• Registered: 2011-06-27
  • Posts: 1

Topic: 1960 Ghia transaxle conversion

Looking to update my original 1960 Ghia trans to a newer.. "freeway flyer" or similar product.  Want to know if I would still use my old axles if in good condition. 
-Can I still use the old axles?  Drums?  etc. and could I update the sid plates holding them in.

Is there a  better conversion then just adding the transaxle.

Thanks for your help.

One other, was considering dropoped spindles as I am not keeping this stock, is 2" better then 2.5 for ride and look, not sure I want it 2.5 inches down?

Paul

  • Registered: 2011-07-28
  • Posts: 2

Re: 1960 Ghia transaxle conversion

1960ghia wrote:

Looking to update my original 1960 Ghia trans to a newer.. "freeway flyer" or similar product.  Want to know if I would still use my old axles if in good condition. 
-Can I still use the old axles?  Drums?  etc. and could I update the sid plates holding them in.

Is there a  better conversion then just adding the transaxle.

Thanks for your help.

One other, was considering dropoped spindles as I am not keeping this stock, is 2" better then 2.5 for ride and look, not sure I want it 2.5 inches down?

Paul

I would use a 4.125 R&P Tranny (Freeway flyer) with a .89 4th gear.  I love my 2.5" drop spindles.  You can reuse almost everything as long as you get the same tranny case as you did have.  I know no better way that that.

  • From: Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Registered: 2005-09-10
  • Posts: 2,336

Re: 1960 Ghia transaxle conversion

1960ghia wrote:

Looking to update my original 1960 Ghia trans to a newer.. "freeway flyer" or similar product.  Want to know if I would still use my old axles if in good condition. 
-Can I still use the old axles?

I'm pretty sure all the "Freeway Flyer" transmissions I've seen are the newer IRS type. 

- Nick

1979 Super Beetle Convertible
  • From: somewhere over the rainbow USA
  • Registered: 2006-07-26
  • Posts: 1,889

Re: 1960 Ghia transaxle conversion

Wow bad info, freeway flyer in irs only? All it is is a different gear;)
1960 should have a spit case trans which would need to be updated to a tunnel type. Also 60 has a one year only front trans mount so you need to fit a type 2 nosecone and hockey stick to new style trans. Axles and all that will swap over.
From what I read drop spindles on a ghia can be difficult with the offset and tire/rim fitment.

burrhead

A wise man makes his own decisions, an ignorant man follows public opinion.
  • From: Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Registered: 2005-09-10
  • Posts: 2,336

Re: 1960 Ghia transaxle conversion

burrhead wrote:

Wow bad info, freeway flyer in irs only? All it is is a different gear;)

You're right Burrhead...the Freeway Flyer transmissions are really just a different gear.  All of them that I've seen or heard of were for IRS applications...but I did just do an internet search...and came up with these "swing-axle" versions of the freeway flyer tranny:

http://www.mofoco.com/item/Freeway_Flye … ission/571
http://www.buggyworld.com/parts/products.php?id=4
http://gemvw.3dcartstores.com/Freeway-F … _p_47.html

Thanks for the correction...there are definitely Freeway Flyer transmissions available for both swing-axle & IRS applications. smile

- Nick

1979 Super Beetle Convertible