Would it be possible to convert the existing Mk2  rear suspension to an independent set up? Has anyone thought that this could be an option? I was thinking that the beam that joins both sides of the suspension could be replaced by a swiveling shaft mounted in line with the pivot points of both sides.  Possibly the stock bushes  could be used.  If this was done would it benefit handling that much to make it worth doing? I hope this encourages some interesting comments including those who thinks it might be a good idea.

your not the only one to think this, its not to often you experience the limit of the solid rear beam to a point where it slows you compared with independant rears 

 

with the right fabrication skills its probably possible but there is a ton of math and measurents to make sure it is all spot on. may even need to be inspected and certified 

 

Wow, this post had been unanswered for months. I think either a whole new suspension is fabricated from scratch or I think it would be a huge challenge to modify the existing rear beam by cutting it in half and then having each half swiveling independently about a shaft running through the centre of the beam. If its possible I don't know but it gets you thinking if it can be achieved. You are right that it would be an idea to get it seen by a professional and certified. Potentially the handling could be transformed as what made the Ford Focus so good when it was first made. At the time it was one the best handling front wheel drive cars because the independent rear suspension. 

so that's how tiff needell did the compass turn with car travelling in a straight line and Clarkson, May and Hammond bricking themselves.

guess the hardest part would be the pivot point as the base of the shocks and the  beam arnt in line

 

probably need to add a pivot point off the side of the shock mounting point and use the chasis mount as normal. cut out the centre of the beam altogether and probably cut into the spare wheel well to alow the new mounting 

There are all sorts of ways to do it. I was talking to a mechanic of 30 years today and he suggests a wishbone set up with a roll bar which as the wheel goes up with the suspension the tyre will stay flat on the floor. The roll bar will act on the opposite wishbone to minimise body roll as a front suspension would.