New trike brakes

[avus]

Well, finally got the easy brake swap done on the trike. I got a beautiful set of 356B rear brakes from Samba member Tony, and the drums slipped on so well, I was sure it would be a quick job
.

First off, the backing plates had been chromed, and had to be massaged to slip on the axle tubes--no big deal, and though I was under the impression that the bearing retainers were too deep to clamp the backing plates, it turned out that my 1962 beetle retainers were perfect.

Then the knotty problem: The Porsche drums are about 4" larger diameter than VW. Tire would not fit between the drum and fender. My fender brackets attached with the spring plate bolts at the axle housings, which would require that the rear suspension be disassembled to remove the wheels if I didn't make some modifications. So the fender mounts had to be redesigned and modified to allow easy removal. Welding and grinding sent the fenders to paint jail for a month or so.

But after wiring disconnect plugs into the tail light harness the mounts look ok. James at Darrell's shop did a nice job on the body work and paint.

The trike stops better with less pedal pressure, and the brakes aren't grabby or too sensitive, and looks better in a subtle way.

I'm happy with the swap, and plan to ride up to Woodburn for the NW Bug Run this Saturday. The weather is supposed to be perfect for a ride.

[slalombuggy]

I frickin love this thing Jerry. It's got old school cool front to back!!

brad

[avus]

[slalombuggy]