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sam_w Samba Member
Joined: March 07, 2002 Posts: 1479 Location: Petaluma, CA
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Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2016 11:24 am Post subject: disc brake conversion |
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I apologise if this is a repeat posting as I searched and just got confused.
My Thingster with a 2054 motor now goes so well that I was stopped by the California Highway Patrol at 79 MPH, and they just wanted to look and gave me a warning. I have even had it to 89 on the GPS and feel that I really need better brakes than a standard type 181. BTW with 31" tyres and a 4.125 R&P I do 25 MPH per 1000 RPM
I have been looking and realise that there are many choices.
does anyone have an opinion on the Jbugs disc brake mod kits?
VW Zero Off-Set Rear Disc Brake Kit w/ E-Brake, 5 Lug 5X205, For IRS 1973-1979
http://www.jbugs.com/product/22-2907.html
and
VW Zero Off-Set Front Disc Brake Kit, 5 Lug 5X205, For June of 1968-1977 Ball Joint
http://www.jbugs.com/product/22-2895.html _________________ 63 singlecab
73 thingster
74 Thing |
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Solomon Grundy Samba Member
Joined: December 26, 2004 Posts: 747 Location: Silicon Valley
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mondshine Samba Member
Joined: October 27, 2006 Posts: 2770 Location: The World's Motor Capital
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Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2016 3:32 pm Post subject: Re: disc brake conversion |
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I too have the CSP disc brakes (front only). I am very happy with them as to fit, quality, stopping performance, etc.
The CSP brakes for Things are the only "kit" I know of that is compatible with the stock wheels.
But...
If I did not want to keep my stock 14" wheels, or if I already had aftermarket 15" or larger wheels, I would seriously consider other options.
There are several options available that use VW calipers, and so replacement or service parts are easier to get.
The CSP kit uses French Delco calipers, and while they are very common in Europe, in the US, only CSP dealers will have replacement pads. For seals, good luck.
Sam- If Kubelmann doesn't chime in here, send him a private message. He has a wealth of knowledge of this; he was doing disc brake conversions on Things before anybody else. Ask him about 924 trailing arms for the rear discs.
Good luck, Mondshine |
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hobie16 Samba Member
Joined: July 26, 2013 Posts: 244 Location: Maui
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Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2016 10:05 pm Post subject: Re: disc brake conversion |
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I put CSPs on the front in December. The difference in braking between stock and the CSPs is breathtaking. _________________ Don't be fooled by appearances. In Hawaii, some of the most powerful people look like bums and stuntmen.
--- Matt King
If anything’s going to happen, it’s going to happen out there.
---Captain Ron |
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ente_kaefer Samba Member
Joined: August 22, 2013 Posts: 242 Location: St Louis, MO
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Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2016 10:33 pm Post subject: Re: disc brake conversion |
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hobie16 wrote: |
I put CSPs on the front in December. The difference in braking between stock and the CSPs is breathtaking. |
I installed the CSP disc brakes in the front of my vehicle in NOV 2015, I will also confirm that the difference is very noticeable. I have stock rims on my vehicle.
I compared the cost of using a 'wide 5' disc brake setup, but by the time I calculated the cost of five 15 inch rims, the tires, and the cost of the disc brakes it was pretty close to purchasing the CSP setup and using stock rims. |
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74 Thing Samba Member
Joined: September 02, 2004 Posts: 7393
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Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2016 12:56 am Post subject: Re: disc brake conversion |
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Can you define breathtaking?
I am not trying to be funny, but can you explain how it makes a difference as I have contemplated this change before but still have not converted.
Obviously the big advantage would be in the rain and no more brake fade due to heat, and no more adjustment on the drums. |
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hobie16 Samba Member
Joined: July 26, 2013 Posts: 244 Location: Maui
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Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2016 12:17 pm Post subject: Re: disc brake conversion |
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74 Thing wrote: |
Can you define breathtaking? |
Sure. With the stock front brakes I'd always leave lots of extra room between me and the vehicle in front. Approaching a controlled intersection I'd always bethinking about the light changing due to the extra time it took to come to a complete stop. Emergency stops, light change, moron change lane, something unexpected, were always heart pumpers.
The CSPs ended all that. They're so good it feels like the power brakes in my truck. _________________ Don't be fooled by appearances. In Hawaii, some of the most powerful people look like bums and stuntmen.
