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How to Narrow your own Beam !!!
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ashman40
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PostPosted: Fri Sep 25, 2015 9:00 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

You know that the stock shock towers will probably hit the inner fender well if you cut 4" from the beams. 3" is the most I have heard where you can keep the towers. Even at 3", you may need to chop a notch from the inside of the towers or cut/bend the inner fender sheet metal to get the clearance to fit the beam. This is why you typically see a 2.5" narrowed beam. These fit well w/o any interference.
I think it is around 4" that many consider removing the shock tower all together. The shorter leaf springs make for a much stiffer ride which may be able to go without shocks.
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db69
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PostPosted: Fri Sep 25, 2015 9:05 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Now that's some valuable info! I will do some measuring and see if I can get by with 2.5" or maybe 3". Thanks!
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ashman40
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PostPosted: Fri Sep 25, 2015 10:24 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

From earlier in this thread...
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1...;start=704

It seems to indicate you may be able to cut 4" and still have shock towers. Obviously, you will need some plate steel to weld into place to create the notched area. Another thing to add to your list.

Some aftermarket narrowed beams will have custom shock towers made from thick steel flats:
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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Frisky72
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PostPosted: Sun Jan 10, 2016 7:33 am    Post subject: Re: How to Narrow your own Beam !!! Reply with quote

Hi, what about the steering lock stop (RHD) do you just cut it off ?
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HolyRoller
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PostPosted: Mon Jul 17, 2017 6:55 pm    Post subject: Re: How to Narrow your own Beam !!! Reply with quote

I remain curious with respect to the question of whether anyone knows which bit is best suited to drilling the narrowed torsion leaves?

I have read here or elsewhere that you should use a 90 degree bit rather than a more modern style.

Anyone have a link to Ebay or Amazon bit that would be great for re-creating the correct dimple for the grub screws?

Thanks!
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amaskedman
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PostPosted: Mon Oct 05, 2020 1:57 pm    Post subject: Re: How to Narrow your own Beam !!! Reply with quote

Wont this mess with the two notches for the steering assymbly?
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