i used a large pipe cutter, no loss of material and super clean already prepped for welding. just make sure to do one complete before cutting the other or the beam can spread. the pipe cutter gave super straight clean cuts. but like you did....in a pinch on a low budget....you do what you gotta do. good job.
Back in the late 60s early 70s building street buggies that's what we used to cut them. And if you dldn't want to cut the beam. You could remove and cut some torsion leaves off the spring stack. And then tack weld small sections of the cut spring on the inner mount point and the outer mounting points to complete the shape of the stack. That's how we did it old school.
Done this many times! 1/8 inch=1inch drop. I don't even disassemble the beam to do the job. Out of the car and back in less than a couple of hours :) My '68 Beetle runs a 1 and 1/2 inch drop. Just enough to eliminate the stock "nose-up" stance.
I've done it this way a few times. Sadly I don't have a TIG so, MIG everytime. Looks good fellas, keep up the good work. Put me in for the beam too, even though I'm in the UK 😂
When did my beetle I just removed the bolt, broke the collar free inside the tube from the dimples and drilled a new hole further round for the bolt. No welding required 👍🏼
this may sound crazy but 12 yrs ago i took the center grub screw out and re drilled the hole and turned that whole thing inside the tube and put the screw back in. both top and bottom and got me about 4 in of drop on my 58 panel van.
This was the very first way to lower your VW Ball Joint or King/Link pin front beam. Way before pulling splines (Dangerous, don't suggest it) then the Sway-A-Way lowering kit that was adjustable raise and lower of 4". Then the Puma Adjusters which were basically the same thing. But, the last 2 kits, you still have to cut and install the adjusters. Same way to make an adjustable raised beam as well. Nice work guys, bringing back a late 60's early 70's way to lower a VW!
I know an easier way to lower the front end. Let air out of tires. No tools needed. It's truly free. Warning: Results may vary. In all seriousness, nice video well explained.
My 69 linton spoiler needs a beam as mine rusted out and is not safe to drive and im in minnesota and not any doners left way up here. ty and gl to all!
I might of missed the explanation but do you cut and weld just the upper torsion center or do you repeat the steps for the bottom torsion center as well? Thanks!
I have 1972 Baywindow bus and wondering if this process can be done to front beam like you have demonstrated? Also, any idea if I can lower 2-2.5” and run stock wheels/tires without rubbing issue?
@@mzmadman That will have IRS in the rear so wont camber to bad anyway. I havent done a type 3 yet but on a beetle you can flip the arms when you lower it and that will straiten it out some after lowering. Of course you have to cut off and re fabricate the shock mounts
Because inside that tube piece they rotated is a thick steel disc. Drilling and tapping that thing would be way more work. It’s probably a very hard steel if I had to guess
Stupid question : ive heard people pulling the torsion bars out and removing the front stabilizer bar for a quick suspension drop. What is your view on it?
@@RobStapleton my beetle is a 1974 model still has the king and link pin beam. Bought drop spindles too fit and at the same time replacing the king and link pins.
@@RobStapleton I appreciate that you replied so swiftly. I mean lowering without losing the ride quality and without having to use expensive dropped spring plates or adjustable ones. If you show us how to cut and weld the original swing plates to drops them and avoid sacrificing ride quality
Just one more innovative idea for vws working on a 61 wet sanding down to the original paint ragtop roof section Germans sure new how to build a car the brakes went out oops excuse to build it lol
i used a large pipe cutter, no loss of material and super clean already prepped for welding. just make sure to do one complete before cutting the other or the beam can spread. the pipe cutter gave super straight clean cuts. but like you did....in a pinch on a low budget....you do what you gotta do. good job.
Use a center punch ding dong
Make ure marks. And use a pipe cutter,, better tell people not 2 cut thru torson bars.
Back in the late 60s early 70s building street buggies that's what we used to cut them. And if you dldn't want to cut the beam. You could remove and cut some torsion leaves off the spring stack. And then tack weld small sections of the cut spring on the inner mount point and the outer mounting points to complete the shape of the stack. That's how we did it old school.
Done this many times! 1/8 inch=1inch drop. I don't even disassemble the beam to do the job. Out of the car and back in less than a couple of hours :) My '68 Beetle runs a 1 and 1/2 inch drop. Just enough to eliminate the stock "nose-up" stance.
Might be a cool video to show how to do it this way.
You can use hose clamps to hold the angle iron in place.
Good video guys, thanks for the info.
Thanks Chris!
Excellent Video. Very Informative and detailed. You guys always offer great advice. Keep it up. Always Appreciated.
Great Video ,really liked how you showed how much to twist by laying it down on paper !!!!
Awesome glad you liked it!
I've done it this way a few times. Sadly I don't have a TIG so, MIG everytime. Looks good fellas, keep up the good work.
