64 beetle rear torsion bar adjustment questions. Doing it right

[matthew henricks]

While rebuilding my 64 chassis i am tackling some things that are new to me. Rear Torsion bar setting being one.

Chassis was powered coated so torsion bars removed, marked L/R. New rubber bushings installed. 100% stock set-up with no damage ever. (My family has owned this car since new)

My questions.

1. When setting the angle does it matter if there is weight on the chassis? I think no. 17.5 degrees as long as the chassis is level.

2. My passenger side bar is WAY stiffer than drivers side. For the same angle it takes way more to get the torsion arm above the lower hard stop. Is this normal?

3. Does it matter how you tighten down the cover and compress the bushings? I just drew them in little by little.

4. Do you lubricate the bushings? I did as otherwise they were not going on easy.

Thank you. Don't want to put the body on and have to re-do this.

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1964 Original Owner build Thread. https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=702135&highlight=

Ambulance Fan's. https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=627707&highlight=

Parts i am looking for:
64 bug nice used front/rear Black LHD floor mat.

[rcroane]

I'll tackle #4.....Bentley says to use talc on the bushings before installation. It's a little hard to find....I got some at NAPA.
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'65 Sunroof Bug