| Karen Chijoffs New Beetle |
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New Beetle – build date June 2000.
Started modifying initially in a small way –
mostly OEM accessories and a hoop rear spoiler from the USA. Mag wheels
followed. . . . and then relatively cheap goodies from EBay USA such as a K&N
sports air filter setup and rear altezza lights.
 
2005 saw a lot of modifications – mostly age related. The front shocks had
deteriorated to a hopeless state. Indian Automotive replaced these with
win-tube Bilstein Touring Comfort struts. I managed to source some KYB AGX
adjustable shocks for the rear. Got them from EBay USA for a really great price,
as they are not on sale in Australia.
Indian’s also fitted a Neuspeed lower front tie-bar. Keeps the front
end tight under hard cornering. The Freedom Design strut tower brace is an
unnecessary waste. The end fittings had incorrect angles that would have required
serious modification, and after careful analysis, it was decided not to fit these
as the A4 platform is so stiff anyway!
 
This mod is the best and cheapest way to go for major handling improvements:
It an O-bar, and as far as I know, the only one of its type fitted to an Australian
VW. Matt Oberer of www.o-bars.com makes these rear torsion bar stiffeners for
various VW makes, and sells overseas! At $100 USD it’s way cheaper than a
sway bar and handles probably better! It’s installed inside the U-shaped rear
torsion beam, and requires 8 holes to be drilled out. Indian's did a
splendid job in fitting it!
 
Most of the knowledge I have picked up has come from a couple of Internet
Newsgroups, and I am truly indebted to them! Click on the links below and
search the forums. You can even join and post your own questions:
www.newbeetle.org
www.vwvortex.com
Story by Greg Chijoff.
Foot Note by The Chief:
We enjoy working and servicing Karens beetle, and I guess its because he
enjoys his beetle so much, it rubs off on us here at Indian.
I actually test drove Karens beetle with the new rear sway bar and felt
it made a marked improvement in the handling of the bug.
I plan to fit one to my wifes beetle, one day when she is not looking.
Chief
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