Dropped Spindles for Bay Busses...

[mychatype3]

Mychatype3,

Your bay window sits perfect!  Just what I envision with mine when done.  You've done a very nice job on how it sets and the overall look wtih the alloys. I have FUCHs for mine as well.  I may email you direct for some input.

Rick M

Thanks, if there are any questions let me now 

My beam is narrowed 2,75cm a side and the fuchs are 5,5x15 (165/65/15) up front and 6x15 175/70/15) rear
Greetings from the Netherlands, mycha

[Jesus]

http://www.slamwerks.co.uk/

http://www.creative-engineering.com/

http://transporterhaus.de/

http://www.bugwelder-shop.com/t2dshop/product_info.php?info=p33_Dropped-Spindles--Ball-Joint-type.html

a few more links!

[rick m]

Jesus,

THanks for the resources.  I really like how Transporterhaus has done their spindles.  Looks like Type 2 detectives did the same thing. Glad to know there are some good resources out their to give a Bay Window the right stance and ride.

Rick M

[rick m]

Are there any US companies doing the dropped spindles for bay buses? Kind of a hassle to have to ship everything to the UK and back again if I don't have to.

RM

[bmxnut65]

Call Russ @ Oldspeed (562)531-4190, he is located in Paramount. He should have everything you need

[Transporterhaus]

Are there any US companies doing the dropped spindles for bay buses? Kind of a hassle to have to ship everything to the UK and back again if I don't have to.

There is only 2 firms making the flipped ball joint spindles - Transporterhaus in the UK and Kieftenklok in Holland.  All other bay drop spindles are welded.

[Jesus]

http://www.wagenswest.com/

http://www.kustomcoachwerks.com/spindles.php

Isn't one of these guys making a set yet?

[viNce]

Also considers Vintage-Autohaus in France, very pleased with my setup (4.3" narrowed beam, dropped spindles, and adjustables spring plates)



VA spindles are a CNC part bolted and welded on the original spindle, they also convert from 5*112 to 5*130

[Transporterhaus]

http://www.wagenswest.com/

http://www.kustomcoachwerks.com/spindles.php

Isn't one of these guys making a set yet?

All the bay window drop spindles made in the US are welded.  Welded spindles are not popular in europe.

[rick m]

Jesus,

Do you have an idea what shipping spindles and a set of your modified trailing arms runs from Europe to 85361 in Arizona?  I am not a fan of trying welded spindles on a bus.

Rick M

[T.Fabs]

I use some Vintage Autohaus spindles on my buses!
http://www.vintageautohaus.com/prod-fuseedecalee.htm
 
Rick, for any price or help with french, you can send me a message.

[Berger]

Jesus,

Do you have an idea what shipping spindles and a set of your modified trailing arms runs from Europe to 85361 in Arizona?  I am not a fan of trying welded spindles on a bus.

Rick M

I would be more sceptically to run my bus hanging on the balljoints then with welded spindels....but of course, that may be because I have welded spindels and have run with them some ten thousand kilometers now 

[rick m]

Hey Fabs,

I tried your hotmail address an the server kicked it back. Try me at my usedvwbits@gmail.com.  I looked at the dropped spindles on your site. I did not realize the transporterhaus spindles had the Ball Joints reversed until I went back and looked at them. 

The van I am building is a 74.  Let me know a little about the spindles on the link you posted.  They look to be of good quality. Do you know if they kick out the track wider? Also, what type of caliper are they made for (VW Bus or other)?

Look forward to your message. Email me and I will respond.

Rick M

[Jesus]

I have no idea how much it'd be to ship them to you, but LOTS probably as they are seriously heavy plus being quite bulky.

I have run welded drop spindles for probably 20,000 miles (been on almost 4 years) It does widen the track which is why I run a narrowed beam, The flipped over balljoint's seem to work, but to me look just so damn wrong, They scare me more than welded spindles do. (and when I did my van they weren't on the market) Lets be honest as long as they are welded properly whats the issue? Our front beams are held together with welding!!! People are only worried about welded spindles as originally you couldn't buy them so they were home brewed items, now they are done properly I don't see what the issue is!

The reason people favour the flipped spindles now is it doesn't widen the track, so although the spindles cost more than the welded you don't have to go down the narrowed beam route. much more suitable if your only going for a small hit with the lowering stick.

