Beach Buggy .Info

Beach Buggy Help Zone => Beach Buggy Body and Chassis Help => Topic started by: johnbrunt on April 28, 2020, 08:31:36 AM

Title: front beam
Post by: johnbrunt on April 28, 2020, 08:31:36 AM
hello and good morning

this is the front beam off my car - before i go any further with this - is it repairable or is this just scrap now and something i need to replace - my preference would be to get it welded / repaired with a patch of some kind

thanks in advance for any input


(https://i.postimg.cc/MTsRKPBG/6-B8592-C0-15-D9-481-E-BD6-C-12-BED08179-D7.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zbg3xk0m)

(https://i.postimg.cc/zvjCWz4q/A0-ACEE41-DE97-46-DE-B32-D-CB6197944288.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ctvtGSsz)
Title: Re: front beam
Post by: Dave DND on April 28, 2020, 09:37:24 AM
I had similar many years ago - mine can be seen on my build thread and was repaired successfully   ;-)up

http://www.beachbuggy.info/index.php/topic,20.msg69324.html#msg69324


(https://www.dndservices.co.uk/pics/Junk/Buggy/20151.jpg)
Title: Re: front beam
Post by: simon-dubman on April 28, 2020, 09:54:51 AM
It is repairable. Get some channels bent up take measurements where the tubes are and then weld into place. Take your time welding and ensure the material is clean.
Title: Re: front beam
Post by: Manxdavid on April 28, 2020, 10:42:00 AM
Firstly hello and welcome to the forum, you may like to introduce yourself in the 'Newbies' section.

Secondly, yes, it is repairable but I'd give the rest of it a damn good wire brushing and banging to check the rest of it esp around the insides of the shocker mounts, another common place for rot.

If you're a competent welder/fabricator with a few hours to spare then sure, go for it, but if you're going to have to pay someone to do the job then it may be more cost effective to find a more solid second hand replacement. Personally speaking I'd replace it.
Title: Re: front beam
Post by: Paul1953 on April 28, 2020, 10:47:18 AM
If you are getting someone else to do this for you make absolutely the areas that Dave  says are sound or if not repaired to the best quality posible and importantly ALL corroded rust riddem metal is cut out and not just "plated" over. Your well being and safety are totally dependent upon the integrity of this beam structure.
Title: Re: front beam
Post by: Manxdavid on April 28, 2020, 10:59:41 AM
I recently replaced my axle (not because of rust though) with a rock solid original VW one, not a pattern one, that I got for £50 off one of the VW parts groups on Facebook. No brainer really.
Title: Re: front beam
Post by: Eagle on April 28, 2020, 01:32:57 PM
I have a repair panel that fits between the torsion bar holders (effectively one half of the upright) that I expect you could cut in half to help repair both sides when I can find it in the shed.
Title: Re: front beam
Post by: Flags on April 28, 2020, 01:37:12 PM
As David said it's not worth the time, effort and cash to repair that. I'd search for a new/2nd hand on FB/Ebay etc.
Title: Re: front beam
Post by: johnbrunt on April 28, 2020, 02:49:17 PM
thanks - i'm not a welder so would need to get someone to do it - having stripped it further there are more holes - i'll replace it - so am on the look out 😀
(https://i.postimg.cc/XJ0PyXMZ/image.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/t12kKq4y)

(https://i.postimg.cc/8Phmjwpb/image.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jLS71HJW)
Title: Re: front beam
Post by: Hunter on April 28, 2020, 02:56:02 PM
Think you've chosen the best option ;-)up,

I dont think you could even give that away. :-[

H
Title: Re: front beam
Post by: Manxdavid on April 28, 2020, 03:04:22 PM
Whereabouts are you? Someone may have something close to you.
Title: Re: front beam
Post by: johnbrunt on April 28, 2020, 03:31:01 PM
Quote from: Manxdavid on April 28, 2020, 03:04:22 PM
Whereabouts are you? Someone may have something close to you.

hi - i'm in leigh, lancashire (the centre of the universe and the birthplace of the industrial revolution)
Title: Re: front beam
Post by: Manxdavid on April 28, 2020, 03:38:24 PM
Check out buggypete on here, not too far away in Accrington, always a good source of parts.

Also the Northern Buggy Club on Facebook.
Title: Re: front beam
Post by: Dave DND on April 28, 2020, 03:41:51 PM
I spent quite a while researching front beams recently before going for the ultra mad option that I did, but if you are considering a brand new one at all, I would really recommend looking at the ones from Lime Bug - they seem to be very good quality
Title: Re: front beam
Post by: Roadrunner on April 28, 2020, 09:52:27 PM
Quote from: Dave DND on April 28, 2020, 03:41:51 PM
I spent quite a while researching front beams recently before going for the ultra mad option that I did, but if you are considering a brand new one at all, I would really recommend looking at the ones from Lime Bug - they seem to be very good quality

I would (am am) look at the EvaResto beams, they will make stock length on request, their design is very similar to the Limebug ones and their quality is just as good.