Volkswagen: rear spring plates, ron wolff, torsion bar

Question
I can't get the rear spring plates out of the car. It appears that the fender will have to be removed for the spring plate to slide past the torsion bar so it can be removed. The car is 1971 Super beetle.Any help appreciated. Thanks, Ron

Answer
Hi,

The fenders need to be removed to got the torsion arms out, but do not need to come off to remove the spring plates.

I've done this project many times, and it is a PITA if you don't have the equipment to balance the car so it's not lop-sided when you are done,  plus if you don't have the necessary lubricating powder, the bushings could create an annoying squeek every time you hit a bump!

I'm not saying this to dissaude you, but just to keep in mind.

Here are my recommendations:

1) If you have the funds:  You can get this job done for around $300.00, and I can set you up with a VW Pro in your area,  just let me know your location and I'll get on the horn.

2) If you want to do this project yourself, get the "Robert Bentley Official VW Service Guide" (for a 71 Beetle).  It's available on Amazon,  or maybe you can get a used one on E-Bay.


Let me know what you plan to do, just wanted to be a Pal and let you know that raising/lowering the rear is a tough job, but you CAN do it without removing the fenders.

Ron Wolff