Narrowing Your VW-Based TDR

[John Simion]

Paul inquired about the narrowing that I did to my TDR.  Actually I thought you guys already knew about this, but whatever.  It’s simple though expensive.  I thought the front end of my 1971 VW-based TDR was too wide in that even the 4-1/2″ wide wheels appeared to “stick out” beyond the fenders.  I hate seeing that on TDRs because the wide tread is just a dead giveaway that it’s a replica and not the real thing.  My ever-helpful VW mechanic offered to narrow the tread in front by 2″.  He simply used a narrower suspension beam.  He used this part (or similar):  http://www.socalautoparts.com/product_info.php/performance-beam-bug-amp-ghia-2in-narrow-p-13766

I have no idea why they make a narrower suspension beam for a VW, but they do, and the result looks fantastic IMHO.  Even reducing the tread width by 1″ on each side makes the car much more like the real TD.  This brings the front wheels entirely within the fenders.  The drawback is that on full lock on really sharp turns to one side (the left, I believe), you can hear some rubbing.  So, I don’t plan on turning quite to full lock to the left …  There is one additional drawback:  The car is now so narrow that it can be very hard to load onto a standard U-Haul car carrier trailer, as I found out yesterday.  It will work, but you want to be VERY careful lest the wheels just fall off the ramps.

Part of my “plan” has been to mimic the real TD as much as possible while still customizing the car to my own specifications.  I already used the forum to get ideas how to make authentic looking TD hubcaps using real TD logos on logo-less VW hub caps.  I am really happy with the result but unfortunately I refuse to take pictures because until the wheels get sandblasted and repainted, they look like … well, they don’t look good.  Once painted, however, together with the wide whitewalls and the old-style VW trim rings, the wheels should end up being a focal point.

Unfortunately I hate being one to brag about what “I’m going to do …” and so I’ll leave it at that.  Well, almost.  In a few weeks (hahaha), I should get the car back with the gauges rewired, then to the body shop, then to the upholsterer, and THEN I will take and post some pictures that can show the narrowing, the tires, the new dash, and the lowered seats I built with headrests (yes, they actually look like they belong on the car!).  The only problem is that I’ve been saying the same thing since I got the car last October.  “Just a few more weeks, just a few more weeks.”  Sigh.  Getting soooooo eager to have this over with and enjoy Vegas in springtime in my new convertible …

johnsimion2015-02-27 19:14:18

[edward ericson]

Nice, John. I considered going with the narrowed beam when I bought my adjustable beam. Would have been the way to go; wish I knew then.

You should be able to get the “rub” out by a turn of the adjustment screw under the steering box. Turn the wheel to where it rubs and look underneath. You should see the idler arm almost touching a standoff bolt that has a lock nut. Loosen the lock nut, turn the bolt out until the arm hits it just before the tire rubs, then tighten the lock nut. Done.

[Paul Mossberg]

Thanks John.

Look forward to seeing the finished beauty!

Paul Mossberg
Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
2005 Intermeccanica Roadster

If you own a TDr and are not in the Registry, please go to https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-td-replica-registry/ and register (you need to copy and paste the link)

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