converting SWB to LWB

Dan Morton · Dan Morton's Garage

I'm considering purchasing a '68 that has been converted to an RSR. It has all steel flares and looks decent with the exception that the rear wheel is closer to the leading edge of the rear fender which should be attributed to it being SWB I assume. From what I understand the extra 2.5" of wheelbase for the LWB was purely gained from moving the rear wheels back 2.5".

If this is correct, what would it take to change the rear of an SWB to an LWB? Is it simply plug and play or is there major work that needs to be done?

Thanks

Grady Clay · 01-25-2009, 07:55 AM

Dan,

You will need to replace the rear torsion bar tube or fabricate the trailing arm mounts. The openings for the rear shocks in the shock mount cross-structure need to be changed. There needs to be clearance in the chassis side frame above the outboard CV joints.

Then there are replacement parts:
Trailing arm assemblies,
Spring plates and related,
Rear shocks,
Axle assemblies,
Transmission axle flanges from the 901/06 or 901/07 transmission only,
Probably more that I forget.

It can be done.
Why not start with a LWB car?

Best
Grady

kenikh · 01-25-2009, 08:01 AM

Not worth it. Easier to convert it back - a worthy endeavor.

Dan Morton · Dan Morton's Garage

Thanks guys. I did more searching here and found quite a bit of info on this too. I agree, it's not worth the effort.

Would've been nice if the flares were properly modified when they were put on. The car is still in great shape regardless of the flare placements. Would be a good candidate to restore to original at some point in the future.

Thanks

304065 · 01-25-2009, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan Morton

Would be a good candidate to restore to original at some point in the future.

Thanks

Dan,

THAT is the $64,000 question. Literally ,these days.

What is the VIN? Pictures? That will help make the decision whether to transorm it into a show winner, a nice driver, a 911R clone, a planter or a boat anchor.

MikeDL · 01-25-2009, 10:40 AM

You could move the flares to their correct location. My 68 was reconstructed using LWB flares -- it took lots of labor hours to get it looking perfect.

Dan Morton · Dan Morton's Garage

Mike, do you have pics of your car showing the rear wheel placement in the fenders?

MikeDL · 01-25-2009, 06:09 PM

Is this what you want to see? The process of replacing the flares is on my website in the "Painting" section.

304065 · 01-26-2009, 05:25 AM

Phone dials!

MikeDL · 01-26-2009, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by john_cramer

Phone dials!

I know, I know. They were the track wheels, a reasonable choice when bigger Fuchs didn't fit the budget. I'll be replacing them...

304065 · 01-26-2009, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeDL

I know, I know. They were the track wheels, a reasonable choice when bigger Fuchs didn't fit the budget. I'll be replacing them...

Once you have some 15x6 Fuchs on there, the old phone dials will feel like making love in a wetsuit.

Send me a PM for a good deal on some inexpensive 15x6 "flat" NOT deep sixes.