1960 Karmann disk brake conversion?

Hey all,

Im wanting to put disk brakes on the front of my ratty 1960 Karmann and was hoping to get some guidance on how to go about it. Id like to do it in the most safe but cost effective way. Can disk brakes from other makes and models be used?

I have a mate who's a mechanic for the RACQ giving me a hand but he's also unsure about what's compatible etc.

Ive looked at a few threads regarding disk brakes but thought it easier if i asked my own question 🙂 Any help would be appreciated...

Cheers!

Ant

mine is an early t3 l/pin bolted on for wider track front
dual brake system
and matches the irs ssp gbox set up
this way Ineeded 4 stud wheels of course

bushed wrote:mine is an early t3 l/pin bolted on for wider track front
dual brake system
and matches the irs ssp gbox set up
this way Ineeded 4 stud wheels of course

I'm confused, are you referring to type 3 beam ( ie. notchback) as these were always ball joint, never link pin.
There are a few options for disc brake conversion for the Type 1 link pin set up of your KG but none are cheap. These include
- fitting a new aftermarket conversion kit, bolts into the link pin beam, look online as there are various makes.
- using a later ball jnt beam and disc brake spindles from a type 1 / beetle but you will need to weld in the different bulkhead on the chassis, and use 4 stud wheels
- find an original period correct Maico disc brake conversion kit, but mortage the house if you can find one as they cost more than $1500

$1500.. you think thats bad!!?? 🤪the CSP wide 5 kit for type 3's is about $2000 argghhh been thinking about it for awhile but i dont think its worth it...

Maico Discs for $1500 i wouldnt sell my 2 sets for that no way LOL

if you want a good set of disc for your ghia give Vintage a call in Sydney 02-9789-1777 they will fit up nice

thanks guys! so many abbreviated terms lol! i have no idea what your talking about..... but my mate will once i show him this thread. This is awesome, thanks for your help 😀

I did write " more than $1500 ", as who knows their true market value. Currently a set on Thesamba for $3200 US from someone in Melbourne but haven't sold yet. Limited market of buyers prepared to pay to play at this price.
The problem with Maico's is that they rarely come up for sale, those that have them don't want to sell, and usually haven't paid the high asking price in the first place. Anyone know of a set bought or sold recently ?

the last set i bought from a guy out of restored cars magazine bought 15 years ago cost me $70 but had to do heaps of work to get them going

they work well and yr right aint seen any for years

$70!!! 👍 i wish i could be so lucky!