What are these holes in the beam?

[Eric71sup]

I'm completing the process of narrowing my beam. In the process of cutting, welding and grinding I no longer have the hole plugs for these 4 holes.

Do I need these holes? I can't find new plugs for them. Can I weld them in?

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66’ Beetle (in process)
71' Super Convertible

[Glenn]

Grease fittings
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Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"

Member #1009

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[Eric71sup]

I've got 4 grease fittings further out closer to the end supports. These holes had plastic stoppers in them. I should have taken the time to pull them out but instead I got grinder happy.
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66’ Beetle (in process)
71' Super Convertible

[KTPhil]

Locknut/access/visual check for stop for torsion arm bushings?
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Current Fleet:
'71 Fastback
'69 Westfalia
Retired:
'67 Beetle
'65 Beetle (x2)
'65 Bus
'71 Squareback

[Busstom]

Why not just weld'em up then?


Oh yeah, that's what you want to do
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My name's Steve and it's pronounced "Bust 'em" (cuz people think I'm Tom) 😏

[Eric71sup]

I think that is my course of action. I wanted to see if anyone knew anything about them before I welded them in permanently.
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66’ Beetle (in process)
71' Super Convertible

[esde]

What is the beam for? I do not recognize the bracket on the left of the pic.
My best guess is that it was intended to be a drain. Fresh grease forces the old grease towards the center and with it goes any contaminants. Occasionally when building a beam I found one with lots of rust inside the tube near the center, where water was trapped and just sat.
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modok wrote:
Bent cranks are silent but gather no moss. I mean, ah, something like that.

[Busstom]

[aviator8]

I had the same question. I never got a solid answer, but best guess is a weep hole to allow any moisture that got int the beam to get out.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=767004&highlight=

[KTPhil]

Maybe exit holes to ensure no big air pockets on first greasing? Then plug with threaded or rubber plugs?
_________________
Current Fleet:
'71 Fastback
'69 Westfalia
Retired:
'67 Beetle
'65 Beetle (x2)
'65 Bus
'71 Squareback

[Eric71sup]

I appreciate the answers. They are now full of weld. I'll let you know in 30 years if I made a mistake.
_________________
66’ Beetle (in process)
71' Super Convertible

[Busstom]