Narrowed Front Beam

[Derek]

So It’s been a while since I’ve done much to my TDr, been wrestling with window seals on the Squareback the last month or so… 😕

But I’m thinking of getting a narrowed beam to get the front tires tucked under the fenders, they stick out almost 1.5″ on either side which looks kinda goofy IMHO.

Anyone on here done this and have any thoughts or experiences, either positive or negative, to share?

[John Simion]

I had it done to my car, had the car lowered, and put on the narrowest 15″ tires sold by Coker on my 4-1/2″ VW wheels.  The narrower beam I installed narrows the car by 2″ (i.e., 1″ on each side).  The mechanic who installed it told me that nothing more narrow was available.  Either the narrower beam or the lowering (or both?) resulted in some minor tire rubbing on sharp turns one direction (cannot remember which, my car has been away in one shop or another for so long that I can’t remember).  The rubbing isn’t really a big deal — since the car turns so sharply anyway, it’s easy to avoid.  The good news is that the lowering and narrowing brings the wheels fully underneath the fenders and gives a great look to the car.  The stance is nearly indistinguishable from the real TD.

I don’t understand why your tires would stick out a full 1-1/2″ on each side unless you have either a different kit (I’m FF) or large tires or some wheels different from standard VW 4-1/2″ wheels.  Even before I did anything, I was only sticking out maybe 3/4″ or 1″?

johnsimion2015-07-30 02:29:46

[Derek]

Alright, that’s good to hear. I have seen some more narrow, but they are definitely more expensive than the standard 2″. 

My wheels are some cheapie aftermarket EMPI knockoff and I think the offset is a little different than a stock rim so that might be throwing it off as well as the tires being a bit low on air when I measured.

I have some real EMPI rims that will be going on after I get the squareback wheels powder coated and back on. Then I’ll re-measure and see exactly what I need.

Thanks for the feedback though. It’s good to know that it works.

[edward ericson]

Came this close to buying the 2-inch narrowed adjustable beam when I did Bridget. Was afraid of making a mistake. I’ve regretted going stock width ever since. I may change it out yet…

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