Looking for Evidence of IRS Conversions on T1 Buses Before 1977

[squarebirch]

Hi everyone,

I’m trying to find evidence that IRS conversions on VW T1 Buses (pre-’67) were already being done in the 1970s – ideally before 1977.

I know that today there are kits (like the one from CSP), but I’m looking to prove that these types of conversions – from swing axle to IRS – were already being done back in the day, especially in the U.S. scene (California perhaps?).

So, I’m hoping some of you long-time enthusiasts, builders or collectors might be able to help. I’m specifically looking for any of the following:
• Period photos from the 1970s of T1s with IRS conversions
• Old magazine articles, tech features, race coverage, etc.
• Vintage ads for IRS conversion kits (from companies like Sway-A-Way, Bug-In sponsors, etc.)
• Documentation, brochures, catalogs or workshop material from back then
• Even personal stories from folks who were doing these conversions in the ’70s

If you have anything you could share, or even point me in the right direction, I’d be super grateful. I’m not trying to start a debate – I’m just looking to document that it was technically and practically happening back then.

Thanks so much in advance for any help!
Geri

[House]

I had a 62 w/t 15 window that was IRS’d and last registered in the mid 70’s.
By the evidence of the wheel wells it had some pretty big meats in the rear at one point in it’s life…

[squarebirch]

Hello House,

Thank you for sharing – exactly the information I'm looking for! It's good to hear that your 1962 15-window had an IRS conversion and was registered back in the mid-1970s. The marks in the wheel arches speak volumes and confirm that such conversions were common back then.

I would appreciate more details if you have any additional photos or information about your bus, especially close-ups of the rear or the IRS conversion itself. Anything you can share would be incredibly helpful!

Thanks again for your help!

Best regards,
Geri

[pondoras box]

I bought a 21 window back in the late 90’s that had the entire IRS suspension from a late bay. The bus had been parked since 1980 in a garage and forgotten about. The woman was very old and was finally letting go of her late husband’s stuff. I didn’t catch it that the bolt patterns on the wheels were different until getting it home. I remember being bummed out that the original stuff had been removed and the mounts were welded in. I wound up just selling it on to a friend. He unfortunately decided drugs were more fun than busses and I don’t know what happened to it. It was In Anderson SC. So maybe still there? I think the bus was a 67. I am not digging through discs of digital photos from back then but pretty sure I didn’t document what I considered a hack.

Not sure of exactly when or who did the conversion just that by 1980 it had been done and then parked in the garage when the guy decided to not drive this bus anymore. But the idea had come to fruition before the 80’s
_________________
Looking for anything from Hal Casey Motors out of Hamburg New York, from license plate surrounds to matchbooks.

1961 23 Window (Bobo)
1965 11 Window (Zelda). https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=563183
1965 13 Window (Lucas)
1957 Oval ragtop
1960 hardtop
1964 hardtop
1965 hardtop
1973 standard bug
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=804912
1988 Cabriolet VR6 conversion
Plus a lot of other rusty junk

[squarebirch]

Hey, thanks for the story – super interesting! The fact that the bus was already converted before it was retired in 1980 suggests that the IRS exchange may have taken place in the 1970s.
If you ever find any old photos of it, I'd love to see them. Thanks for sharing!

[BarryL]

Back in early 90s' I joined a club that was just forming call Strictly Vintage 2s. We elected a Chapter Rep named Ian. Ian had a 23 window he had started to IRS. It looked really strange to me. It never got finished and he finally sold the 23 window for a goodly sum at the time .

[House]

Not sure when this one was converted but it has been off the road for a long time…
Small five lug pattern, though…

[mdege]

It sounds like squarebirch is looking for evidence that this conversion had been done to a split bus until 1977, because that would be 10 years after the manufacture of the last German splitt bus.

This would be needed to convince the TÜV engineer, that this kind of conversion had been done back in those days. This is important if you are trying to get the historic plates in Germany. This is important if you live in a city with smog control zone.

I remember a yellow and white Samba with a frame swap that sits on a bay window frame. It used to come to the Bullikartei Jahrestreffen, but I don't remember seeing it for a few years. And I don't remember if it had a historic plate or not. This could also be a lead.
_________________
- Michael

1965 21F: Restoration of a former '65 firetruck
1963 Typ3 Notchback project
1988 Multivan Magnum 112i
1984 Standard: My son wanted a bug for his first car

[pondoras box]

[ryans65]

Some times I whine about having to stand in line at the DMV to register my junk then I read stuff like this and remind myself how good we have it here when it comes to vintage cars!