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cessna7842c · Starting Member Joined: 12 Jan 2010 Posts: 5 Location:

I just bought a Beck Spyder and I need a builders manual and service manual if such items exist.

I am about to adjust the rear torsion bars and I would like some words of wisdom before I tear into that task.

I am currently riding with the axles almost flat and it looks like I need to push the bars down about 2 to 3 inches based on putting a jack under it and just eyeballing it.

Larry Jowdy · Posted: Fri Feb 05, 2010 4:28 pm Post subject:

Unfortunately, there isn't a manual. It's more or less a trial and error method. The torsion bars have 40 splines on the inside and 44 on the outside. This converts to 9 degrees per spline inside, and 8.18 degrees per spline outside.

Since you have a swing axle, you have to consider that if you raise it too much, you'll be driving around with positive camber. (Positive camber is when the top of the tire is further away from the frame than the bottom of the tire)
When you enter a corner, that positive camber will exagerate to """way too much positive camber""" and the back end will try to trade places with the front.

Negative camber is when the top of the tire is closer to the frame than the bottom of the tire. As you load the outside tire (while cornering) and your tires have negative camber, they will straighten up and provide an improved tire patch contact with the road.

cessna7842c · Starting Member Joined: 12 Jan 2010 Posts: 5 Location:

Thanks for the fast reply. I was afraid you would say that.

I have a step by step for adjusting VW torsion bars and it says the same thing. Do I need to disconnect axles from the arms or can I just pop the caps and do the adjustments with the car on the rack and using jacks.

How hard is it to pull out the T bar and then get it back in. It sounds pretty straighforward in the VW manual.

Larry Jowdy · Posted: Fri Feb 05, 2010 4:52 pm Post subject:

It's not an easy task but, if you use the chain and floor jack method than it's tough but you can do it. There is a tremendous amount of energy stored in the torsion bars so be careful you don't get your hand caught in the downward travel once you release the torsion bar from its housing.

ps
You'll need to remove the axle ends from the torsion bar trailing arms to get the torsion bars to release.

Larry Jowdy · Posted: Fri Feb 05, 2010 5:23 pm Post subject:

Here's another article on adjusting torsion bars. I've added it to
Tips, tricks and Knowledge

http://sandlizrd.baja.org/rearlift.htm

daVinci 550 · Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 7:40 am Post subject:

Just for those who don't know, Vintage supplies an Owner's Manual with all of there Spyders. It includes most of the basic information, schematics and tuning, adjustment information. Of course, some information will vary depending on your particular configuration and there is always additional information which will not be covered, but it is a nice starting place... Cool

DannyP · Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 7:47 am Post subject:

cessna, also you can buy a Bentley manual for the 66-69 VW Bug. That has a lot of good stuff in it, some of the wiring, front and rear suspension, steering, brakes(unless you have KG 4-lug front disc). All the basics are there.

beck688 · Old Timer Joined: 08 Feb 2009 Posts: 618 Location:

My beck has the adjustable plates for fine tuning --- hate messing with the torsion bars

TinyAuto · Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 2:27 pm Post subject:

Wow, I would really like to see one of those Vintage manuals....

daVinci 550 · Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 3:47 pm Post subject:

This is what came with my 2004 Vintage:

fastspyder · Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2010 5:08 pm Post subject:

Where can i get that book ???? Matthew.... or Anybody ????
i have a lot to learn....on old Volkswagen....
i will also look for a Bentley.

daVinci 550 · Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2010 3:47 am Post subject:

This book is a basic User's Manual for the Vintage Spyder produced by Vintage (no one else). It is not a complete mechanical breakdown of components and repair info like a Bentley Repair Manual. I'm sure you will get one with ouyr vehicle.

No other publisher produces such a guide. This is just the basics for the user/driver.

I did, however, purchase this book on air-cooled engines:

http://www.amazon.com/Rebuild-Volkswagen-air-Cooled-Engine-models/dp/0895862255/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1282650383&sr=1-2-fkmr0

Though I hope I personally do not have to break down the engine to such an extent. You will learn more by doing.

WasserSpyder · Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2010 3:56 am Post subject:

We stopped producing a print version of our manual over 5 years ago but I have a scan of it available on CD, in 3 languages.

fastspyder · Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2010 8:12 am Post subject:

Sending you a PM M. Carey Hines