Hi All,
I have a 4 stud disc brake, ball joint, torsion bar front end from a 68 I think. I'm wanting to bolt it on a 67 beetle with stock 5 stud wheels. My aim is to have ball joints and disc brakes with stock 5 stud pattern wheels with remote booster for reduced pedal pressure.
What are my options if any? In everyone's experience what is recommended? Any input is appreciated.
Thanks
Andre
The ball joint beam has a wider torsion bar housing spacing and will not fit the earlier pan unless you change the frame head.
You can have a 5 stud drum brakes on the ball joint front end with factory parts from the USA as that change over model was not sold in this country.
You can have 5 stud after market disc brake conversion for the ball joint beam.
A booster is not required with a disc brake beetle as the car is very light and is very easy to over brake the front wheels.
Thanks for that, I'll put the booster idea aside.
Just some clarification needed still...
I cant find wide five disc kits for these Ausi disc spindles, there for I will need US ball joint spindles which had drums on them and then use a disc kit from the US? Does that sound right?
Also, Is there a large enough difference to warrant going for a ball joint beam as apposed to the LP/KP Beam?
I'm not apposed to the original 67 front end and brakes. It was just an idea since I will have a 1500SP in it and the family driving it.
Thanks
Andre
Just get your drum brakes working how they are supposed to and they will be fine.
US ball joint spindles will not fit. Australia did not have a '67 model. They really didn't change much from '63. The US '67 spindles are the same as '68. '69. '70 Australian.
I read it on samba, so it must be correct.
Sometimes Volkswagen dealers sell spare parts. Amazing isn't it!😂
Andre
Where are you located There are several Wide 5 Disc brakes kits available in Australia and they work well
I'm in Adelaide.
I was hoping for a custom 5 wide disc that would replace the 4 stud disc on this Ausi 68 front end.
Basically a disc with an inbuilt adapter plate and the rest would be stock.
I haven't found anything like it yet. Will keep looking as I'm not at the stage to make a final decision anyway.
I live in the hills and worry about brake fade when the rest of the family drive it.
Thanks Everyone
You shouldn't have brake fade if they are working correctly. I used to have a '63 rally car with drums (modified 1600 tp). In 1963 VWs won their class at Bathurst with drum brakes.
'68 front end will not fit without a lot of work. Probably removing the body from the pan.
You could use Porsche 356 drums or try Vintage Vee Dub Supplies in Sydney. Give them a call and they can advise you on what they sell.
If you buy from overseas tell them it is for a '63 Beetle. Do not mention '67 at all.
I read it on samba, so it must be correct.
Sometimes Volkswagen dealers sell spare parts. Amazing isn't it!😂
Thanks Phill
I like the practicality and economy of staying stock. Good to here the drums do well. Not keen on modifying the front so I guess I'll stick with LP/KP front anyway.
Cheers
Andre
I read it on samba, so it must be correct.
Sometimes Volkswagen dealers sell spare parts. Amazing isn't it!😂
Hi Andre,
In Easter, 1963 I raced a Beetle at Bathurst. It had stock brakes, to which I fitted alloy cooling fins and good linings. It pulled up lap after lap from over 160km/h, and broke the 1300cc lap record. Assuming your engine is stock 40hp, stock brakes should do the job.
For 'normal' driving you don't need the cooling fins, however good linings is a must!
Mark Poole, in Edwardstown may be able to help with the right linings. If not, local Formula Vee people would be worth a try.
Greg
I'd rather wear a Beetle out by racing it than by polishing it!
Thanks Greg, that is awesome. Yep, I've felt the difference between brake pads. That makes me a lot more confident. I will only have a stock 1500 and won't be racing it on the road either.
Cheers
Andre
