Mexican Z-bar system install on German Bug

[Bug53]

Does this look right to you guys?
These two pictures are of the drivers side. The angle looks pretty extreme.

This one is the passenger side

[Maddel]

I'm totally unillumined when it comes to swing axles.
Anyway, are you aware of these?

https://www.volkswagen-classic-parts.de/catalogues/Kaefer-1971/html5.html#/424

https://www.volkswagen-classic-parts.de/catalogues/Kaefer-1978/html5.html#/140

https://www.volkswagen-classic-parts.de/catalogues/Mexiko-Kaefer-1978-1985/html5.html#/672

[marknmelcom]

[Bug53]

I just figured if VW engineers put all that hardware on there it must serve a good purpose.
Or..... I’m just addicted to working on this car.
Bought running with real nice body and interior. Just needed my attention to all things mechanical. Like buying a house that several previous owners have had their way with. I brought it home 3/2/21 and it’s been up on four stands since.
I think it will have her engine back in this weekend.

[viiking]

It looks correct to me too. The connections always look weird but it really can only go in one way.

I tried to find some archive photos of my z-bar, but I only have pictures of it with the body off. To actually take the body off, you need to remove the Z-bar system.

Regarding the z-bar. In 1968 VW I believe the longer rear axles were fitted with lower rate torsion springs compared to the earlier shorter axle swing axles. To compensate for this softer rear suspension VW engineers added the Z-spring. It really only comes in to action when you have the rear loaded with weight like passengers and limits the reaction of the rear axle when cornering and with a load. If you are driving solo, it probably does very little.

There is argument that I follow that says the Z-bar is NOT a compensator spring. You can search the SAMBA for some long and sometimes contrary arguments for and against that.

All I know is that engineers, much smarter than me and armed with a lot more information than me, decided that the z-bar was needed. That's why mine is fitted.

The only part that I am yet to find is the round cap that goes on top of the z-bar "axle" for the want of a better words. Rubber parts are generally easy to get.
_________________
1968 1500 RHD Lotus White Beetle since birth. In the hospital for major surgery
1966 Lancia Flavia Pininfarina Coupe - in the waiting room
Discharged: 1983 Vanagon, 1974 1800 Microbus,1968 Low Light,1968 Type 3

[Bug53]

[bobinphx]

in the late 70s we would fill the gap from the swing arm to the rubber with a piece of pipe. This was done to improve handling. Here is a more current version of what we did back then.

http://1967beetle.com/z-bar-russ-kellers/


bob in phx.