Bay front suspension to Split

Ask and give advice here
Post Reply
64 Notchback
Crankshaft
Posts: 767
Joined: Wed May 28, 2014 7:18 pm
What model do you have?: 69 Baja bug, Sand R
Location: JHB South
Has thanked: 78 times
Been thanked: 37 times
South Africa

Bay front suspension to Split

Post by 64 Notchback »

Hi all.
I have quickly searched through the post on this but have not found a definitive answer.
A friend is looking for a front suspension to fit in his split (not sure what model) and I have a bay Brasillia one avail, now don't want to sell it to him and it does not fit. I am not sure what year thr Brasilia is. I read Herman`s thread where he has managed to fit a bay susp to a split.

Can it be done and if so what mods are required?.
Thanks


64 Notchback
Crankshaft
Posts: 767
Joined: Wed May 28, 2014 7:18 pm
What model do you have?: 69 Baja bug, Sand R
Location: JHB South
Has thanked: 78 times
Been thanked: 37 times
South Africa

Re: Bay front suspension to Split

Post by 64 Notchback »

Image
This is the susp I am talking about
Thanks
User avatar
sean
Transmission
Posts: 2400
Joined: Sun Aug 03, 2008 8:51 pm
What model do you have?: Bays & Splits
Location: Somerset West
Has thanked: 63 times
Been thanked: 227 times
South Africa

Re: Bay front suspension to Split

Post by sean »

I've never tested, but that suspension from a Brazilia is closer to a split than a normal baywindow. It does have king & link pins instead of ball joints, so hopefully the ride height will remain the same. Normal bay suspensions can be modified to fit a split, but the ride height is wrong and you have a different wheel PCD if fitted from a late bay.
User avatar
retrovan
Donor
Donor
Posts: 8709
Joined: Mon Feb 07, 2011 8:51 pm
What model do you have?: 52T1,68FB,72Bay,75FL
Location: Eich! no, in Jefferys Bay
Has thanked: 421 times
Been thanked: 539 times
Contact:
Netherlands

Re: Bay front suspension to Split

Post by retrovan »

When I did some investigations into this I found that the very early Bay beam will fit bolt for bolt.

Have not tested this as I did not have an early Bay beam, I had a late bay beam.

The Pic is of a Fugly beam, which is the same as a split, there is no advantage of swapping out these beams other then if it is in better condition.

So to fit my beam, I had to cut the Beam, not the bus, as the old beam can then go back if need be, and the cut Bay beam can be welded up and used in a bay again. So very much in keeping it restore-able.

Image

Image
Image

The Fugly has the same beam as the Split Bus, so now you can measure it and see if it will fit.

As Sean said, remember the Bay beam will increase the ride height by 25 to 40 mm so if you use big wheel you will get the raised look, but if you want the dropped look, this will not work.

If you need info on how I cut the beam to fit, let me know and I will post it.

Herman
1952 Split Beetle 1835cc
1968 Fastback 2Lt.type4
1972 Low Light Bay Panel Van 2Lt type 4
1975 Fleetline Panel Van 1914cc
2020 MeFusco Beetle Truck 2Lt type 4
1972 FT Hahn SP 1776 cc
64 Notchback
Crankshaft
Posts: 767
Joined: Wed May 28, 2014 7:18 pm
What model do you have?: 69 Baja bug, Sand R
Location: JHB South
Has thanked: 78 times
Been thanked: 37 times
South Africa

Re: Bay front suspension to Split

Post by 64 Notchback »

Hi all.
Thanks for all the info I have past it on the guy interested in the susp and it is now up to him if he wants it or not.
Herman, Thanks for the offer to post info on cutting of beam will keep in mind if guy takes the susp.
Post Reply