IRS for a 66 Split

vwdoublecab1966 · Post by **vwdoublecab1966** » Sun Feb 09, 2003 7:02 pm

I would like to install an IRS tranmission in my 1966 split window bus. Has anyone out there done this? Is it possible to do without the Bus Boys kit. Is it better to use thing or beetle parts for the conversion. I want to lower the bus about 3.5 inches.

Pillow · Post by **Pillow** » Mon Feb 10, 2003 8:05 am

I like the Old Speed kit better because it is a weld in job instead of clamp style. Also cheaper in cost.

If you just want to slam it, just get the RGB elliminator kit. Easy and effective.

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Adrian Pillow
'66 VW Westfalia
'79 Porsche 911 SC - FS
VolkSport Kafer Gruppe

Pillow · Post by **Pillow** » Tue Feb 11, 2003 12:08 pm

Basically you have to trust the protractor when welding them on. It does not seem that hard from the procedures.

But I will report back when I have actually done it.

------------------
Adrian Pillow
'66 VW Westfalia
'79 Porsche 911 SC - FS
VolkSport Kafer Gruppe

ntchbak · Post by **ntchbak** » Tue Feb 11, 2003 2:31 pm

I helped my brother do the bolt on style(Wolfgang) it wasn't that hard and allows you to move things a bit to align things.Then align the brackets arms ect.. tighten everything test drive and tack weld in place.Was pretty easy but did move the tires out a bit;from the way it was with the reduction box removal lowering kit that was on it. Had to put the stock rims back on it instead of the widened stock.Alot less grinding if you mess up or want to go back to swing,stock,ect..it was worth the money came with brackets,axles(new shorter),new upper shock mounts,and e-brake cable adapters

DaveB · Post by **DaveB** » Tue Feb 11, 2003 4:06 pm

I think Wollf gangs is to expensive and then uses Beetle Brakes. I used Creative Engineering "Arms". They replace the frame horns with a Weld in one they make. It cost under $200 with shipping and you use Bus arms and Brakes.

Checkout htese links. The one from Germany is pretty sweet and would be cheap to do. It's the first link.

I have a Word file that has some pics of a few conversions I could send you. It'd in German though.

Adrain any pics of the CSP one?
http://thesamba.com/vw/gallery/index.mv?photo+56877.jpg
http://www.volksheaven.co.uk/ http://www.kruizinwagon.com.au/

ntchbak · Post by **ntchbak** » Tue Feb 11, 2003 7:11 pm

We used all the type3 brake stuff and thing stub axles it kept the wide 5 look then and some heavier CVs for burn outs and dragging it's got to go and not break.

paul_f · Post by **paul_f** » Tue Feb 11, 2003 11:48 pm

The clamp in means you can get it all the alignment done perfectly though - then tack it into places.
I would of thought that without a jig it is gonna be difficult to put the brackets in exactly the right place???

Paul

vwdoublecab1966 · Post by **vwdoublecab1966** » Wed Feb 12, 2003 8:00 pm

I am not looking to slam my truck, I just wanted the lower it a little. I was going to go with dropped spindles up front. I thought if I was going to redo the rear end then I might go with IRS. I am on a budget and want to do this as cheap as possible. Is there a way to do it without buying a kit. It seems that no matter how it is done most of the parts are stock vw parts. I don't know it I like the idea of using beetle brake though. Does any one have instructions on the different ways to go about doing a conversion?

SHANE OLESEN · Post by **SHANE OLESEN** » Thu Feb 13, 2003 5:19 am

i INSTALLED A CLAMP ON KIT FROM INDIAN AUTOMOTIVE HERE IN AUSTRALIA.THE KIT USES CLAMP ON MOUNTS AND CUSTOM TRAILING ARMS A BEETLE IRS BOX AND 68-70 KOMBI AXLES SPRING PLATES HUBS AND DRUMS. BEETLE CVS AT THE BOX T2 CVS ON THE OUTSIDE. IVE RUN IT FOR THREE YEARSWITHOUT WELDING AND IT HASNT MOVED AT ALL,ILL PROBABLY WELD IT UPONE DAY BUT IT REALLY ISNT AN ISSUE.THE KIT FROM INDIAN WOULD BE REALLY CHEAP FOR YOU WITH OUR EXCHANGE RATE IF YOU CAN SOURCE YOUR OWN PARTS . THE WEB SITE IS WWW.KRUIZINWAGEN.COM.AU CHECK IT OUT

SHANE OLESEN · Post by **SHANE OLESEN** » Thu Feb 13, 2003 5:23 am

SORRY I GOT THE SPELLING WRONG IT IS WWW.KRUIZINWAGON.COM.AU

SHANE OLESEN · Post by **SHANE OLESEN** » Thu Feb 13, 2003 6:11 pm

I think the drums on the 68-70are a bit bigger but I didnt have aproblem with it because I had some wide steel rims made up after I'd done the conversion,email Kimm at Indian he'll be able to tell you

Daniel - RHD '66 · Post by **Daniel - RHD '66** » Thu Feb 13, 2003 11:00 pm

Shane,
Did that kit change the overall width of your rear end? I'm over here in New Zealand and was thinking of buying that same kit for my bus.

DaveB · Post by **DaveB** » Fri Feb 14, 2003 11:24 pm

Shane
Do you have the kit with the Adjustable Arms? In pics of the kit installed? I've emailed Kimm about buying a set of adjustable arms that are 68/69 length

Dave

Aide64 · Post by **Aide64** » Sun Feb 16, 2003 1:38 pm

Ive just put IRS in my 64 kombi, I used a volksheaven kit (UK). I just stripped out my reduction gears and spring plates. Fitted the 68 to 69 bay window bits marked where to A arms fell made new suspension mounts welded it all up solid, fitted a type 3 gear box changed noses cones, the bell housing needed a little grinding did me brakes and made up some hand brake cables threw me engine back in yee ha speed!!!!!!!try www.volksheaven.co.uk they have pictures and the best thing is I can return my van to standard any time I want . IRS in a nut shell Aide

vwdoublecab1966 · Post by **vwdoublecab1966** » Sun Feb 16, 2003 10:07 pm

First of all thanks to everyone who posted... It was alot of help. I believe that I have had my mind changed and for now... I am going with the straight axle conversion. In looking at the IRS kits, I think the Creative Engineering kit would be the cheapest and easiest to convert to, but not exactly what I am looking for right now. Thanks again...

Jeremy