Volkswagen: rough bouncy noisy ride, gas shocks, noise suppression

Question
Ron,  I've replaced the struts and gas shocks on my 74 S. Beetle but the car rides very rough (firm) and noisy on street pavement.  I almost sounds the the rear of the car is hitting the frame.  It's a very hard ride except when the pavement is smooth as glass.  I also have noticed a cling, cling, clinging noise coming from the rear of the car like clanging chains when I go over a bump.  Any suggestions.  Thanks a million  Larry

Answer
Larry, if the shock absorbers in the rear are tight, the clanging is probably coming from the rear brake shoes as you hit a bump but dont apply them.  There's not too much to the rear suspension so I doubt that is the problem with your noise.   Make sure your tires are new and dry-rotted and have plenty of tread.   I would suggest buying dynomat which is an excellent noise suppression mat that you apply under your carpet.  I used it and cant hear any noise.  

Bugs dont have the smoothest ride in the world.  Best of luck, Ron