Swing-Axle to IRS Trailing Arm Conversion Brackets | Air-Cooled VW

Short answer: These are weld-in CNC-cut steel brackets that locate IRS trailing arms on a swing-axle VW Beetle, Karmann Ghia or Type 3 pan (and Manx/buggy flat-pan builds) for a swing-to-IRS conversion; factory IRS chassis do not need them (#CH05).

Model #CH05

Convert your swing-axle VW to independent rear suspension (IRS) with the correct geometry the first time. These weld-in trailing arm conversion brackets locate your IRS trailing arms in the right position on a swing-axle pan, giving you the handling, ride quality, and durability upgrade that an IRS swap is known for.

CNC-cut from thick-gauge steel for a strong, permanent foundation under your rear suspension — built to take street and off-road abuse on Bugs, Ghias, Type 3s, and Manx/buggy builds.

Why Do a Swing-to-IRS Conversion?

• Better handling: IRS keeps the rear tires planted through corners and over bumps, eliminating the swing-axle "jacking" effect.
• Smoother ride: Independent arms soak up road and trail irregularities far better than a swing axle.
• Correct geometry built in: Brackets are cut to locate the trailing arms properly so your conversion drives right.
• CNC-cut thick-gauge steel: Strong, permanent foundation built for street and off-road abuse.
• Made in-house: Designed and cut by Washburn's Metal in Orange, California.

Fitment

CONFIRMED:

• VW Beetle: 1949–1968 swing-axle chassis being converted to IRS
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956–1968 swing-axle chassis
• VW Type 3: 1962–1968 swing-axle chassis
• Manx / dune buggy and custom flat-pan builds on a swing-axle (1949–1968) donor pan

NOT CONFIRMED: chassis that already came with IRS from the factory do not need these brackets. If you are unsure which rear suspension your pan has, send us a photo before you order.

Technical Specifications

• Material: CNC-cut thick-gauge steel
• Installation: Weld-in
• Function: Locates IRS trailing arms on a swing-axle pan
• Part Number: #CH05
• Shipping weight: 2.75 lb
• Boxed dimensions: 10 x 6 x 3 in

Frequently Asked Questions

• What do these brackets do? They locate your IRS trailing arms in the correct position on a swing-axle pan, so a swing-to-IRS conversion has the right geometry.
• Will they fit my swing-axle Beetle, Ghia or Type 3? Yes. CH05 is made for air-cooled VW Beetle, Karmann Ghia and Type 3 swing-axle chassis being converted to IRS, plus Manx/dune buggy and custom flat-pan builds.
• How do they install? Weld-in installation for experienced fabricators. Correct placement is critical to suspension geometry — measure carefully and tack before final welding, or have a qualified shop perform the conversion.
• What else do I need for the conversion? CH05 is the bracket set only. You supply the IRS trailing arms and the rest of the IRS running gear for your build.
• Who makes CH05? Washburn's Metal designs and cuts CH05 in-house in Orange, California. CH05 is our part number.
• How does it ship? Ships from our shop in Orange, California, at about 2.75 lb boxed (10 x 6 x 3 in).
• What is the part number? Washburn's Metal CH05.

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Upgrading your rear suspension? Browse our Suspension and Axles parts, or everything for your platform in All VW Air-Cooled.

Prop 65 Warning

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.