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gazzarovich Samba Member
Joined: September 29, 2015 Posts: 3 Location: Cairo, Egypt
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Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2015 3:35 am Post subject: 1967 KG brake and suspension upgrade |
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I'm sorry if this question looks stupid, but I have stock 1967 KG that I've just got, and I'm from (Cairo, Egypt) where we have maybe 10 or 15 KGs allover the country, so I can't see or get help from anyone around.
I just got the car, and I'm planning to restore, in addition to that I'm gonna go for engine upgrade to (1776) and some other changes.
My question is: What should I do with the brakes and suspension?
what upgrades are mandatory?
Please note that I'll have to ship all parts from USA down to Egypt, so I don't have so many chances for trail and error, I need powerful brake system, and durable suspension for day-to-day use with nice performance.
also I was planning to go for 16" rims with 195 or 205 (no plans to narrow or lower car beam).
Please advise, and be easy on me, coz as I said: I have no option of seeing anything around, so all I get is from your posts only |
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Northof49 Samba Member
Joined: July 22, 2013 Posts: 1759 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2015 7:38 am Post subject: |
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100% stock brakes and suspension. Get them in like new working order and you will be good. I completely redid my brakes and suspension two years ago and the car drive and handles perfectly. Nothing magic required. The front discs and rear drums and plenty sufficient if in proper working order. _________________ 1958 Karmann Ghia owner |
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gazzarovich Samba Member
Joined: September 29, 2015 Posts: 3 Location: Cairo, Egypt
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Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2015 12:03 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks man,
What about tires and rim sizing?
Will the stock bean fit 205 or 195 tires with 16" rims?
And if so, what is the offset required for rims?
And should I get 16*5.5 or 16*6
Sorry for the many questions and thanks in advance |
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Northof49 Samba Member
Joined: July 22, 2013 Posts: 1759 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2015 12:22 pm Post subject: |
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Tire fitment is a real challenge on these cars. 195-205 are close to the limits with the ideal offset. Check out the thread on tires and wheels and get an idea. You may have a wide rear axle, which poses a greater challenge. I could run 205's, but had to have custom offset steel rims. I have since switched to shorter axles and am running 195 60 15's all around. It's still tight fit. Even individual cars vary as they were hand made. You need to take exact measurements from your car. _________________ 1958 Karmann Ghia owner |
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jwold Samba Member
Joined: September 30, 2008 Posts: 2088 Location: Portland, OR
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Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2015 12:28 pm Post subject: |
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I'm not an expert, but from what I've gleaned from forum wisdom is that the axles on 67-68 are wider and won't work very well with wider rims. From what I've read, many folks use shorter 66 or so (bug or ghia) axles that allow for more clearance. |
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sactojesse Samba Member
Joined: November 21, 2006 Posts: 2655 Location: Sacramento, California, USA
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Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2015 8:49 am Post subject: |
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^
That's correct. If wider than stock rear tires are desired, the best solution is to switch to the '66 and earlier short axles.
For a swing axle ghia, I would recommend a larger front sway bar coupled with a camber compensator for the rear. Since the OP is not in the U.S., I doubt that car came with the factory Z-bar in back. _________________ 1966 Karmann-Ghia convertible |
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swavananda Samba Member
Joined: February 14, 2009 Posts: 889 Location: Can o' Scruz
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Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2015 11:27 am Post subject: |
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Since it sound like you are going to change your lug pattern anyway.Your best bet would be getting a set of 5 lug Fuchs, they have the best offset for a ghia. Then from there see what tire size will fit your car, Then decide if you still want to get short axles and a narrow beam(only time and money ) to fit fatter tires. |
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SirNickity Samba Member
Joined: November 16, 2010 Posts: 63 Location: Anchorage, AK
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Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2015 11:32 am Post subject: |
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Just food for thought. The rear drum brakes are sufficient, but there are kits available to convert them to discs. You still get the e-brake, but now you don't have to adjust the shoes anymore, and you don't have to deal with two different braking systems and all their assorted parts.
Not strictly necessary, but nice. _________________ 1970 KG Coupe
1974 KG Convertible (EV conversion underway) |
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One Year Wonder Samba Member
Joined: April 21, 2009 Posts: 54 Location: Long Beach Ca.
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Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2015 11:10 am Post subject: |
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I concur with all of the above posts. I'm currently doing a bodyoff resto on a '67 Coupe except I'm running 15" repop Fuchs , 4.5" front and 5.5" Rear. I went with a 3" narrowed and adjustable front beam as well as a set of '66 axels in the rear due to the 1" extra length. Also, I installed the Empi rear disc kit with the E-brake.
We've done 2 test fits of the body with the wheels on and so far all I had to do was massage the front inner fender panels a bit to get some clearance for the shock towers. You'll have to check the offset on the 16s to see if its similar.
Good luck with the project! _________________ 1967 KG Coupe
NorthTown Long Beach |
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