JBugs - 1963 VW Beetle - Narrowed Front Beam Installation

[@freddyveras6607]

It’s just amazing that my man from Jbugs answers 90% of questions and concerns from followers. You don’t see that on any other vlogs! Real stand up dude in my eyes! 👍

[@cyprianskiba8768]

You guys are such a huge help to beetle nubies like myself. Thank you!

[@Kikinahm]

What is all considered in the frame/chassis; I mean excluding the body, motor and transmission?

[@greglogan73]

Thank you for the nice videos..very helpful always in many situations

[@londonpickering8675]

Oddly satisfying.

[@samking9877]

Thanks for this and all your other videos. When you knocked off the steering box alignment tabs from the beam, how did you know how to align the steering box? Any tips on aligning mine on my ‘63?

[@Sam_Mebane]

We use the steering shaft to determine the correct placement of the box, starting at about 3:50.

[@familyurias1938]

I love your videos thanks

[@seanjohnson1903]

do you guys have the hardware for mounting the link pin to the body? Specifically the bolts and plates used. Y'alls videos are pivotal in me getting my 68 beetle going. love your work and products

[@Sam_Mebane]

We don't offer the stock bolts or the lock plates, no. We do have slightly longer bolts that are used when installing caster shims: www.jbugs.com/product/22-2816.html

[@mikebaird5636]

If I choose to use 2" narrowed now with my drums, will that allow easier install of drop spindles and disc brakes in future?

[@Sam_Mebane]

Drop spindles are independent of the beam and whether it is narrowed or not. Depending on the year of you car, and which wheels and tires you go with, a narrowed beam may allow for a better fit.

[@robertporras5060]

What type of grease is used to fill the new narrowed beam?

[@Sam_Mebane]

We use wheel bearing grease for suspension components.

[@robertporras5060]

@@Sam_Mebane brand name?

[@Sam_Mebane]

@@robertporras5060 this was 5 years ago, I can't recall what we had in the tube back then.

[@tylersanders6080]

Is it vital to pre-grease the bars before they go in the beam or just grease everything at the add as you did?

[@Sam_Mebane]

I didn't grease the leaves before hand. I do grease up the trailing arms, that is a necessity.

[@andylawton9116]

How much did you chop down your steering link arms? I’ve chopped an inch off both of them, this still doesn’t seem to be enough

[@Sam_Mebane]

We didn't, we used shorter assemblies that EMPI offers to suit their narrowed beams.

[@greglogan73]

I just got a 3" narrowed ball joint adjustable beam*(supposed to be a 2"...suprize!!!!) ...I will run it with drop spindles... Any suggestions ?

[@Sam_Mebane]

Bolt it on and get rolling! The installation should be similar, just make sure the rest of the parts are narrowed to suit as needed.

[@mrrob516]

Can you do a video about steering box replacement/adjustment please?

[@JBugsVWParts]

We did remove and install the steering box on our 63 Resto Custom Beetle and covered it in some upcoming videos. It was in good shape and did not need an adjustment though. It is something that we plan to cover at some point, we’re awaiting the right opportunity.

[@johnd830]

@@JBugsVWParts Second this request!

[@bigalforsyth]

what zerk/grease fittings did you use? Empi says all beams are 5/16-18 for grease fittings...problem is NOBODY makes a 5/16-18 grease fitting. HELP! Oh and jbugs chat line said use M8x1...nope, that ripped the first thread out of the beam. i confirmed with my tap that the beam is infact tapped to 5/16-18 thread. again...no grease fittings found that thread. If McMaster Carr doesn't have it i usually say it doesn't exist!

[@Sam_Mebane]

We've always installed 8x1.25 zerks with out any issues. If you can't get one started, re-tap the holes and give that a whirl.

[@aviationdreams6443]

No caster shims needed ?

[@Sam_Mebane]

Since we installed drop spindles, no. If we we dropping this low with a beam only the caster shims would be recommended.

[@charlesdunecaliboso143]

Do you have any supplies for vw parts?

[@JBugsVWParts]

Yes, we have a full line of VW Parts online at jbugs.com

[@julioecores]

What did you do with sway bar? is the original?

[@JBugsVWParts]

The original sway bar was removed during the removal process of the front beam. The sway bar that was installed is a new narrowed sway bar that can be found here: www.jbugs.com/product/22-2833.html

[@Martini40oz]

Do you leave zip ties on there?

[@JBugsVWParts]

Yes, there is no harm in leaving the zip ties in place.

[@tomasalvarez6040]

Do you have mechanics on site to do the work on my 72 ghia? Narrow adjustble front, and lower the rear?

[@JBugsVWParts]

We do not have a service facility, no. As a business, we only sell parts.

[@joshromero87]

Why would you want a narrowed beam?

[@JBugsVWParts]

Link pin cars (pre 1966 Beetles and Ghias) typically need a narrowed beam whenever running drop spindles or disc brakes and a wider than stock tire to prevent the tire from rubbing the fender when lowering the car.

[@Lil_Dill4]

so what if you have a 1975 super bettle would the issue still occur?

[@JBugsVWParts]

Super Beetles have a McPherson Strut front suspension which is nowhere similar to the beam front ends on the Standard Beetles. The front suspension on a Super Beetle is slightly wider than the rear suspension and currently there is no way to narrow the front suspension that we are aware of. Careful choice in both the tire size and more importantly the wheel offset is needed if you are lowering the front end of the Super Beetle. A wheel with an offset that sits closer to the body is typically desired.