4 lug to 5 lug ... options/information needed

fonzy

okay. prolly been discussed 50 bazillion times but I just cant seem to find what I am looking for with searches...

I have late model (72) beetle, standard 4 lug drums on all 4 corners.
I WANT to run early large 5 lug wheels.
I do NOT want to use adapters.

so this leaves me with two options I have been told...

run 65-66 from drums, and (mixed answer) 5 lug rear drums with a 'spacer' of some kind.

or

re drill some 4 lug drums with the big 5 lug pattern.

price wise, I have all new 4 lug drums, so I would seriously like to just get them redrilled, since I can only find 'new' 65-66 drums and they are pricey, and the rear drum solutions are vague and seem kinda 'rigged' and unsafe from what I have had explained to me so far...

anyone ever had 4 lug drums redrilled for 5 lug pattern< and if so, does it seem pretty solid? any clearance issues with the lugs/shoes/internals?

or are there some SOLID answrs on the actual conversion to actual 5 lug drums>? what specifically is needed?

thanks a bunch guys!
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vwracerdave · Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2010 6:09 pm Post subject:

It is not safe to redrill 4 lug drums for wide 5 pattern. Look on the inside of the 4 lug drum and you will see 4 raised ribs where the 4 lug bolts go. When you redrill for 5 lugs theer is not enough material to support the lugs. Your safest choice would be to use the 66-67 front drums.

If you choose early Bug 5 lug rear drums then you must run spacers that are only a few dollars, but with the eairlier drums you must also use narrower brake shoes and will reduce braking. Not a smart Idea on a heavier Super.

The 73-74 rear Thing drums are a direct fit without and spacers, but they are pricy too, around $100 each new.
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spinster · Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 1:18 am Post subject:

Is it just the smooth look you are going after?
If thats the case would you settle for wheel trims that cover all the holes like these?

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

[/img]
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fonzy · Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 4:42 pm Post subject:

now THAT sir is a GREAT idear... Smile

this is for another vehicle, snot mine.

cool to see someone else made that work out:)
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A legend and an out of work bum sure look alot alike, Daddy.

fonzy · Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2010 8:25 am Post subject:

c.j. · Samba Member Joined: November 12, 2004 Posts: 343

Where can I get those hole covers?

fonzy · Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2010 7:00 pm Post subject:

I made them out of some plastic chip n salsa bowls from wal mart... were like 2 or 3 bucks each. kinda heavy plastic. i did a write up/how to a long time ago, but cant find it anymore...

i guess he was pokin a little fun at me about gettin some myself.. Smile

and yeah before ya ask,, wal mart only carried them very briefly as a seaonal thing so.. no i dont know where to get anymore:(

but

all i did was get a really good eyeball at the wheels and just kinda, ya know, kept my eyes open for something plastic or really thin metal that would be easy to cut n trim to fit.

good luck! Smile

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A legend and an out of work bum sure look alot alike, Daddy.

spinster · Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2010 8:15 pm Post subject:

Didn't realise it was you fonzy who made them out of plastic bowls... worked alright for a quick fix.

Mine are made in steel so can be welded/stuck in place or just held by the hubcap. Available for late bay, type 3 and beetle.. PM for details
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fonzy · Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2010 10:27 pm Post subject:

PM sent spinster...
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Mike Fisher · Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2014 12:24 pm Post subject:

Hutty is still custom spinning out the goods! Cool

http://spunbyhutty.com/
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eschmi · Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2015 12:32 am Post subject:

On a similar topic I have an odd question... rebuilding an old Imp and the rear end is from a 65 beetle and has 4 lug drums, front end is from a 1960 beetle and has 5 lug drums, if I got ahold of a pair or front 4 lug drums would I be able to run them on the standard old front end? Doing it on a budget and all the wheels I like for it are in 4x130mm of course... Thanks in advance!

cfvwtuner · Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2015 4:54 am Post subject:

As far as I know, 4 lug drums wont fit on link pin spindles


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