Below bus is running the flippped drop spindles on a standard ball join beam with stock disc brakes and a one spline lower at the rear. (spindles are Kleft en klok or T2D ones)



If you want a really low bus the best way to go is to go for a King and Link pin split beam as they give you more ground clearance.

[Rennsurfer]

FINALLY! A picture of a properly/tastefully lowered Bus with an eye pleasing stance.



Now THERE'S a Bus that I could proudly drive (sans whitewall tires). The current fascination of "slamming" (barf) a Bus is hilarious, entertaining, and unsafe. But whatever people think is cool, I suppose.

[Old Speed]

this is a 68-70 2 inch dropped .200" narrowed spindle.  It fits with drum brakes and also with our 944 brake kit

[Old Speed]

[Old Speed]

The disc brake version is very similar but cheaper to make because it doesn't require as much work or material.  the 68-70 are $400 exchange and the 71-79 are $350 exchange.  Shipping inside the U.S. is $25
I don't think anyone else is currently making a narrowed spindle. The fact that we narrow the spindle is why we can only get 2 inches of drop. The lower ball joint stud will interfere with the inside of the rim at more than 2 inches unless you widen the spindle or flip the ball joint over. This method maintains stock steering geometry and ride height. They are also corrected for caster angle for better handling. Vee grooved and tig welded.

[Zach Gomulka]

The fact that we narrow the spindle is why we can only get 2 inches of drop. The lower ball joint stud will interfere with the inside of the rim at more than 2 inches...

Is that with the stock 14" rim? Can you get more drop out of a larger diameter wheel? Or am I missing the point?

I do like that yellow/white bay. That's the stance it should have had from the factory.

[Old Speed]

This bus has 2 inch drop spindles and adjusters.  It also has four wheel 944 brakes and a 7 inch power booster.  The 944 kits are bolt on kits that we make in house and allow you to use your own 944 parts or bet complete kits from us. We also have Wilwood disc brake kits.
This bus also has a type 1 five speed trans and an 86 x 94 engine. It has a tow hitch and makes frequent trips from Long beach to Laughlin with and without a trailer.

[Old Speed]

The fact that we narrow the spindle is why we can only get 2 inches of drop. The lower ball joint stud will interfere with the inside of the rim at more than 2 inches...

Is that with the stock 14" rim? Can you get more drop out of a larger diameter wheel? Or am I missing the point?

I do like that yellow/white bay. That's the stance it should have had from the factory.

Yes with 14 inch wheels. It would be possible to make more drop with larger diameter wheels. However, my jigs are currently set up for 2 inch. I can make new jigs if demand is high enough. An adjuster can be installed on the lower tube without removing the beam so that is how we get more drop or we remove the beam and put adjusters top and bottom for even more.

[Old Speed]

This one has drop spindles and a relocated center on the bottom tube. It also has rear drop plates for a smooth ride.

[Old Speed]

this is a type 3 two inch drop spindle but it gives the picture of how the jig maintains the ball joint locations

[Old Speed]

Slightly off topic.

This is a 4 inch early split bus spindle receiving a 944 spindle point for a non flipped drop and 944 brakes. We used to replace the bay spindle point with a 944 point but the spindle got wider and adversely changed the inclination so we quit doing them that way for now.  From all the different methods we've tried on bay windows, by far the best steering and handling spindle is the 2 inch drop narrowed spindle.

[roland]

this is a 68-70 2 inch dropped .200" narrowed spindle.  It fits with drum brakes and also with our 944 brake kit

Russel,

That looks quite different from the spindles I bought from you a couple of years ago. I'm guessing the design evolved, wich is a good thing!

My van has had these spindles, adjusters on the beam, the 4 944 discs brake conversion and i'm very happy about the set up!

[rick m]

Where is OLD SPEED located?  I am making a trip to Cal in January.

Rick M

[Rennsurfer]

Right on. I got to see that Bus in person, three years ago, when Old Speed installed my drop spindles. Nicely done, throughout.

[danny gabbard]

Rick , There in the paramount-belflower area.

[T.Fabs]

Rick,

Here is OldSpeed address: Old Speed 7311-A Madison Street Paramount, CA 90723 (562) 531-4190
Ask for Russell, he's the MAN!!!

[rick m]

Thanks Fabien! Happy Birthday too!

Rick M