Porsche O.E. Wheel Discussion

[wouter1303]

Originally Posted by CarreraLook

Hi all, I've just bought an early '74 1303S/Super Beetle with the 2-bolt upper bearing assembly (but not the rack-steering), which also has the 20mm-each-side wider track. I'd like to run it with Fuchs in 6x16 ET36 and 7x16 (not sure of the ET) but the fronts aren't going to fit without sticking out and rubbing on the wings, especially with a modest 2-3" of front lowering. By my estimation the fronts 'should' be ok on the back-spacing but will stick out around 1" (25mm) more on the bodywork-side.

So the question is, how have other people done it? I've heard that the 3-bolt assemblies can run in the 2-bolt cars (but not vice-versa), but would this also narrow the track to the earlier dimensions? I'm no mechanic - but I'd like to reassure mine that it can and has been done (I see lots of photos of late SuperBeetles running the same set-up). Do you also have to swap control arms, swaybars, spindles, etc... is there an easier way?

Any advice?

I have an 73 sb (curved screen) with 3 bolt setup. I have cookie cutters (6x15, et36 and 7x15 et 23.3). But the fronts is catching the lower springcup.
Therefore, i purchased the Kerscher coilover set to clear some space. This will give me the clearance i want and do not have to use spacers. I can stay under the standard wings.

So you can go back to the 3 bolt setup, but then the wheels would catch in the lower springcup or even the spring (with the 16"). So the need for the narrow coilovers are a must.

Or you stay with the 2 bolt setup and purchase some wider wings.

But correct me if i'm wrong.

[CarreraLook]

Hi wouter, that's really helpful - I didn't know the 6x15 Cookie Cutters had the same ET.

Ok, the narrower Kersher coilovers are probably a 'must' for clearance, but I'd still like to know if I can run the 3-bolt assembly in a 2-bolt car, and if I do, will it also pull the hubs inboard and provide the narrower track I need?

Sorry for being so naive, I have a very poor grasp of the mechanics involved... I just need to advise my mechanic.

Will these Kersher struts be the ones I need?: https://www.machine7.com/product.php?xProd=933

...they're for the earlier 3-bolt cars, will they fit my 2-bolt '74?

[wouter1303]

Hi,

As fas is my knowledge goes the diameter of the old top bearing (3 bolts setup) is a it smaller than the new top bearing (2 bolt setup).
So that should fit.

The coilovers are indeed the correct ones, for the 3 bolt setup. Is you want to use these, you will need the 3 bolt setup spindle/axles/swaybars/tierods?

Again, I'm not sure i'm 100% correct.

Other option can be wider fenders/wings al around and use spacers on the back to compensate
With the 2 bolt setup it is easier to convert to Porsche brakes in the future