1958 Outlaw Beetle Build

[Fishynos72]

Looks great.

Are those the csp beam supports? I've been eyeing a set
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Collector of all things Volkswagen, Hazet and Matra.

1972 1302
1973 type2a
1957 type11
2005 Caddy panel van
2006 Golf R32

[Big_E_Deluxe]

[puchfinnland]

Beautiful work, I already have ordered my 356 bar and lower arms!

Have you considered these adjusters?

https://www.airkewld.com/PRO-Built-Type-1-Link-Pin-Adjusters-2450-p/2450.htm

-Mike H
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ABYC marine master technician , EX European auto technician, new business- EASTCOASTWEST , custom work on campers, only systems, no mechanical

[Fishynos72]

Just want to say.

Erik, you're costing me a lot of money with this 356 habit of yours.
I love OEM+ stuff
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Collector of all things Volkswagen, Hazet and Matra.

1972 1302
1973 type2a
1957 type11
2005 Caddy panel van
2006 Golf R32

[Big_E_Deluxe]

[Big_E_Deluxe]

[Big_E_Deluxe]

I think it's time for a progress update. I've been traveling and busy with life stuff. Sourcing the right parts takes up a lot of time too. This is the current state of the bespoke front beam for Max....

Beam: I sourced locally (thanks Jake!) a factory '60's needle bearing beam for the foundation of this build. It will remain stock width and have Airkweld torsion adjusters added. It was cleaned up and sandblasted in preparation of fab work. Some rust was revealed, but it will be cut out during some of the mods. NOS German needle bearings will be installed with new inner bushings as well. Custom 356 sway bar mount has been designed and is currently being milled (thank you Pedro!). '60 beam also retains steering stabilizer mount, bump stops removed. In previous posts, you'll see a couple different beams. Aftermarket designs. They did not seem to fit the philosophy of this build, so a factory beam was the only logical choice. Once assembled it will look very "factory".

Spindles: Are currently being rebuild with German parts

Brakes: I had a pair of 356 GT backing plates made up...why not, right? Strictly for cool factor points. No one will see them but at least they will be some what functional and a nice surprise if anyone takes a peak. I found a set of NOS ATE wheel cylinders for the front. I've dismantled them and gave all the bits a good cleaning and a fresh coat of paint on the wheel cylinders. Nice piece of mind knowing there are quality parts at work.

Adjustable Spring Plates: In an effort to have adjustability for alignment and height, I'm experimenting with these. They are designed for 356 application but all the dimensions line up for the '58 beetle. As you may know, '58 beetle had no toe-in adjustment in the rear, these plates will add this adjustability. They are very well made with high tolerances, quality construction and materials. Much better then the typical VW adjustable spring plates on the market. Once they are adjusted to your desired setting, both plates are tightened together with adjustment bolt. Nice solid, thoughtful design. The only thing I needed to do was have the nut and bolt milled down a bit for increased tire clearance (thank you Mark!). All pieces will be powder coated black. Along with the new spring plates, I'm changing my stock torsion covers to a pair of CSP milled covers. Some CSP spacers will allow for additional clearance needed for adjustable spring plates, milled as necessary. Bushings are from Willhoit Restoration. They are a harder compound vs stock. They are matched with front sway bar bushing material. I needed to modify them to fit smooth bushing design on CSP covers vs notched 356 type. Along with these mods, I will be adding 3/4" Carrera spacers in the rear vs my current 1/2" spacers. They will provide additional tire clearance for spring plate design.

FYI, these spring plates are pricey! But I've used other spring plates in the past and I've been disappointed with the quality and design. I'm taking a leap of faith with these, but I think it will be worth it. Still a lot of discovery to be had once the installation begins. Also, the parts company was not great to deal with, they took way too long, messed up my order and cost me more money because of their mistakes. Proceed at your own risk.

That's it for now. Beam fabrication/mods are the next big milestone. I'm thankful to have friends who are overqualified and are willing to help. So when they have time to do this work, I'm very grateful.

Getting closer, but still lots to do.
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Erik

1958 VW Beetle - "Max": https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...highlight=
1959 VW Bus - "Hans" - Double Door Panel (sold): https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746927
2014 Porsche 991.1 Carrera S

[jbannon]

Thanks for sharing. By the time you finish spending money on this suspension build you could have bought a restored 356! 😂 All joking aside, it’s great to see you experimenting and building something quite unique. It’s very cool!

You will not be disappointed with the CSP torsion tube covers. They are well designed and look amazing. Moreover the mounting points are much more secure and “solid” than the stock torsion plates and bolts. I was wondering if you considered running Cagero’s adjustable rear plates? They don’t compare with what you have (which look functional and beautiful), but are of much higher quality than what most other VW part vendors are currently selling. They are also not cheap.

Here are some pictures of the setup on my 59 beetle to give you an idea of how things look mounted.

Thanks again for sharing, and look forward to the rest of the build.

[Big_E_Deluxe]

[Fishynos72]

Fantastic update.

And very Happy to see you've kept in step with the philosophy of the build.

It would be far too easy to throw and aftermarket beam in, we're spoiled for choice nowadays, but it wouldn't really fit the build.

Those CSP plates address a lot of design issues with alternative adjusters especially if you intend to drive the car hard. In all black they should hide nicely too

Lastly those wheel cylinders are borderline porn. My rebuilt ones aren't half as sexy.
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Collector of all things Volkswagen, Hazet and Matra.

1972 1302
1973 type2a
1957 type11
2005 Caddy panel van
2006 Golf R32

[TXHCBeetle]

I really enjoy this thread as it is interesting...and you're kind enough to share your results and save many of us the headache of trial and error
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In Progress:
1958 Beetle Sedan - L243 Diamond Gray
1967 Beetle Sedan - L456 Ruby Red

[Big_E_Deluxe]

[TXHCBeetle]

Have you collaborated at all with TheSamba member mk-zero?

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=49757

You guys seem to be striving for the same goal, link-pin swing axle beetle that handles. Perhaps you can share/bounce ideas off one another..
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In Progress:
1958 Beetle Sedan - L243 Diamond Gray
1967 Beetle Sedan - L456 Ruby Red