Hey guys.
Well with the recent trouble iv had fitting my new BRMs to my type 3 iv been looking at the process of a short axle conversion.
Iv been reading through this thread http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3392656&highlight=#3392656
Which has given me allot info into the process. But looking for anyone on here thats done it that can give tips or answers and i think ill go down
this path.
1st off wondering what year axles and tubes need to used in the process ??
2nd. It seemed the only non bolt on process that needs be undertaken is some machining on the brakes.
One of the replys to the thread asked if a bolt on wide 5 brake disc conversion could be used with a response of you.
Just wondering on whch one you guys would go with ? maker, size etc ?
Cheers Vice
Vice to do a short axle conversion you need parts from a 61-67 Aussie beetle. They have the short axles.
Then you could put a type1 Beetle wide 5 disc brake conversion on but you wld have to do the front as well. CSP is the kit I like but they are not
cheap. I wld get the snout of your rear drums turned down to the same as the beetle drum so they fit the beetle axles. Easy to do any machine shop
would be able to do it for you.
Thanks allot for the info Burrelli,
Looks like i might stick with the existing brakes after looking at the CSP prices !! 4k australian.. Fck that..
Cheers Vice
yeh, the CSP kits are incredible, but so are the prices!!!! Good quality stuff though.
A guy on here did it on his square a while back....I will see if I can find the thread for you....he hasn't been on for a while....he's been
overseas for the last 12 months.
Will let you know when I find it.
Scarab (aka: Paul)
here is the thread I was talking about....but after checking it, it looks like a lot of the photos have been deleted from the photobucket
account....sorry mate 
http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=69847&page=1
Scarab (aka: Paul)
You mentioned in my members thread that you knew most the parts needed for the converions. I have read over it 10 times but dont know what some of the
parts are/do.
Would i be correct in saying all i will need is the below ??
Tubes
Axles
Shortened brake cables for the hand brake
Cheers Vice
from my understanding...yes....but as I also said, I haven't actually done it yet either, only researched it for my project! 
As plain and simple the Samba thread may be....some people often leave out the stuff that has caused them hassles etc. (don't know if this is due to
embarassment or just oversight), but sometimes the only way of knowing 100% definitely is actually getting stuck in and doing it. unfortunately, my
project is not that far along to need it yet, whereas you need it almost immediately.
From what I can gather, all you will need are what you have mentioned....tubes and axles....as for the hand brake cables, I dont know if you will
definitely need those...you may be able to re-position the bracketry so that they still work effectively at the standard length....I can't see any
reason why you would need shorter cables, but i haven't done the job...so who knows?? 
The only thing that appears to have been a hassle, or not a simple bolt on job, is turning down the nose of the drum, but as
Burrelli said, most machine shops should be able to do it for you very quickly and simply.
I guess you have already spoken to the guys that helped with the lowering of Etta.....were they able to shed any more light on it for you mate? Those
guys seem very knowledgeable on the Type 3 stuff, so may have some good info to contribute to your efforts.
Sorry I can't be any more help at this time. i really hope you get on OK with it....and when it comes time to do mine, maybe you can help me with
some info and any pitfalls to look out for!
Cheers mate!
Scarab (aka: Paul)
Vice I thought I should tell you why I have not got after market wide 5 wheels on my fasty.
short axles are the way to go if you want to fit BRMs,empi5s or what ever wide 5 after market wheel to your lowered 64-68(aussie) Type3. It will stop
them from rubbing the guards on the rear.
The down sides are and this is why I have not done it to my car.
1) You have to shorten the splines in the type3 drum. VW made them wider in latter cars because it's stronger and will not wear as fast.
2) You will be narrowing the rear track which will make your car over steer more. VW and Porsche made the track wider in the cars to try and limit the
over steer.
3) You will have to fit very thin front tyres because the offset of your wheels are 25-30mm closer to the front guards than standard. These tyres are
not good for handling.
IMO If you want after market wheel on your 64-68 type3 you need something with around 35mm offset and most after market have not got that much. The
ones that do are the porsche wheels but this means going to 4/130 porsche 914 5.5inch wheels or some sort of porsche 5/130 5.5-6inch wheel with latter
model Type3 disc brake system. This way your car will handle and stop the best also you can run much wide tyre if you want.
After market wide5 wheels look very cool but too much of a Compromise IMO.
Wish i had read that a month ago Burelli..
Fitting these BRMs has turned out to be a huge pain in the ass.. To the point where im doubting the whole project at times..
Iv had the front left wheel on with no problems, Running 135`s. Tried the right one on today and it is probally a full CM difference in clearance from
the guard and rubbs quite badly.. I think the BRMs are gonna go up for sale for cheap and ill just have to lose more money..
Cheers Vice
Anyone got any idea on a price range for the axles and tubes ? Or places to buy ?
Cheers Vice
Just ask around for someone with an R.S swing axle gearbox and strip the stuff you need of it.
Plenty of them around.........got some here if you don't find some closer to home
Would you normally need to buy the whole gear box ? How much are they worth hellbugged ?
Thanks mate.
Vice
if it's no good internally ie. not able to go down the road $50.
Oh ok cool, So most reckers etc would only sell the axles as part as a transaxle sale ?
Also man, not to famuliar with bugs. Whats the RS stand for ?
Cheers Vice