Barn beam bearings and bushings...

[jingram]

Hey folks,
Any one have any advice on replacing worn needle bearings and bushings on a barndoor beam? Any tutorials out there? I did a search and came up with a ton of lowering/narrowing info of course, but nothing on refurbishing the beam components.
Also, anyone know a source for needle bearings and bushings? Are they the same for later split window buses?
I've got the Bentley manual, but it's a little sparse in this area. As always, any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

[bubblehead]

If you are referring to the link pin needle bearings and bushes, then yes, 55-62 parts will fit. You can take the spindles out and press the bushings on a real press or in situ with an improvised puller using a couple sockets, washers, threaded rod etc. The Bentley should cover this but using the
VW tools. Just did this yesterday and it was pretty straightforward

[jingram]

Thanks for your reply. I guess I should have been a little more clear. I'm talking about the big bushings that fit into the beam tubes that the torsion arms slide into. I guess there are no needle bearings inside of the beam tubes, just the bushings. How do I pull the worn bushings out and install new ones?

[bubblehead]

Yeah, wasn't really sure what you were asking. As far as I know, the torsion
bushings are the same as 55 and up and the factory parts list supports this. Needle bearings came much later, like mid 60's? I think R&R is covered in some of the beam narrowing threads. I'll probably need to do this as well;not really looking forward to it.

[gatorwyatt]

I couldn't ge the address to work but go to snapon.com and type in cj2003a and search...it is gonna be the best way to remove the Bakelite bushings...they will need to be pressed back in...there were factory press tubes but god luck finding them...improvise...then they will need to be fitted or reamed after install...the factory tool had cutters and shaved them to fit one bushings at a time...takes a good six hours to re set up a beam...no needle bearings in a barn door...the best way to find some bushings is start waving cash around..they will surface....not cheap or easy venture...trust me..
_________________
www.blastserv.com

wanted:
RHD Barndoor floor mat..reproduction is fine

[jingram]

Well thanks for the replys guys. I guess all I need are some really expensive tools (that I'll only use once) and some reaaallllyyyy rare parts and I'm in business.
We'll see how this goes....

[bubblehead]

[gatorwyatt]

You don't have to buy the whole kit just the right size adapter and slide hammer...I can give the correct part numbers needed as I have them...there is an alternative made by otc and much cheaper BUT it is a super rinky dink slide hammer and I can tell you from exp. If the bushings are tight still you won't get them out with the OTC unit...

The replacement bushings are like any bushings...they have to be reamed to fit...they won't fit otherwise...I fit my first beam with a stone hone one at a time and it took me a week or more to do because if you can imagine the hone had to be collapsed with a long screwdriver to fit into the internal size of the inner bushings then honed then test fit....lots of work..

I just did my factory installed beam for sunroof kombi and it was a little smoother because I used all the right tools but still took forever...the guy in the dealer that got handed the repair order to replace those bushings BITD was most likely to loose his ass that period...lol
_________________
www.blastserv.com

wanted:
RHD Barndoor floor mat..reproduction is fine

[gatorwyatt]

The bushings most likely still good...but if you want to restore the beam and need powder coat it the bushings will not stay put when you bring the beam up to temp in the oven....also leaves spots for grease to hide and it will ruin your paint job...
_________________
www.blastserv.com

wanted:
RHD Barndoor floor mat..reproduction is fine

[joe56vw]

[campingbox]

If you want to send the beam to Washington state I have NOS bushings and the factory tools to do the job.

[runewo]

Could the later needle bearings be used in the barndoor beam?
If so you would save yourself from the reaming.. But they are maybe hard to get?
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54 Barndoor panel
54 Oval window
49 Split window bug
73 Porsche 911

[Rusting Hulk]

Rather than starting a new thread.....

Are there any stock barndoor repro beam bushes available anywhere? Has anybody had any made in a different material i.e. Delrin or Bronze? How does that work with the arms?... I'm thinking about getting some made, but if they are already out there?
Thanks for any info.
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64 356 C Coupe

[gatorwyatt]

I believe that Nate @ Wagenswest has a new replacement bushing Made of a more modern material now. Barndoor is the same as early bus.
_________________
www.blastserv.com

wanted:
RHD Barndoor floor mat..reproduction is fine

[gatorwyatt]

Thought about it...

I should have said, I’ll tell you wankers how to source beam bushings if you tell me where I can get a bloody floor mat
_________________
www.blastserv.com

wanted:
RHD Barndoor floor mat..reproduction is fine

[Lowdown Dirty Rat]

I believe Matt Smith makes all year barndoor cab mats. Is that what your after?
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1951 Samba 20-017894
1952 Samba 20-028952

[gatorwyatt]

PM sent
_________________
www.blastserv.com

wanted:
RHD Barndoor floor mat..reproduction is fine

[Rusting Hulk]

Todd, thanks for the info, i will contact Nate, i did see them on his website but wasn't sure they were the correct size.
If i see or hear of a mat will let you know.
Simon
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64 356 C Coupe

[gatorwyatt]

Of course, Simon!

The factory bushings or aftermarket ones I would think if pressing them in are going to need to be fitted to the trailing arm to have a non sloppy fit. I know nothing of the Wagenswest units and know Nate makes a nice product but the factory ones are available on here for sale right now. Reaming them is the biggest headache you face but it can be figured out.

Please shoot me a message if a mat floats by!! I’m 13 years deep into looking.
_________________
www.blastserv.com

wanted:
RHD Barndoor floor mat..reproduction is fine

[Clara]