Variant Suspension Replacement
Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 11:52 pm
Pretty tired right now after all the work. We tried to get it ready for the Cruise for the Cure -- came pretty close, but failed. Its done now, though.
Started with my '65 Variant, slammed to the ground. Bump stops cut off in front, removed in the rear. Shortened axles and shaved drums in back. Tie rods completely shot. Reverse gear practically gone.
Tram arrived at the house a few days ago with parts.
The goal was to replace the front beam, rear subframe, transmission, wheels and tires in three days of working. I had already gotten five stock wide-5 wheels, sandblasted and powercoated with correct Coker thin whitewall tires and Bilstein shocks.
Rear subframe with torsion spring and trailing arms at proper ride height:
Transaxle- Cleaned up and detailed with OEM VW German mounts and boots:
Front beam with German Meyle ball joints and tie rods, Bilstein steering dampner, NOS FAG needle bearings and seals at trailing arms, Lemfoerder steering gear, adjusted to stock ride height
Rear bump stops (need to be cleaned up and detailed yet)
OEM Meyle German horn:
I also prepped and painted a correct T3 trailer hitch to tow the '67 Heilite camper.
Before:
After:
We were up past 2am most nights and last night we were up until 4:30am - and I had to wake up early and haul sound equipment over to the Cruise for the Cure today. It was nightmarish at times, but Tram is a trooper and just doesn't quit. Whatta guy.
Started with my '65 Variant, slammed to the ground. Bump stops cut off in front, removed in the rear. Shortened axles and shaved drums in back. Tie rods completely shot. Reverse gear practically gone.
Tram arrived at the house a few days ago with parts.
The goal was to replace the front beam, rear subframe, transmission, wheels and tires in three days of working. I had already gotten five stock wide-5 wheels, sandblasted and powercoated with correct Coker thin whitewall tires and Bilstein shocks.
Rear subframe with torsion spring and trailing arms at proper ride height:
Transaxle- Cleaned up and detailed with OEM VW German mounts and boots:
Front beam with German Meyle ball joints and tie rods, Bilstein steering dampner, NOS FAG needle bearings and seals at trailing arms, Lemfoerder steering gear, adjusted to stock ride height
Rear bump stops (need to be cleaned up and detailed yet)
OEM Meyle German horn:
I also prepped and painted a correct T3 trailer hitch to tow the '67 Heilite camper.
Before:
After:
We were up past 2am most nights and last night we were up until 4:30am - and I had to wake up early and haul sound equipment over to the Cruise for the Cure today. It was nightmarish at times, but Tram is a trooper and just doesn't quit. Whatta guy.