Building an adjustable beam with Avis adjusters (Tutorial)

[13deluxe]

I just finished my 66 beam. I drilled the dimples that i could reach and rewelded the holes after. I also cut TWO 1/2 inch galvenized pipes so i didnt have to swap ends when I was bashing the the center back and forth. The only thing I have to add is about the hardware. I found 14mm 1.5 thread (Thats what the stock thread is) that was about 1 and 3 quarter inches long or longer would work. I grinded the end to a point like the original set screw where it goes into the leave spring. Make sure you put a nut on the threads before grinding so you clean off the threads with the nut after. After I tightend the bolt into the leaves and then tightend the nut down on the cap, I welded the bottom piece on and then cut the head off the bolt. Then i cut a slot for a big ass flat head screw driver into the end off the headless bolt. It works perfect and I didnt have to retap anything. It gives you lots of clearence on the top for the shift tube. Nice!!!! Thanks for all the info in this tutorial!!

[jeremyrockjock]

Here is how I overcome the 14mm set screw problem now.

Stock center torsion retainer thingy.

Avis style adjuster for an early beetle CIP1 for $19(it does make a difference because you need the pointed set screw)

Hole drilled and taped for 1/2-20 TPI 180 degrees from the 14mm hole.

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[Bill E.]

WOW great thread and soo much info...

So, why is there a second drilled hole in the center grabber??

I think it has something to do with flippin the torsion bars and twistin them?? But why a small set screw with no lock nut??

I made the new 14mm 1.4 X 60mm long bolts for the same reason. The center grabber is 14mm and the one in the kit is 1/2 20 (smaller).

I hear you can find some with the set screw end by using wheel studs.
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[yaz731200]

o my god that u al so much i was gona pay sum mechanic 150 quid to du fit a new beam on my car. although im stil puting a new one geting it narrowed i jsut had a thought in bed aboutt he leavs and this jsut answerd it all thank you so much the job is so much more simple now

[bill may]

[mabalot5150]

holy shit!!! i see in black and white, have and IQ of twelve and drink out of the toilet...and, i understood that...youre the man, man. cant wait till i slam the beast.
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[jeremyrockjock]

[Long-roofs]

[jeremyrockjock]

Thank Eric but I meant the stud size. 14mm or 1/2"
_________________
Why buy what you can build.
Step away from the fiberglass and no one gets hurt!!

[Long-roofs]

[harryset]

Getting ready to try this on my 72 standard bug, thanks for the great tutorial.

Question about your diagram on parts you don't mention. You show what appears to be 5 sets of retainers on each beam tube, but, only talk about the center retainer. . . what are the other parts pictured?
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[a_67vdub]

The outer ones are the bearings, not retainers.

[AJ Quick]

I got this done on my Beetle today with the help of this thread.

I am going to use the stock center retainer though. So I ordered some 14mm bolts and nuts to put on them.

For some reason McMaster doesn't sell 14mm set screws! They skip it... We'll see how my bolts idea work. I am probably going to have to taper the front of them on the lathe though.
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[Memph]

Great thread and very informative. I have a question tho.
On the CIP site there are 3 different adjusters
BEETLE/GHIA 46-65
BEETLE/GHIA 66-77
and the Bus ones. Which of the Beetle ones should I get? I know there are the bus specific adjusters but if the beetle adjusters can be made to fit without much trouble i would rather go with that as it is half the price. fyi it would be going on a 72 Bus.

[jmsmilin]

this thread really helps me understand beams better
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[nalange]

yes, why are the puma adjusters more than twice the price of the avis adjusters? and are they any better or easier to install? are the larger bumps necessary?

[jeremyrockjock]

Because anything bus related can be overpriced due to the poplarity. I still use the beetle avis adjusters. They work just as well at half the price.
_________________
Why buy what you can build.
Step away from the fiberglass and no one gets hurt!!

[nalange]

is this the right kind?
http://www.vwparts.net/LR401102.html

[jeremyrockjock]

Yes except I can't remember right off whether I use the link pin or ball joint. One of the has the longer pointed set screw which I use after retapping the retainer for 1/2-20.
_________________
Why buy what you can build.
Step away from the fiberglass and no one gets hurt!!

[70 140]

Just saw this post, and Jeremy's post about not finding a proper 14x1.5 stud

I have a bunch of 14x1.5 hex head studs around, probably an inch and half long - they are wheel studs I bought for some Porsche lugs.

If you tapered the end would that work?