. Unfortunately...this also if left loaded for extrem periods...will trash the strut cartridges, as the valving on them was weak. Its a catch 22. Warning. Do not worry or even start on the front end...until you have replaced the rear shocks and done any marginal alignment work. If not...any assumptions about the front end will be 100% false.
Soon....I plan to start selling parts for these things. Its just taking longer than expected to move into my new residence and sort out my consulting work. I have a set of marketable prototypes I just started about two weeks ago...using a superbeetle tube, with 3 spacers (two for centering, one for length). This tube would be inserted into the 411/412 tube....and utilizes a welded top screw on coller. It will use the audi 4000 cartridge. The only necessary adjusting feature will be to extend the thread on the top of the existing 411/412 strut tube. If I can make or buy the right die...I may start offering re-threading, that as part of the kit...with a mail in or exchange service for strut tubes. Its a 30 minute bolt in to a 1" front drop with 30 minutes install, no welding...no construction.
It will be less involved than the previous design I posted about with the welded center pin. But... It will also only allow only 1/2 more of height adjustment than the 1"it comes with. That is only for side to side levelling.
But until everything gets stable around here....many things are crawling along. What I can do...is take a snap of the sketches with measurements for the top screw on extender pin modification I did years ago. It must be used with late model strut bushings only. The stub st-up, is a 30 minute install per side ...but you will have to have the stubs made at a machne shop.
I do not plan to make or sell that design. It works very well....but has risks. The risk is....that you must carefully clearance with a grinder....the top pin of the audi 4000 cartridge in order for it to bottom out tight in the threads of the extender stub. Then....use lock-tite..... and a set screw for safety. The risk is that there is still a lot of leverage on the top cartridge pin...no matter how careful you set things up. It is designed well for the combo it uses. But...adding extra spring tension and subtracting damping from the suspension......like using way too low profile tires.... or trying to lower any farther than 1"....by chortening the stub design...will very quickly put it at risk of snapping.
There is a third choice on your list you must recognize.....and I am not trying to be "pointy" here...so please take no offense.
The car does not care what you desire it to look like. It is what it is. Until more and better parts are forthcoming.......you must work within what you have. It is your car.....so this is just my personal opinion....but possibly destroying the underpinnings just because you won't drive it unless it looks better (and then stating is a waste unless you can drive it now)......is just not an option in my personal book. The 411/412 is not a bug (thank God!). it is not a quicky "buy it for $500 and slap on brakes and an engine and drive off). Its a much more complex and totally different car. If things are right.....it detsroys loads of parts.
By the way....if you bend the suspension....there is no "pan" on this car. It is all one piece. It is a long chassis, with long suspension componets....that encounter stresses that no other VW ever had to. If you make a decision and do something rashly on this car....you will pay for it quickl. It can be unforgiving in what it destroys.....and parts are not easily found.
Take your time is what I'm getting at. If its to ugly to drive...park it until you get it done right.
In fact...driving on suspension on 411/412's that has not been gone through is simply a recipe for lost $ and broken parts. Been there...done that.
These cars are worth keeping sitting still while you work out the fine details. Its just personnal taste...but bugs and vans are rarely worth sitting still for too long. they are also a dime a dozen in relative terms .....and parts fall fom trees. A type 3....yeah...maybe. Once you drive a type 4, properly sorted out...you will immediately realize that the rest of the ACVW....are basically outdated crap in comparison.....though I still love them so.
Ray
