What beam?

[Fisher]

**WARNING, NEWB ALERT**

I've been informed that my 1970 Bay requires a new front beam as the present one is rotten. Having spent the last couple of weeks trying to source a replacement I am now somewhat confused as to what can and can't be fitted.

I spoke to a guy last night who has a beam on a bay he's breaking (awaiting report on condition), but I gather it's from a later bay with discs. His comment was that as mine should have discs, fitting shouldn't be a problem. However, I think my bay has drums all round.

In addition, I have found a beam on eBay, complete with discs, calipers and shocks.

My question is, will either of them fit, and what would be involved in converting to discs up front, i.e. can I just bolt on the replacement beam and connect up the calipers to the existing braking system?

 

[Clem]

Hi

The beams were the same from 1970 to 1979. The front hub/spindle assemblys are different between drums and disks but can be swapped over in entirity.

RHD to LHD beam conversions requires basic welding and servo brackets can be removed or swapped as required, again with basic welding.

 

[Guest]

Hi

The beams were the same from 1970 to 1979. The front hub/spindle assemblys are different between drums and disks but can be swapped over in entirity.

RHD to LHD beam conversions requires basic welding and servo brackets can be removed or swapped as required, again with basic welding.

WHS^^

there are two bolt patterns for bay beams, it loosely follows that if you have discs and a 112PCD wheel fitment you have the larger spaced bolts on the chassis, if you have drums up front and are 205PCD you have the smaller bolt pattern and can also run earlier splitty linkpin beams. Ball joint beams were produced for bays from 67-70 in the smaller bolt pattern, and changed over in 71 with the introduction of discs up front to the larger pattern.

I certain you have the smaller pattern so can only fit balljoint beam from 67-70, there are several aftermarket beams that have both patterns on the shock towers to allow universal fitment, the weedeater being one.

 

[Fisher]

WHS^^

there are two bolt patterns for bay beams, it loosely follows that if you have discs and a 112PCD wheel fitment you have the larger spaced bolts on the chassis, if you have drums up front and are 205PCD you have the smaller bolt pattern and can also run earlier splitty linkpin beams. Ball joint beams were produced for bays from 67-70 in the smaller bolt pattern, and changed over in 71 with the introduction of discs up front to the larger pattern.

I certain you have the smaller pattern so can only fit balljoint beam from 67-70, there are several aftermarket beams that have both patterns on the shock towers to allow universal fitment, the weedeater being one.

Ok, so on that basis, are the hubs pictured below 205?

 

[AxlFoley]

no thats a later 112 with disks.

 

[Fisher]

Ok, thanks all.

 

[slammedresto]

my new bus is having a new narrowed beam fitted, the bus is from california, just imported, my beam will be for sale if thats any use to you (its a 1970, LHD )

 

[james_stan]

there are two bolt patterns for bay beams, it loosely follows that if you have discs and a 112PCD wheel fitment you have the larger spaced bolts on the chassis, if you have drums up front and are 205PCD you have the smaller bolt pattern and can also run earlier splitty linkpin beams. Ball joint beams were produced for bays from 67-70 in the smaller bolt pattern, and changed over in 71 with the introduction of discs up front to the larger pattern.

"Johnny



Not strictly true. Some 1970 and possibly late 69 beams are of the later type bolt pattern even though they feature drum brakes - if you search thesamba.com there's a post somewhere which gives the chassis numbers when they changed. Note also that if you change to a disc set-up up front you will also need to change the master cylinder (something to do with pressure valves) PLUS you may end-up with odd wheel PCDs front and rear which could mean carrying two spares - easier to strip new disc beam and re-fit drum spindles maybe.

Good luck

James

 

[Guest]

yes your right and thats why i said 'loosely' follows as there are allways exceptions, i have seen one or two drum brake buses with later beam mounting. the only way to be totally sure is measure, or buy a weedeater and dont worry about it at all :wink:

You will possibly need to switch to a later master cylinder and reservoir if fitting later discs for servo assistence. but i think it should be ok without changing.

 

[Clarkson46]

The pressure valves are another of the urban myths. The master cylinder will work fine with a disc setup. We converted a '68 from drums to disc/drum and retained the original master cylinder.