944 rear spring plate grommets

[bugsoup]

I hope someone here can answer this. I've searched SBO, Shoptalk and here, but I have not found an answer or even anyone who's asked the question (unless my search keywords were a bit off).

Anyway, I am installing the complete rear suspension from an '87 944 into my '69 T1 chassis. Since the inner spring plate grommets for the 944 are not shaped correctly, I decided to remove them and replace with regular Beetle ones. The problem is that the inside diameter of the Beetle grommets are way bigger than the 944's, so the spring plate is very sloppy. Should I have used the 944 grommets or are there other ones I could use instead?

I am nearing completion of my trial fit of everything on the chassis and it seems the closer I get, the longer little problems take to get worked out. Please let me know if there is a solution to this. I don't feel comfortable cut or welding the Beetle spring plate to make it fit the 944 ally diagonal arms.

My knowledge of the early cars is limited but the first thing that comes to mind is that the '69 has the double spring plates (one, either side of arm) unlike the later spring plates that were the same design as the 944. Just a suggestion.

[bugsoup]

I know that '69 is the first year for IRS. Is it the only year for the double spring plate?

[ricola]

I didn't have any problem with the swap. I used urethane bug inners and performance 944 outers from Pelican with cut-down 944 covers. Probably a year thing...
Rich

I think '72 was the first year that the double spring plates were changed to single. I also remember reading something in Käfer Tuning by Helmut Horn about using a 911 outter cover so the outter rubber didn't have to be cut.

[bugsoup]

I'm already using the stock 944 outer grommet and cut-down cover with no problems. I think my problem is the inner Beetle one came off a set of sway-a-way adjustable plates that I bought a few years ago. Maybe they are a bit different than the regular ones. I will trek down to the parts store to see if they have any in stock.

Where can I get a copy of Käfer Tuning? This is the first I've heard of this book.

[Stuart]

As far as I recall there are two or three different bushings. The differents is within the radius of the inner gap. Measure the inner gap and head of to the shop. I've the book you mentioned but its all writen in German. For me living in Holland that is no problem but I understand that the most people who live in the States don't read/understand German. If you have a question or so just leave a message. Greetings from Holland.

I got the book in 1996 while in Europe from a friend in Germany and paid a German National to read it to me as I made notes.

[bugsoup]

Well, the parts store can't get the inner bushings that I need. I guess I will have to order some from somewhere else. I should have left the stock porsche buching in place until then, but at least I have learned a lesson for next time: don't destroy an original part, unless you know the replacement will fit. For now the outer bushing will have to do for towing and such; the body isn't even started, its just a bare shell anyway.

So, Superman, any chance you would share those notes? I don't speak a bit of german. Guess I could alway learn.