GLPoomobile 958 Posted January 5, 2006 (edited) I have read a bit about this but just wanted to clarify that I have this right, and see if there is any change of opinion. If I want to swap a 1.9 beam onto a 1.6, complete (mounts, shocks, stub axles, hubs, disks, calipers and brake lines), is it correct that all I need to do is swap over the handbrake cables as well? I'm not familer with the arrangement of the brake lines on the 1.6 so can anybody tell me where I would mate up the brake lines and how difficult/time consuming it would be? There seems to be differing opinions about using the 1.9 setup with 1.6 MC and compensator. Is it definately fine to do this? Reason I'm asking is that IF I end up buying a 1.6 in the near future I will almost certainly swap over the beam from my 1.9 as it was rebuilt 12 months ago, has just had a new wheel bearing fitted and also has Stew's Group A mounts fitted. I am confident that I can swap beams in a matter of hours but mating up the brakes in a concern as it's not something I have any experience with. Edited January 5, 2006 by GLPoomobile Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DrSeuss 0 Posted January 5, 2006 the flexi lines on a 1.6 beam are different. And you'll have to unscrew the unions from the drums. Anticipate getting new hard lines and probably new flexi's as well. Its fine to use the 1.6 compensator. But you might be best budgeting on an automec kit (50 quid) for all new brake lines. Seeing how often brake lines fail mot's its not a bad investment anyway. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jonah 1 Posted January 5, 2006 The 1.6 and 1.9 hydraulics will mate up perfectly if you split them at the unions by the rear shock lower mounts. The flexis that loop over the beam are different between 1.6 and 1.9 so you will need to keep the 1.6 ones, and everything rearward of this point needs to be 1.9 to connect the rest of the way to the calipers. 1.9 brakes on 1.6 compensator and M/C works just fine IMO. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anthony 1,003 Posted January 5, 2006 As above - 1.9 rear disks with a 1.6 compensator and brakeline setup works perfectly. My own 1.6 GTi runs this setup, and I've done a few conversions for other people Literally just undo the handbrake cables from inside the car, undo the brakelines where the flexi's meet the solid pipes on the beamtube, do the same on the other car, and then swap the beams straight over and reconnect the brake pipes and handbrake cables. Simple Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GLPoomobile 958 Posted January 5, 2006 the flexi lines on a 1.6 beam are different. And you'll have to unscrew the unions from the drums. Anticipate getting new hard lines and probably new flexi's as well. Its fine to use the 1.6 compensator. But you might be best budgeting on an automec kit (50 quid) for all new brake lines. Seeing how often brake lines fail mot's its not a bad investment anyway. What's an Automec kit? Anthony - you make it sound so simple Bet it wouldn;t go that way for me though I'm speaking to DanGTI about taking a look at his 1.6. May need the stem seals and a headgsket but if the shell is as good as it looks then I reckon it could be worth it. Then I'll just swap over my beam and front springs (well, prob just swap over the shocks with the springs in place) and strip my 1.9 as far as I can. If his 1.6 beam is in good order then I can flog it on. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anthony 1,003 Posted January 5, 2006 What's an Automec kit? A kit that includes replacement copper brakepipes for the entire car. Not much good for you though, as you need a mix of 1.6 and 1.9 solid pipes for running a 1.9 beam on a 1.6 car. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ALEX 98 1 Cars Posted January 5, 2006 (edited) I have a spare pair of rear trailing arms from a 1.9 beam I scrapped. If you're interested send me a PM. They dont have any shafts in them though. I'm moving house and need rid of some clutter. Edited January 5, 2006 by ALEX Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest coxie1.9 Posted January 12, 2006 i did this on my other 1.6 - 1.9 conversion car .. and it was really simple .. i jus swapped everythin u mentioned up there, and had the flexie hoses changed for 1.9 ones these connected to the original brake lines on the car already and hey presto .. jus the handbrake cable yeah as it was different .. and now it works perfectly .. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
