why the super?
 

i've noticed that a lot of GL's are 1302s and 1303s. is there anything special, besides the mcpherson struts, that you guys like about these cars? i am considering starting a new project and am just curious. thanks guys.

IRS trans
1303 is only car w/ curved windshield
stock 1302 & 1303 are just more suited to the look with less
modification.
dunno...uhm. They hold more stuff up front and its only bug where the spare sits flat -not upright.
I'll think of more.
Just personal pref I guess?

i have a standard, but the supers have much better suspension and therefore are more applicable to what the style is all about...performance. i would probably be in a 1303 if i had to do all over again. i am too deep into mine to consider that though. i have always preferred the look of the standard. at least until i see a really well done 1303 and then i change my mind again. :D

Performance yes! I agree with what you are saying, For me i love standards, i just love the old style a lot.. but like you said, once you see a fine example of a well done GL Super beetle theres just no turning away. I dont have a standard, i have a 1303, but i wish i had both :D stock supers look like junk. stock standards look nice. GL supers look "SICK" and GL standards look "fine" if not as sick as a Super. its all personal preference.

Later,
Jonathan

Thats right :D

In the simplest terms, the Super was designed to corner. The front track is wider than the rear (unlike the narrow front end Standard) and the Super also has negative roll radius steering. All this equals a car built for the twisties, the Standard is a good light car for straight line drag racing. Two different cars designed to do two different things. Keep in mind that the Porsche 944/924 suspension was based on the Super's suspension, that in itself should answer your question. Now as for looks, that's a matter of personal taste.

Because they are just great! :D

I'm thinking of trying a GL super....arent 73's the first year for the 1303?

I would think that this would be a great car to try it with?

BTW: the wife likes her 64 looking stock :rolleyes: so it's off limits!
guess its cool that she loves it though!

Yes, the 73 is the first year for the 1303. There was a mid-year change in 73 from the 3 bolt to a 2 bolt lower strut mount.

are there any drawbacks/enhancements to the changes made mid-year? is it easy to tell which I am looking at? sounds like it would be...

The later 2 bolt strut will bolt up to a 944 spindle with a Kercher ball joint. But the control arms/struts from a late 73-up can be bolted to a 71-73 1/2.

Look at the lower strut mount and see if it has 2 or 3 bolts.

i read on STF that the 944 f&r disc brakes bolt up....so in addition the later 1303 accepts the 944 spindle and ball joints? are the 944 spindles a different ride height? if so that would be even better!

Then came rack n pinion. :)

Yes, they will lower the car slightly over an inch.

There is nothing on the later cars that can't be fitted to the earlier cars and vise-versa.