Fastback front beam and suspension

[kaddy]

Happy new year folks.

I,ve just been offered a number of front beams and a couple of rear suspensions for a fasty.

Price is very good, and the belief is that they are circa 65. Quick question, would they be suitable for a 72

shell and floor pan. In short, are they compatible for post 65 cars.

Thanks

[miketyp3]

Hello,

A lot depends on how much of the 72 you have and want to keep.
The fastback was introduced for 66 so if the donor parts are from this body style then they will be later than 65.
However, presuming they are around that vintage then the whole front and rear assemblies will fit the later body and pan, but you could get into difficulties mix and matching bits within these assemblies.
For example, the 72 gearbox wouldn't fit the earlier suspension subframe as that is intended for the earlier swing axle set up.
Also the front axle itself is fine, but the fitting of the calipers changed for 72, so you would need to use the 72 stub axles to retain the 72 brakes, or use 66-71 brakes if you use the stub axles that come with the bits (presuming they are from a fastback)

If you're interested I have a complete 72 rear suspension assembly (no brakes) that I would be keen to swap for a good swing axle rear subframe.

Mike

[mjrpoulton]

To add to mike's comments the stub axles changed for the 1968 model year to accommodate the larger track rod ends which became M12 rather than M10 threads. The steering drop arm changed to match. You could use an early beam as far as torsion bars, ball joints, shocks and arms are concerned but you would need to keep all the other 72 parts, unless the beam is complete from steering box to brakes.

Mark

[kaddy]

Thanks for the speedy replies guys.

I own and drive a 72 fastback, was originally owned by a previous forum member here. Its now in Ireland.

I was querying the 65 stuff, as I dont want to see it go to the scrapper, if I can make use of some of it.

Maybe you can properly suss the year from the ads pics here,

http://cars.donedeal.ie/vintagecars-for ... ts/8152046

Collection organised for this saturday

[miketyp3]

Thats all late stuff and would suit a 72 without doubt.

Its a steal too... If the beams are good each one is worth around the asking price - not to mention the exhausts.
Well done!

Mike

[kaddy]

Nice one

I had an idea the ad year was incorrect. Great start to the year

It would be a sad shame if the scrappie got it. And now he wont.

I have a good floor for another fasty, so its now going to be easier to get a complete pan and front and rear suspensions

ready for my existing shell, before I pop it of for new heater channels repair, and back onto a good pan.

Looks like a busy year ahead

[mjrpoulton]

Agreed if the beams are good, it's a great deal. I cannot tell if the exhausts are small bore 65-71 or later 71 on large bore. Easier to find the tail pipe for the latter but suspect these might be small bore, only going by my experience of never having seen a large bore exhaust with the pre heater pipe!

Mark

[Editor]

They did produce the large bore with a pre-heater pipe, I assume to standardise parts - I've even got an un-used one here! Not genuine VW.

[mjrpoulton]

Thanks Dave

Well, every day is a learning experience! I can add that to the list!

Cheers

Mark

[kaddy]

Thanks for all the info and advice, I,ll let you know how things go

[kaddy]

Here is the candidate shortly to go under the knife

[kaddy]

Good day today, collected all the type 3 parts.

Good news is 2 nos vw exhausts, never fitted. Six galvanised wheel rims, perfect condition.

And a possible nos rear suspension frame. Each trailing arm has the drum end, seals/bearings/collars ect held in by

captive6 inch nylon nuts and bolts and washers. Never seen this before. Is it a possible sign of an un used rear frame???