converting super beetle pan

I have a good solid 71 superbeetle platform with new pans and frame head for a 718 rsk mount project. The problem is that the superbeetle suspension wont work beacause of the struts to body setup. Has anyone ever converted this platform to a beam front suspension. If so is there any literature or photos of the conversion. Or am I all done and need to get a non superbeetle platform.I know I am going to have to shorten the pan and am prepared for that so if this is a simple cut and weld on a new front frame head I will be a happy guy. If anyone here has ever done it I would be grateful for your expertise.

Rodger

Rodger,
Converting a super beetle pan is a piece of cake. The pans are identical from the forward bulkhead back. Since you have to cut the tunnel to shorten the pan anyways, it is easy to use the front half of a standard beetle pan with the rear half of a super beetle pan. I have done this numerous times when building dune buggies. Super beetles are a lot easier to find with titles than standard beetles.
Another method is to just cut the pan at the forward bulkheak and replace it with a standard front piece. They are available new from quite a few vendors.
And lastly, check the CMC manual. They actually had a conversion piece to enable you to use a super beetle pan under the speedster. Chances are there are still a few of the pieces floating around that were not used in some builds.
Hope this helps,
Jim

Lots of people have changed the frame head to one from a standard Beetle, search the web and you'll find info on the procedure. CIP1 and the other on-line vendors sell the front frame clip needed for the conversion.

The frame head attaches just aft or forward (depending upon the condition of the pan and donor graft) of the front bulkhead that supports the master cylinder, the cut for shortening the spine is just aft of the e-brake.

Check under the "library" and "Knowledge" tabs above for all other necessary info.

Luck

cehck out what we did with a super bettle pan......

I knew you would know, so off I go.

Thanks, I took a look at it again today and it makes sense. I will order one up and start cutting. Thanks again !!!

Rodger

Roger:

I have a complete CMC conversion kit to convert a Super Beetle MacPherson Strut front end to an earlier torsion beam front end and will not be using it. It was originally ordered from CMC and comes complete with all necessary hardware AND installation instructions.

This is a bolt-on conversion, meaning that (a.) there is no welding involved and (b.) when it's done, everything lines up and is straight. I estimate that it would take about an hour to convert from one front end to the other.

$300 for the kit, plus shipping from Massachusetts.

email me if you're interested.

Gordon