle and want to raise it a bit, add of A/T tires, and maybe widen the stance a bit for stability.

So, in saying this - I am very much just learning about the parts and components that will need to be adjusted to do this. I want to do it right and willing to put in whatever investment is needed to do it right.

This is the look that I am shooting for:

So - I think one of the first things I will need to accomplish is the "cut/turn" on the front. I am considering buying a pre-fabbed widened beam from Bugzyla or another spot. I am wondering how wide I should go and how much travel I should go (stock/8/10)?

Also, I am completely lost when it comes to the rear and what needs to be done here. It appears through reading that it could be as "simple" as removing the torsion bar plate and moving it up a couple notches.

Again - I am VERY much new into all of this and have been reading two different buggy books and trying to piece together threads to what I want to do. I wish there was a shop locally that I could go and talk to - but I havent found any. So I guess I've got to learn myself.

Thanks for all the help.

[joemama]

Do a search for Class 11, and you will find tons of information, as well as some fine examples. I myself are also working on an "offroad bug".

[Mynticelx]

Yea, Ive read a lot of the Class 11 build threads.. but there isn't really a "do this" kinda threads that I've found. I guess everyone has their own purposes and what not and you just have to piece together what you think will work for you.

[Brian]

Lots and lots of info on here. Check out here: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=491123&highlight=baja+bug+virgins

How much knowledge of Volkswagens do you have? Do you want to offroad or just look the part?

Also check out the build thread in my signature, my PO did well.

Basically get lift spindles and/or cut and turn the beam. Hook and rod suspension stops encouraged. Thing spindles with flipped lower arms of you have the money.

Adjust the rear suspension, change out the stub axles for larger CVs. Either have a properly geared transmission or get a 2 liter or larger motor to work with your stock 4.125 R&P trans.

215/75-15 or 235/75-15 tires depending on your gearing/engine size.
_________________
Wash your hands

'69 Bug
'68 Baja Truck
'71 Bug
'68 Camper

Only losers litter

[earthquake]

Have you been over to the "Class11coalition" forum, lots of good info there...

http://class11coalition.com/forum/503-suspension-tech

Casey
_________________
74 CLASS 11 LOOK-A-LIKE
69 DUNE BUGGY
79 INTERNATIONAL SCOUT II
05 SCION XB SERIES RELEASE 2[#437]
95 Chevy C3500 dually
98 Ford E150
Link to Kelly J. Nolte 3/20/53 - 11/6/08
https://time-zonelabs.blogspot.com/p/about-kelly.html
DEATH TO CHINGERS!
[From a military recruitment poster in the novel "The Stainless Steel Rat" By Harry Harrison]

[Mynticelx]

Thank you both for your responses. These are great. I'll take a look at them now. Probably will be back with more questions!

[B Ramsey]

Get the book. Good material for reference.
_________________
Go outside and do something.

[rockcrawl]

[SamT]

If your a redneck you can build some. These are 2.75" lift and 1.25" wider on each side.

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Rides:
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http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=546712

[dustymojave]

If that red Bug is the look and sort of car you are after, then the beam should be stock width like it is on that red Bug.

I think that red Bug has stock spindles with the beam cut and rotated, and the rear with stock arms and the torsion re-indexed.

While it's real popular with Class 11 Look Bug guys to use Thing spindles or modified lift spindles like Sam suggested, the Class 11 race rules that inspires this whole type of car do not allow Thing Spindles or lift spindles. ONLY stock Bug spindles are allowed on the race cars.

I'm not saying don't use lift spindles. It's certainly a viable option. Just don't think you HAVE TO use lift spindles. Be open to just using the stock ones.
_________________
Richard
Offroading VW based cars since 1965
Tech Inspection 1963 - 2012 SCCA/SCORE/HDRA/MORE/MDR +
Retired from building Bajas, Fiberglass Buggies and Rails in the Mojave Desert. Also Sprints & Midgets, Dry Lakes, Road Race cars. All types New and Vintage
SoCalBajas Member
Kicked Cancer's A$$...1st and 2nd round...Fight ain't over yet.

[SamT]

[dustymojave]

"Cut & Turn" is a relative term. How far you turn the center torsion anchor determines whether the ride will be hard as a race car needs to be, or comfy as stock for street riding. This is why it's popular to install adjusters so the ride can be adjusted for the situation and not have to worry about whether the turn was too far or not far enough. Installing adjusters is the same work as cut & turn. The adjusters are not expensive.

One can achieve a raised ride height without making the suspension rock hard.
_________________
Richard
Offroading VW based cars since 1965
Tech Inspection 1963 - 2012 SCCA/SCORE/HDRA/MORE/MDR +
Retired from building Bajas, Fiberglass Buggies and Rails in the Mojave Desert. Also Sprints & Midgets, Dry Lakes, Road Race cars. All types New and Vintage
SoCalBajas Member
Kicked Cancer's A$$...1st and 2nd round...Fight ain't over yet.

[earthquake]

This is how mine looks with a 3/8" cut and turn and reindexed the rear torsion plates so they cover 1/2 of the rear bottom hole for the cover.

The tires on it are 225/75/15's on stock rims. I want to notch the spring plates one of these days for about another inch of lift with out putting to much angle on the CV's.
Right now it is always on the stops so it clunks a bit over sharp bumps but its not bad. I am debating over just cutting it up into a Baja so it would be eaiser to work on the motor.

Casey
_________________
74 CLASS 11 LOOK-A-LIKE
69 DUNE BUGGY
79 INTERNATIONAL SCOUT II
05 SCION XB SERIES RELEASE 2[#437]
95 Chevy C3500 dually
98 Ford E150
Link to Kelly J. Nolte 3/20/53 - 11/6/08
https://time-zonelabs.blogspot.com/p/about-kelly.html
DEATH TO CHINGERS!
[From a military recruitment poster in the novel "The Stainless Steel Rat" By Harry Harrison]

[117harv]

[dustymojave]

[Brian]

Never look back

_________________
Wash your hands

'69 Bug
'68 Baja Truck
'71 Bug
'68 Camper

Only losers litter

[enjoyther1de]

[Brian]

I don't remember why I had that there, but it's not now. If you're thinking about doing a removable apron, do it. I have wasted too much time in my life just taking shit off to get the engine out.
_________________
Wash your hands

'69 Bug
'68 Baja Truck
'71 Bug
'68 Camper

Only losers litter

[earthquake]

[117harv]

^^^^ Thanks.