Lowered 356 - modify bump stops ?

For those who couldn't care less how their 356 left the factory!
Post Reply
Message
Author
Lars Nielsen
356 Fan
Posts: 323
Joined: Fri Nov 25, 2011 7:22 pm
Location: Denmark

Lowered 356 - modify bump stops ?

#1 Post by Lars Nielsen »

I have lowered my 61 a bit, not slammed but pretty low.
The rear was done only by adjusting the suspension arm angle, and the front with the bolts, and slightly enlarge holes for the adjustment.

The car rides ok, besides some very tired front shocks, that I am now replacing.
I recently crawled under the car to so the geometry at rest, and noted:

The rear bump stops are pretty close to the chassis, about 1.5" as I recall it. It would be easy to modify the rubber pads, but looking at the axel tube to chassis clearance that does not see to be a good idea I recall about 2" of clerance here.

For the front I dont have the rubber stops on there, as they are missing. (need to order a new set), but the the steel "ears"of the bum stop mount seem pretty close to the trailing arms, 1.5 inc. or so. Should the ears be modified along with a rubber blocks?

What have you guys with lowered 356s done in this regards, and how much clerance is neeed for suspension travel?

For reference, this is the amount of lowering we are dealing with:
Image
1961 356 T5 Coupe

User avatar
Greg Scallon
356 Fan
Posts: 781
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2008 1:12 pm
Location: Los Altos, CA

Re: Lowered 356 - modify bump stops ?

#2 Post by Greg Scallon »

Hello Lars,
When I lowered my '58 A I didn't do anything to the rear stops. I did, however, cut about 1 inch off of the top - pointy end - of the front rubber bump stops. I haven't had any issues with the suspension hitting the stops since then and my car looks to be lowered a similar amount as yours.

Good luck. Your car looks great.

-Greg
'58 Speedster
'56 VW Deluxe Microbus 

Tony Kersbergen
356 Fan
Posts: 8
Joined: Tue Apr 05, 2011 5:25 am

Re: Lowered 356 - modify bump stops ?

#3 Post by Tony Kersbergen »

info http://www.degaraasj.be

used lowered spindles for beetle... and lowered the front axle completely..

Grt

Tony356
Attachments
11393363_585405461600660_4962065455836393147_o.jpg
11220958_547115158762497_1374854581_o-1_resized.jpg
11255439_547115168762496_101274002_o-1_resized.jpg
11220958_547115158762497_1374854581_o-1_resized.jpg
11393363_585405461600660_4962065455836393147_o.jpg

Conrad Carter
356 Fan
Posts: 436
Joined: Tue Aug 05, 2014 9:54 am
Tag: Let's be careful out there!
Location: Durham, NC

Re: Lowered 356 - modify bump stops ?

#4 Post by Conrad Carter »

One thing to consider when lowering, make sure shocks are not bottoming out as this will kill a shock absorber! You will either need shorter shock or drop lower mounting point somewhat.
Conrad

Post Reply