Put me in for the beam too, even though I'm in the UK 😂
You'll just have to plan a trip to Florida 😁
Clever, and super high quality video. You guys are naturals at this. I don't need a beam though.
Thanks! I tought Rob everything I know about making videos and he totally ignored all that and did this instead....good call!
When did my beetle I just removed the bolt, broke the collar free inside the tube from the dimples and drilled a new hole further round for the bolt. No welding required 👍🏼
Nice work, that would be great for my Karmann Ghia project.
Would love to get a Ghia in the shop!
Guys, just wanted to say thanks. Answered so many questions, like how to keep things straight.
Glad we could help! Thanks for watching!
this may sound crazy but 12 yrs ago i took the center grub screw out and re drilled the hole and turned that whole thing inside the tube and put the screw back in. both top and bottom and got me about 4 in of drop on my 58 panel van.
That sounds like a real easy way to do it.
Good video always nice to find a way to do it for free.Thanks
Great Video guys!! Great info all around... great time to narrow that beam as well!!
Going to narrow it real soon!
Really good video. Looking forward to the next one. I'm in.
I'm am definitely in need one too. I am in!
How about a hose clamp to hold the angle iron ?
That's not a bad idea.
Great tips for me to work on for my 66 Vert Ghia
Ooh, free beam? I'm in!
Excellent video, this would be great in my 73 Thing I plan to lower this winter.
Definitely worth considering now for my 73.
What tracking/alignment figures do you use once it’s all beck together?
Great video, just one tip, it is much more easy to use a racket pipe cutter, clean and perpendicular cut.
That would work excellent! I dont have one but I think most diy peeps have a grinder so we just showed how to do it with that
This was the very first way to lower your VW Ball Joint or King/Link pin front beam. Way before pulling splines (Dangerous, don't suggest it) then the Sway-A-Way lowering kit that was adjustable raise and lower of 4". Then the Puma Adjusters which were basically the same thing. But, the last 2 kits, you still have to cut and install the adjusters. Same way to make an adjustable raised beam as well. Nice work guys, bringing back a late 60's early 70's way to lower a VW!
Pulled a leaf in each beam in my 57 oval with success was wondering if anybody tried a ball joint front end
Nice job guys, videos keep getting better!
Thanks. We're trying to make them better every time.
Rob Stapleton you’re killing it 🤙
Videos are awesome and a great help thanks for all the work guys
Great vid, picked up a 71’ Standard not to long ago and might just have to do the same to the beam
I know an easier way to lower the front end. Let air out of tires. No tools needed. It's truly free. Warning: Results may vary. In all seriousness, nice video well explained.
Awesome video guys! Subbed!
Have a 71 that this would be great to go on.
My 69 linton spoiler needs a beam as mine rusted out and is not safe to drive and im in minnesota and not any doners left way up here. ty and gl to all!
I sure hope you win it! Sounds like you really need it.
Duckman in the garage! Awesome video guys!
Thanks Duckman!
@@RobStapleton Thanks for the great video! Looking forward to seeing more of these!
DuckmanCycles and VW Garage that #MFDM is everywhere! 🙄😂
@@VWJawbreaker Yeah that dude gets around.... don't shake hands with him... EVER
DuckmanCycles and VW Garage too late 😂
“Free” .... is I just need to buy a welder and some classes lol
🤣
yay! free beam!! VW life man, nice gesture:)
Informative ! Could use this on the new project
You guys make awesome content. Ive just started following your channel
Thanks for following!! Hopefully we'll get some new content out this week.
"I'm in" : Great video an help, thanks for your advice and time.
Thank
I might of missed the explanation but do you cut and weld just the upper torsion center or do you repeat the steps for the bottom torsion center as well? Thanks!
Yes you have to do both.. Just make sure you do one at a time... it will keep everything lined up.
WoW y’all make that look so easy. Thanks
It is lol 😀 Thanks for watching!
sick work as always
Thanks
your the best , Im not good in math , if i want to lower 4 inches how much should I turn the tubes? half inch???
I would just weld in adjusters so you can change it if it's wrong.
Great job guys!
Nice work
Could be done with stick? Maybe a 7018?
Cheers from Brazil
I can be done with stick but it would be more clean up to make it look nice.
@@RobStapleton Thank you for your answer!
Thanks. I like your videos. No BS!
Great video, lovely weld
I’m in!! Glad I found your channel when I did! Thanks for the videos and tips
I have 1972 Baywindow bus and wondering if this process can be done to front beam like you have demonstrated?
Also, any idea if I can lower 2-2.5” and run stock wheels/tires without rubbing issue?
The Baywindow is done basically the same way. Wheels should work but you'll probably have to go with a smaller tire.
When you say 3/20 is that mm? Awesome video!
Can you give me the time stamp to what part your talkin about?
@@RobStapleton at 5:15 how much do you turn the torsion center you cut out, turn and weld back in. How wide is that gap you drew?
@@c10etc If you go to around 7:50 it shows how we twisted the tube.
