Pedrini wheels and dropped spindles

VW-Gasser

Hi,
I want to put on my 69 Karmann Ghia dropped spindles together with Pedrini wheels. I read that this combination is really bad, because the lower balljoint will hit the inside of the wheels:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=186662&highlight=pedrini+ball
So it looks like I have different options:
1. Grinding down the wheels in a lathe. Not sure if I want to weaken my wheel.
2. Grinding down the ball joint and arms. Not sure if I want to weaken my suspension.
3. Using spacers. Looks like the best method to me. There seems to be no clear opinion on how thick of a spacer I need. Some say one inch, some say 3/8" thick is enough. Does anyone know for sure?
If I need a one inch spacer I am in big trouble, because I cannot find any source for 1 inch spacer in 4x130. Also I probably have to use a 3" narrowed front axle (also not easy to come by from a TRUSTED source).
Did I forget a fourth option?

Anyway, how did you guys solve this problem? I am open to suggestions!
Thanks
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Derek Cobb · Annoying Joined: March 11, 2004 Posts: 2565

I think I read where someone bored the tapered hole in the spindle deeper so the ball joint mounted a little further up. As I recall, it didn't take a lot to get the clearance.

VW-Gasser · Posted: Tue May 06, 2014 7:42 am Post subject:

but that will weaken the spindle, am I wrong?
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Mike Fisher · Posted: Tue May 06, 2014 8:36 am Post subject:

Glenn bought the Pedrinis & KG spindles etc and made them fit. I love them in their natural finish on his Beetle! You need them First to determine how much to narrow the beam. I'm running EMPI aluminum spacers with Fuchs and they are safe to use. You can use two 1/2" spacers if necessary with longer lug bolts from http://www.ezaccessory.com/Lug_Wheel_Bolts_s/20.htm etc.
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Glenn · Posted: Tue May 06, 2014 8:57 am Post subject:

I have Pedrini's on stock Ghia spindles with no problem.
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VW-Gasser · Posted: Tue May 06, 2014 10:16 am Post subject:

Well, yes. I am aware that stock spindles will work, but I was more wondering about the dropped spindles. I want to lower my Ghia without changing the geometry of my suspension, which will happened if I use an adjustable front beam.
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jeff68 · Posted: Wed May 21, 2014 5:56 am Post subject:

I also have pedrini's on the front of my '68 beetle. Set up is stock width ball joint beam with two avis adjustors (one in upper tube and one in the lower tube) and stock ghia disc break spindles. I have been contemplating using a drop spindle as well to lower the front end a little more but was wondering if everything would clear as well. If anyone tries this please post here. Also, which / whose drop spindles are being used? CB, EMPI??

just thought about another Another related question - If you use drop spindles do you need shorter shocks?

Thanks

Derek Cobb · Annoying Joined: March 11, 2004 Posts: 2565

Don't need shorter shocks for drop spindles.

oly29 · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2014 12:29 pm Post subject:

I am running lowered spindles on my 67 with CB disk brakes. I had to have the taper opened up on the lower part of the spindle to get enough clearance to run my polished pedrini's. I have about (0.125) 1/8 inch clearance between the lower ball joint and the inside of the rim. I can take some pictures of you need them.

ALB · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2014 7:19 am Post subject:

Jeff68- That's the beauty of drop spindles; the car still uses stock length front shocks and steering geometry doesn't change (as it does when lowering the front by turning the tubes). The downside- they do add 1/2 or 5/8" to each side of the front track, and depending on the wheel's casting some can be a tight fit. As was mentioned though, the bottom ball joint taper can be modified for a slightly deeper fit.
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gheezerghia · Samba Member Joined: April 09, 2007 Posts: 495

I just installed some Flat 4 5.5 Fuchs and the lower balljoints are rubbing. I'm considering either grinding the ball joints, installing spacers, or increasing the balljoint taper. I'm leaning towards the spacers or the taper. I was wondering what tool I needed to increase the taper? Thanks for the help

GTV · Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2014 2:34 pm Post subject:

I ground the ball joints to fit cookie cutters on dropped spindles. It didn't need much, I feel it is 100% safe.
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gheezerghia · Samba Member Joined: April 09, 2007 Posts: 495

GTV, Would you happen to have any pictures of what you ground down on the balljoints. What kind of backspace do those wheels have? Thanks for your help!

scottvw · Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2014 7:39 am Post subject:

Here's a pic of Pedrini's on a Ghia.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

gerry1 · Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2014 9:38 am Post subject:

here's my 68 on pedrinis, polished lips and spokes. center cap is a reproduction of original. i used cheap empi dropped spindles on stock beam (not narrowed). rear is stock height.

i like how it came out. no issues up front at all. everything was bolt on.[/img]

Marco du Breizhil · Samba Member Joined: October 23, 2012 Posts: 2


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