[T3] Narrowed beam conversion

[Robert Klein]

The big question about keeping the type 3 beam is...where do you get parts to rebuild it? It might be a better beam. But, a type 1 conversion will keep it on the road.

Sent from the desk of Robert Klein 


On May 29, 2017, at 6:22 AM, "Jim Adney" <jadney at vwtype3.org> wrote:

> On 28 May 2017 at 17:09, Ray Gifford wrote:
> 
>> I am about to narrow a type 1 beam and buy the conversion kit for my
>> 65 notch. Add disc brakes. Any comments or suggestion? Things to watch
>> out for? 
> 
> I have to ask why you think this would be a good thing to do. The Type 3 is a 
> more advanced and stronger beam and you'll have to do some serious 
> cobbling to get the Type 1 beam to clamp in the Type 3 mounts. Few Type 1 
> people realize that the Type 3 front beam has an integral sway bar. Late 
> Type 1 beams came with a sway bar clamped on externally, but that goes 
> away if you narrow that beam.
> 
> Will you also have to cut away inner fender sheet metal to clear the 
> narrowed beam when turning?
> 
> It seems like a lot of trouble and expense to go to for a downgrade.
> 
> OTOH, the disk brakes would be a nice upgrade, but the easy way to do that 
> would be to swap in later Type 3 steering knuckles, or just a complete later 
> Type 3 beam. I have suitable knuckles and calipers here. And keep in mind 
> that Type 3 calipers (42 mm pistons) give you stronger brakes than Type 1 
> calipers (40 mm pistons.) That works out to about a 10% difference in 
> braking force.
> 
> While you're at it, an upgrade to a later Type 3 tandem master cylinder 
> would be a good addition. Your '65 master cylinder is not suitable for use 
> with disk brakes, unless it's modified. (It has a residual pressure valve which 
> will keep the disk brakes from releasing.)
> 
>> Also, will rear drums from a 69 T3 fit?
> 
> If you bought both the drums AND the hubs they might, but you might also 
> have to change the shoes and maybe the backing plates. I'm not sure if the 
> spline section of the late hub is the same. Of course you realize that the '65 
> came with wide-5 wheels and the '69 is 4-bolt.  
> 
> -- 
> *******************************
> Jim Adney, jadney at vwtype3.org
> Madison, Wisconsin, USA
> *******************************
> 
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