superbeetle front end suspension

popesutek · 07 August 2008, 04:27

First off here is what I have on my hands.

I found someone in town who has all of it and will let it go for next to nothing, just as long as i can pull it. I have been messing with mine for ever and cant get it all off. I am wanting to replace the part where the strut is held in place on each side (maybe strut, the bar that goes from the wheel to the front of the car.) Is there anyway to unbolt it, if so how far back are the bolts, or is it welded from end to end in place? Is there a weak spot or 'better" place to cut it? Just going for a simple swap but I can't swap what I can't take off.. Any help?

I put the same thing up on thesamba.com but figured two forums doubles my odds even though we all probally read both as it is...

Bookwus · 07 August 2008, 08:35

Hiya Pop,

I have to plead ignorance on this one.

I have never even looked hard at a Super front end much less done any work on one. I know that the front end on a standard is a pretty simple affair and comes out (the entire assembly) without a great deal of fuss. Inasmuch as the Super is built on what is basically the same pan, I can't imagine that it would be all that hard to completely remove the front end.

But that, of course, is speculation not knowledge.

You might want to try http://www.superbeetlesonly.com/forum/index.php

or..........

http://www.1302super.com/

volkenstein · 07 August 2008, 15:49

Popesutek,
That is plain nasty. The frame heads on a SB are meant to be an integral part of the front end. Yours is massively corroded. Will that bloke let you drag his entire car to your place?
I actually don't know whether say CIP1 or MAM stock SB frameheads, but you need one. Even where the normal "napoleon hat" stretches across is pretty shot.

To have a look at some repair work on an SB pan, www.shoptalkforums.com in the Euro Look forum. Find the post by Weibrand. His is a 1303 (Curved Windshield) but 1302's are similar up until Rack and Pinion in '76.

Edit : On better understanding, you would need a cut from the door "B" pillars forward, or swap floor pans entirely. You can then play mix 'n' match using the best components of both.

Volkenstein

Bookwus · 07 August 2008, 16:15

Hiya Sean,

Quote from: volkenstein on 07 August 2008, 15:49 .......That is plain nasty.............On better understanding, you would need a cut from the door "B" pillars forward, or swap floor pans entirely. You can then play mix 'n' match using the best components of both.

Ouch! It just hurts to read that. Sounds like a lotta work.

volkenstein · 08 August 2008, 07:48

Hi Mike,
Having butchered up my wrecked '70 in that manner it is a massive and noisy pain. The Red Spanner (Oxy/Acetylene torch) would be a better bet. Fire extenguishers handy in either case!.
Rescue the pan from the donor then slice and dice is much better.

Popesutek,
Sorry - it appears I've led you up the Garden path. Weibrand's username on STF is "racelook" and his thread is called
"Project Racelook" in the Euro Look forum. If you want I can grovel underneath mine and take some pics, or scan some views in from a parts book.

Regards
Sean

popesutek · 12 August 2008, 21:24

Well as a student I have no money at all... but I do have a friend that is into the modern welding art stuff (making kangaroos out of chaing) he says he can make it work... So i'm going to let him tow it to his house and let the mad prof. go to work on her. I am hoping for the best, i'll post pictures up after the bandages come off.. Just to get her on the road till I can replace the entire bloody thing you know.

Bookwus · 13 August 2008, 03:02

Hiya pop,

Kangaroos out of chain? That ought to thrill Sean and Lee.

Oh boy, the mind boggles at what your front end will look like!

I await the results with anticipation.

Rob T. · 18 August 2008, 04:23

You may want to change the entire pan from the doner car. If the frame head isn't welded back on perfectly you won't get good tracking or wheel alignment. I see a lot of that in NY. I'm going to make a jig to weld a total frame head back on in the right place it should be in. How is the rest of the spine or middle of the pan? There was a ' 73 super pan rebuilt for $800.00 on the samba totay that would be a good way to go. Good Luck.
Rob