Hello All.
I recently started a car resto and modification business. A lot of my work has been on 90s Nissans and, my favourites, early Datsuns. However, since I finished a mate's VW split screen camper, I have been 'blessed' with a lot of other VWs to sort.
I have a small collection of Beach Buggies, Bajas and donor Beetles of my own and have recently come to realise that I know very little about anything VW. While trying to fit a front axle assembly to a shortened Beetle floor pan, I found out that there are 2 different types, that is, tubes can be 5 or 6 inches apart.
One chap I spoke to some time ago told me that axles with ball joints are very rare and much sought after by owners of the modern Kubel. Looking at my fleet, most of the axles are balljointed. Does this mean I'm sitting on a fortune? I expect not. He also said that a certain type of axle was sought after by Buggy fanatics because fitting them to a Beetle gave a 3" lift. I forget the details now. (Derek in Shepshed, please get in touch again).
What I'm after is a definitive list of the types of Beetle, when they were made, what running gear was fitted, what fits where and so on. I've bought a couple of books which haven't helped. Can anyone point me at an authoritative book of facts that doesn't contain opinion and guesswork?
There may be some time before I can reply to any replies, if you get my drift. I'm busy Beetling.
Thanks in advance
Jon
I recently started a car resto and modification business. A lot of my work has been on 90s Nissans and, my favourites, early Datsuns. However, since I finished a mate's VW split screen camper, I have been 'blessed' with a lot of other VWs to sort.
I have a small collection of Beach Buggies, Bajas and donor Beetles of my own and have recently come to realise that I know very little about anything VW. While trying to fit a front axle assembly to a shortened Beetle floor pan, I found out that there are 2 different types, that is, tubes can be 5 or 6 inches apart.
One chap I spoke to some time ago told me that axles with ball joints are very rare and much sought after by owners of the modern Kubel. Looking at my fleet, most of the axles are balljointed. Does this mean I'm sitting on a fortune? I expect not. He also said that a certain type of axle was sought after by Buggy fanatics because fitting them to a Beetle gave a 3" lift. I forget the details now. (Derek in Shepshed, please get in touch again).
What I'm after is a definitive list of the types of Beetle, when they were made, what running gear was fitted, what fits where and so on. I've bought a couple of books which haven't helped. Can anyone point me at an authoritative book of facts that doesn't contain opinion and guesswork?
There may be some time before I can reply to any replies, if you get my drift. I'm busy Beetling.
Thanks in advance
Jon