54 oval handbrake adjustment?

Hello

Being new to the world of oval beetles I can't figure out how to adjust the handbrake on the 54 oval.

I just had the rear drums skimmed and new shoes machined to match - the drums actually stick in one point which makes me think the machining may have been done ever so slightly off centre....but thats another story.

Unless I've overlooked something (which is possible), I can't figure out how the cables attach to the handbrake lever and if there is any adjustment in them (I haven't pulled it apart yet to figure it out - thought I'd ask first).

Cheers
Alan

Das, the 54's had the hand brake adjusters at the front of the frame head. Not on the hand brake handle like later vw's. Think this would be the case for yours.

Check that the wheel nuts arent over tightened or unevenly tightend. This can pull the early drums out of shape. Correct torque can make a big diff. Might save you getting new drums. The early Beetlle brake bits are gettin thin on the ground these days.

I have not done it yet, but on the 54 the cables go right up the tunnel to the frame head, so adjustment is from underneath the front of the car, have fun..

Well that's new to me! I'll have to check it out once my torn hammy allows me to get up off the ground!

With regards to the wheel lug tension, I always use the torque wrench in a criss cross pattern to 72 (or is it 76) ft/lbs as per 'Idiot book' torque table recommendation. But the drums stuck in one spot even before I bolted the wheels up for the first time.

I think I am going to take the drums off and take them back to the machine shop to have them checked out (they agreed to have a look at them)....then I'll go from there.

Cheers
Alan

the drums stuck in one spot? sounds like its in gear...

nick

, I always use the torque wrench in a criss cross pattern to 72 (or is it 76) ft/lbs


that sounds way tooomuch i think there only about 25 or something have another look atthe book

vw54 wrote:, I always use the torque wrench in a criss cross pattern to 72 (or is it 76) ft/lbs


that sounds way tooomuch i think there only about 25 or something have another look atthe book

25lbs? That's what you do your spark plugs to Dave! It's 72ft/lbs for the wide fives, and 108ft/lbs for the 4 holes (1965/1967 onwards)

Type 2 - M14 X 1.5 bolts: 94ft/lbs
Type 3 - M12 X 1.5 bolts: 72ft/lbs
from Aug 1965
M14 X 1.5 bolts: 108ft/lbs

bam.