US Dollars
Beam & Spindle Series · Part 1 · Fitment
Link Pin & Ball Joint Beams: Do They Swap?
The short answer, why, and what to do instead.
Beam & Spindle Series · Classic VW Front End
Part 1 · You are here
Link pin or ball joint?
Do the beams swap?
01 · Quick answer
Can I bolt a link pin beam on a ball joint car?
Quick answer
No, and not the other way around either. The spread between the upper and lower tubes is different, so one type of beam can't nest in the other's frame head.
02 · Why
Two different frame heads
Link pin and ball joint beams bolt to different frame heads. The distance between the upper and lower beam tubes doesn't match, so the beam won't line up with the mounting points on the other type of car.
03 · The only real fix
Swap the frame head
The only way to do it right is to replace the whole front of the chassis head, known as the Napoleon Hat frame head.
Difficulty: 10 out of 10. It takes welding and real experience. If you're unsure about your skills, this isn't the modification to learn on.
04 · Your options
Upgrade within your type
For almost every build, the better move is a better beam of the type your car already has:
Bolt-in
Assembled beams
OGbuilt, ECObuilt or PRObuilt, built for your front end.
05 · FAQ
Beam swap questions
Will a link pin beam fit a 1966 or later Beetle?
No. The tube spread is different, so it won't bolt to a ball joint frame head.
What's the Napoleon Hat?
The frame head at the front of the chassis that the beam bolts to. Swapping it is the only proper way to change beam types.
Can a shop do the frame head swap?
It's a 10-out-of-10 job that takes welding and experience. Most builds are better off upgrading within their own beam type.
Which beam should I buy?
Start with the Beam Buyer's Guide, then install it with Part 2: Install the beam.
Process — Not Parts — Determines Performance