Are there are REAL zero offset ball joint drop spindles

[Root_Werks]

[Root_Werks]

How can I not post a picture with engine back in?

Here's the final resting place with the drop spindles. Really like the small rake to the front. Drove around a bit, lock to lock doesn't rub anywhere I can tell. Still need to get it aligned so not driving much until then:

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When I set my timing, why do I flush, then take a pee?

[radstude]

[clockworkbox]

Yep, looks great. I just got a pair of these spindles but It will be a while before I'm using them. Are you running 4.5" wide BRMs?
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'69 Beetle (pieces)
Learning the hard way is still learning...

[Root_Werks]

[von dutchoven]

What size are your tires and what is the offset of the wheels? I have some 914 sport wheels with an et41 offset and was hoping to run 195/60r15's

[Root_Werks]

[Root_Werks]

Update:

Heard from some that some drop spindles don't allow for in-spec alignment. Scheduled a 4-wheel alignment on Wednesday and everything could be adjusted to spec.

We opted to put -1/2 degree camber on the front wheels. Tech was a little concerned the tire might rub the fender lip under hard compression and turning. I haven't noticed any rubbing at all, even with spirited driving. Nice to have the Bug track straight and true down the road. Feels very solid now.

I did put in caster shims, so I'm probably a true 2 1/4" drop instead of 2 1/2".

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When I set my timing, why do I flush, then take a pee?

[clockworkbox]

Thanks for the update and your overall willingness to help!
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'69 Beetle (pieces)
Learning the hard way is still learning...

[JoeMc]

Looks fantastic! Thanks for the updates, more pics please.
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'69 Beetle

[Root_Werks]

Update:

Had to pull a front wheel yesterday and noted a little paint rubbed off the inside of the fender. Right at the top, not forward or back. Not bad, but a little. Both sides are similar.

I put some touch-up paint on the areas and will see if it comes back. I did replace the 20 year shocks only about a month ago.

I'm also running 185/65/15's all around which is probably too much tire.

Maybe down to a 175/65/15?

Either way, the tire isn't missing chunks of rubber or even displaying an area that looks like it's rubbing. My guess is my older shocks probably allowed a bit too much travel under harder cornering.

Just something to keep watch for if you install these spindles. Offset may be the same, but you do sit tucked closer to the fender.
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When I set my timing, why do I flush, then take a pee?

[Bruce]

I'd like to add some information to this topic.
If you're using this example to decide if those same wheels will fit your car, beware, Dan's Mexican Beetle uses slightly different brakes than what's available today. See in the first pic how there's a bearing hub? Mexican Beetles have a rotor that is separate from the bearing hub, just like all modern cars. Once the rotor is attached, you can see in the second pic there's a Phillips flat head screw holding the rotor on.
The result of this rotor is that the mounting face for the wheel is about 8mm further in than a standard Karmann Ghia type rotor.

[jaket3]

Just to chime in, I only found this thread today.

I fitted the same Empi Zero Offset spindles to my 67 bug.

It's a European model, with factory discs, so is 4 lug. So I posted in this group as it may have same fitment as 68 up bugs with a disc conversion.

Anyhow they do seem to be zero offset, I'm running 165 /80/15 tyres and only a tiny rub at full lock (Inner wheel rim against the ARB clamp). I moved out the steering stops a little and it went away.

Stock Beam, Stock shocks, 165-80-15 tyres. 2 litre alloys. No spacers.

Very Happy with them.

Before

After

[Root_Werks]

@Bruce

That's interesting and hadn't thought about a Ghia rotor vs a Mexi-Bug hub/hat combo.

From manuals:

1310mm Front Track - 1969
1322mm Front Track - 2003

I wonder if I could pull my wheels in 6mm per side by using once piece Ghia rotors? That would help in of itself.

An assumption:

Would think that Empi did NOT specifically build these spindles for Mexi-Bugs. Meaning you'd think any Ghia rotor will also bolt-on and the caliper would still center correctly, but reduce track by 6mm per side.

Hmm, now I want to source a one piece rotor just to try it out.

-Dan
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When I set my timing, why do I flush, then take a pee?

[Root_Werks]

Without taking a rotor off and measuring flat surfaces, best I can tell, back of rotor to wheel mount surface appears to be 57-58mm.

Granted, I'm holding objects instead of letting things rest solid on a bench.

Also does appear the Ghia 2-pin calipers are the same the Mexican Beetles use.

If anyone can measure a Ghia rotor, that might answer the question of overall track Mexi-Bug Disc vs. Ghia Disc track.

-Dan
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When I set my timing, why do I flush, then take a pee?

[Bruce]

[Franklinstower]

I am wanting to get these zero offset drop disc forged spindles for my '75 to replace stock drums. I can't see to find these in a kit, only sold as a bare set of spindles.

Anyone know of these in a full kit with calipers, pads, rotors, bearings etc?

Thanks
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'89 Westy - EJ25/22 Frank 4.44 5mt
'75 Miami Blue Sunroof FI Standard Bug

[Bruce]

[H2OSB]

@Root Werks. I'm a total Supsr Beetle dude, but your car looks amazing (like Glenn's). That's not to take anything away from a LOT of cars posted up on here, but itis particularly nice.

That's all
H2OSB
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(o\_i_/o) I'm not a vegetarian because I love animals, I'm a vegetarian because I hate plants.