Problems with wheel adapters?

JustBuggy · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2012 5:24 am Post subject: Problems with wheel adapters?

I'm trying to put the finishing touches on my Laser 917 and getting it ready for the California Bug Bash 2012 this Sunday. The final stretch is here!

This week I added rear disk brakes to match the front disk brakes that I had installed a few months ago. One of the things I notice as I'm bolting the wheel adapters back on is there are three different size studs that hold the wheel on. Shocked

One stud is an offset stud, this of course uses the existing stud hole in the disk to attach the wheel and adapt between the two different bolt hole circles.

The part that has me concerened is there are two different sized studs holding the other three holes on the adapter to the disk! One of these, the odd one is even shorter than the other two. It seems to me that the short one was just something that the previous owner had just cobbled together. Are these adapter studs common sized VW studs or are they special made for the adapters?

manxdavid · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2012 5:48 am Post subject:

The three bolts and one 'dogleg' bolt should all be standard VW 14mm thread. I'd check that the threads are all OK in the disc and that a PO hasn't damaged one and re-tapped it bigger hence the odd bolt. If the threads are OK CIP sell replacement bolts. If the threads odd you'll need another disc.

http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ACC-C10-6779

I've got some spares here but I'm in UK but could airmail one to you if you're really stuck.

JustBuggy · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2012 8:43 am Post subject:

The PO had these installed on the old drums. These are new disks, I just installed them. I just would like to have them all the same if at all possible.

So if these are just stock VW studs, I should be able to find them easily around here TODAY. Thanks so much!

manxdavid · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2012 9:02 am Post subject:

They're not studs, they're bolts and they're specially made for that style of adapter. I doubt you'd find them locally unless you know of a specialist VW place that may have some in a box of old crap lying around.

Bub · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2012 1:04 pm Post subject:

I've bought brand new adapter before (EMPI!) - and had them show up with mix-matched studs. Seriously. Just derping along installing my brand-new adapters and WTF!~ one stud was 12mmx1.5.
I'd assume the same could happen with any cheap disc rotor/ brake kit.
They're just cheap -ass with zero quality control, so you get alot of shitty fitment issues.
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JustBuggy · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2012 6:59 pm Post subject:

I drove all over today looking for these bolts. I tried VW places, hardware stores, and even a couple of tractor supply houses out in Stockton.

What I did find but is a bit too short is an oil drain plug that fits perfect. However it only goes in about 4 threads. I'll have to see if I can order something like these online. Rolling Eyes

Letterman7 · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2012 7:53 pm Post subject:

No machine shops near you that might be able to turn a few bolts?
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slalombuggy · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2012 7:55 pm Post subject:

If you are going 4 bolt VW to 5 bolt Chevy, just get the rotors drilled for that bolt pattern. If you think the bolts are a hassle wait until you get that mind numbing tire shake at 30mph from the adapters not being true and the wheels hopping like an old Fisher-Price jalopy. I loved watching my buddy driving his buggy with adapters, he and the passenger looked like bobble head dolls on ridalin.........

brad
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Dale M. · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2012 8:48 pm Post subject:

Every conceivable wheel stud or lug nut or wheel bolt can be found in Dorman products catalog....

https://www.dormanproducts.com/catalog/2006_hardware.htm

Start looking at "Section 10" (page 130 or so)...

Metric stuff starts at about page 160....

Guaranteed your eyes will be blurry at all the items to look at....

IF you find what you need you can order it by Dorman part number at local auto parts (maybe) or someplace online like "rockauto.com"

I got replacement lug nuts for my Jeep and studs and lug nuts for friends conversion to studs on his wide five wheels through Rockauto after identifying "parts" in catalog....

IF its not in Catalog you have "one of a kind", limited production probably just for application you are frustrated with....

Dale
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Lives his life vicariously through his own self...
1970 "Kellison Sand Piper Roadster" For Street & Show.

All suggestions and advice are purely my own opinion. You are free to ignore them if you wish ...

Dale M. · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2012 9:08 pm Post subject:

If anyone is considering modding drums (or disks) and looking for info on how to....

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=467875

Some really descriptive info here....

Dale
_________________
Lives his life vicariously through his own self...
1970 "Kellison Sand Piper Roadster" For Street & Show.

All suggestions and advice are purely my own opinion. You are free to ignore them if you wish ...

JustBuggy · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2012 9:45 pm Post subject:

Thanks Dale!

BTW, are you coming to the Bug Bash this weekend?

manxdavid · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2012 11:22 pm Post subject:

JustBuggy · Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2012 5:42 am Post subject:

Thanks David.

I was going to use a standard bolt and machine it myself. However in the limited time I have to work on this I think my efforts are better put into finding the right part and doing something productive on the car. I still have the engine to reinstall today ........ Rolling Eyes

I'm headed to the California Bug Bash this weekend. Hoping that I can find one of these at the swap meet there. If not that link will come in handy. Very Happy

Dale M. · Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2012 5:50 am Post subject:

JustBuggy · Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2012 6:03 am Post subject:

It's Sunday the 24th at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in Antioch.

http://www.contracostafair.com/index.php?option=co...Itemid=104

manxcraig · Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2012 6:15 pm Post subject:

When I converted my Manx on a swing axle pan to IRS a few years ago I ended up with 4 lug brakes on the rear so I got a pair of 4 to Chevy 5 lug adapters. I put them on, looked things over and went in the house and ordered 5 lug brake drums. I just don't like the looks of those things.
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manxdavid · Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 3:14 am Post subject:

Did you get a bolt? I've got spare ones here if you're stuck, I could send one over if you like.

JustBuggy · Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 3:43 am Post subject:

I do not plan on driving anywhere so I should be good until I get them. I ordered a couple of them just in case I need another spare. They should be here next week.

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