Front end rebuild.

Bill Bug · Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2018 1:06 pm Post subject: Front end rebuild.

If you were doing a frame off restoration of a 1970 bug.
Which front suspension parts would you replace?

And a month from now, I'll be asking which rear end parts would you replace.

zmichael84 · Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2018 1:23 pm Post subject: Re: Front end rebuild.

All of it! Or, inspect what you've got, then replace accordingly. But, most likely will be:

Upper & Lower Ball Joints
Inner & Outer Tie Rod Ends
Steering Damper
Shocks
Sway Bar Bushings

Inspect Torsion Arms for cracks/damage/wear
Inspect Spindles for cracks/damage/wear
Inspect Wheel Bearings, or just replace.
Inspect Front Beam Bushings for dry/cracked/torn
Clean, Inspect, Re-Grease front beam

Bill Bug · Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2018 2:45 pm Post subject: Re: Front end rebuild.

I meant to post these earlier.

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Bill Bug · Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2018 3:25 pm Post subject: Re: Front end rebuild.

I was thinking about rebuilding as much as I can before welding on pans...Is that a good idea?

Bill Bug · Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2018 3:26 pm Post subject: Re: Front end rebuild.

TX-73 · Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2018 6:12 pm Post subject: Re: Front end rebuild.

Just my perspective but for me I wanted every tired old component to be replaced for a complete restoration. I wanted a "new" bug when I was done. So every wear part on front and rear suspension got replaced. I only wanted to do it once. I'll admit thpugh that I did leave the rear control arm bushings and of course I would up coming back to do them. Happens every time I cut a corner....
I've also found that marginal parts may be ok combined with other marginal parts but when new parts are installed those marginal parts don't work that great anymore.
Anyway your thoughts may differ - just my comment based on buildimg a number of frame offs.
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VW_Jimbo · Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2018 6:36 pm Post subject: Re: Front end rebuild.

wcfvw69 · Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2018 8:26 pm Post subject: Re: Front end rebuild.

I'll throw a wrench in your thoughts.

Only replace what's worn or out of spec. Understand that most aftermarket parts are nowhere near the quality of the original VW parts. My 67 bug has roughly 160k miles on it. The ball joints were worn too much and they were replaced with the highest quality joints I could find at the time. Replacing the steering damper is usually needed too. All four tie rods on this bug are original to the car. No play at all. All have the VW logo on them with perfect boots. I'll run them until they show play.
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Bill Bug · Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2018 8:22 pm Post subject: Re: Front end rebuild.

Thanks again for all the input.
If I remember correctly you guys recommend urethane seals/bushings?

VW_Jimbo · Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2018 10:52 pm Post subject: Re: Front end rebuild.

Bill Bug · Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 5:18 pm Post subject: Re: Front end rebuild.


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