I subscribed just because of the spray
Very cool 😎
Always nice to learn things 👌🏻
Thanks Zac!
Great video guys! Thank you!
Thanks for watching!
This is very informative
Im down i just bought me a 77 and need it lowered
will this method work for a late bay Bus 1977?
Yes, you just need to cut off the center pin bracket for the steering first and then weld it back on after you're done.
I'm in for sure
i need this beam and you know this man........
Great channel. I just subscribed. I have a few videos to catch up on.
- KEEP DUBBING -
would the process work for a 77 bus beam ?
Yes it is the same concept.
Love what you guys are doing!!!
I’m In. Nice work!
is there a way of doing the rear without the wheels cambering in at the top?
Well Yea but that involves some work! We hope to do a video about the rear shortly. What year vw do you have?
DemonMotorsports1 I have a '72 notchback
@@mzmadman That will have IRS in the rear so wont camber to bad anyway. I havent done a type 3 yet but on a beetle you can flip the arms when you lower it and that will straiten it out some after lowering. Of course you have to cut off and re fabricate the shock mounts
what ? no video of the tacos ? :)
Haha they were delicious!!
Ha :) We'll make sure to get some taco video next time. Lol
I’m in
damn! free beam!? need this for my type 3 rhd!
I'm in!
Nice! that really helped hopefully I made in time I'm in
Sweet tip
Awesome vid, keep it up the good work.
You two are pretty funny 😎 much enjoyed 😃
Thank you! We try to have fun with it!
Great video!
Thanks Marty.
This beam would work great in my bug
I'm in!
Why not just drill new holes through measurements unlike all that work?
Because inside that tube piece they rotated is a thick steel disc. Drilling and tapping that thing would be way more work. It’s probably a very hard steel if I had to guess
Hot dog! Thats cool!
Great tips. Thanks. Hope I win that beam though. Thanks guys!
Great video! It would be nice to win this beam so I can lower my bug. Looking forward to the second video!
Hopefully have the second one up in a couple of weeks.
Beam me up, Ryan!
Good to know. Thanks for sharing 🙏
Awesome video...great tips
Hey I just checked out your channel... My first Beetle was a 76!
I'm in for sure!!!
What a great video!! Wish I found it earlier so I could’ve tried to win.
Thanks Shawn! We have some more giveaways coming up real soon so keep checking back on our channel.
Awesome video, would be great to get beam
Subscribed! Great stuff!
Nice video this is hard to come by on youtube
Thanks Ryan!
I’m in.
Stupid question : ive heard people pulling the torsion bars out and removing the front stabilizer bar for a quick suspension drop. What is your view on it?
It will lower it but it will ride terrible.
@@RobStapleton my beetle is a 1974 model still has the king and link pin beam. Bought drop spindles too fit and at the same time replacing the king and link pins.
@@pierreduplessis1507 I had a 1976 that I pulled the torsions out of the beam....I'll never do that again. lol 😥😟
@@RobStapleton ok. How was the ride squirrely? At this moment im a bit scared too cut into a beam. Id rather do the drop spindles.
@@pierreduplessis1507 It rode like a tank... Are you anywhere near Florida in the U.S.?
Hi guys. Do u have any idea how to lower the back of a 1973 bug for free? Another video would be great. A fan from Egypt
Thank you so much for watching! We are going to do a video on the rear, we're just waiting for the right car. The rear is pretty easy!
@@RobStapleton I appreciate that you replied so swiftly. I mean lowering without losing the ride quality and without having to use expensive dropped spring plates or adjustable ones. If you show us how to cut and weld the original swing plates to drops them and avoid sacrificing ride quality
@@amrabdelhamid8583 I like that idea! Maybe we'll show both ways when we do the video.
@@RobStapleton can't wait and maybe I will shoot a video when I do this on my car. I am lowering the front end using your video pretty soon
@@amrabdelhamid8583 I would love to see your video if you shoot it!
Awesome video
Thanks, Sameer... we've already shot the follow up to this video so it should be out in about 2 weeks!
Beeaammmmm.. Im in
Pretty easy. Whata call it?
You guys rock!! Beam giveaway!!
Just one more innovative idea for vws working on a 61 wet sanding down to the original paint ragtop roof section Germans sure new how to build a car the brakes went out oops excuse to build it lol
Cool! I'm in!
Let's do it!
This is awesome!!!!!
Thank sir
Thanks for watching!
Just what I was looking for 👍👍👍
The follow up video is coming real soon!
Rob Stapleton how soon ???
We've already shot the video so it should be in a little over a week.
I’m in!
Nice video not sure if I would trust myself with doing this. Lol
Just find an old beam to practice on.👍
@@RobStapleton I will give it a shot.
I'm in!!!!!
How much can you lower before you have to narrow your beam?
that depends on the tire size and wheel offset really . we made another vid of how to narrow it as well though