--- Matt King
If anything’s going to happen, it’s going to happen out there.
---Captain Ron |
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sam_w Samba Member
Joined: March 07, 2002 Posts: 1479 Location: Petaluma, CA
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Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2016 1:28 pm Post subject: Re: disc brake conversion |
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Thank you all for the praises of CSP. I don't think anyone doubts the effectiveness of disc brakes. My question was, "Are the EMPI brakes OK?"
They have a matched set of front & rears, so that was what I was thinking.
I await some report on the EMPI's. I will call around further before I make a decision. _________________ 63 singlecab
73 thingster
74 Thing |
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74 Thing Samba Member
Joined: September 02, 2004 Posts: 7393
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Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2016 2:17 pm Post subject: Re: disc brake conversion |
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Wow, that is great news on the CSPs-thanks. I think I need to go drive one with discs on the front.
I would be interested on the Empi's as well as the AC Industries set sold by SoCal Imports when using larger wheels so you have more options. |
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Madkel Samba Member
Joined: May 02, 2008 Posts: 106 Location: North San Diego County
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Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2016 5:17 pm Post subject: Re: disc brake conversion |
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I have the So Cal imports front disc brakes on mine and I am more than happy with them. They do require 15" wheels, but they bolted right up and have served me well. From what I understand, they use first gen VW rabbit pads. _________________ 1973 Type 181 - 2016cc - 091 trans
ITS A FUN RIDE! |
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hobie16 Samba Member
Joined: July 26, 2013 Posts: 244 Location: Maui
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Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2016 10:29 pm Post subject: Re: disc brake conversion |
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Comments in other threads indicate adding rear disks are not worth the cost or effort. A number find getting the parking brake to work is problematic. _________________ Don't be fooled by appearances. In Hawaii, some of the most powerful people look like bums and stuntmen.
--- Matt King
If anything’s going to happen, it’s going to happen out there.
---Captain Ron |
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ente_kaefer Samba Member
Joined: August 22, 2013 Posts: 242 Location: St Louis, MO
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Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2016 7:41 am Post subject: Re: disc brake conversion |
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Madkel wrote: |
I have the So Cal imports front disc brakes on mine and I am more than happy with them. They do require 15" wheels, but they bolted right up and have served me well. From what I understand, they use first gen VW rabbit pads. |
What VW part number did you use for the rear drums ? Any spacers used due to the rear Thing drums being wider ? |
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gblair Samba Member
Joined: September 07, 2013 Posts: 159
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Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2016 4:09 pm Post subject: Re: disc brake conversion |
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Does EMPI have a set that will work with the OEM 14 inch rims? |
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74 Thing Samba Member
Joined: September 02, 2004 Posts: 7393
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Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2016 8:23 am Post subject: Re: disc brake conversion |
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I believe that CSP is the only one that will work with the 14" wheel. The Empi and AC Industries kits will work with 15" wheels. The CB Performance will work with 15" wheels but push the tires out some 7/8". |
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sam_w Samba Member
Joined: March 07, 2002 Posts: 1479 Location: Petaluma, CA
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Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2016 9:18 am Post subject: Re: disc brake conversion |
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I have ordered the EMPI kits from JBUGS.
Will post pictures next week,
I have decided to go discs front & rear.
I will be driving my Thingster from the SF Bay Area to Laughlin NV for memorial; day weekend. Then 200 miles to Barstow on the Mojave road, offroad with the SoCalBajas, and back home. All told a little over 1000 miles.
I should have some neat videos from my new dashcam. _________________ 63 singlecab
73 thingster
74 Thing |
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mondshine Samba Member
Joined: October 27, 2006 Posts: 2770 Location: The World's Motor Capital
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sam_w Samba Member
Joined: March 07, 2002 Posts: 1479 Location: Petaluma, CA
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Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2016 4:16 pm Post subject: Re: disc brake conversion |
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I will try the standard master cylinder, and if needed go to the size CSP recommends. _________________ 63 singlecab
73 thingster
74 Thing |
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Madkel Samba Member
Joined: May 02, 2008 Posts: 106 Location: North San Diego County
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Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2016 4:54 am Post subject: Re: disc brake conversion |
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ente_kaefer wrote: |
Madkel wrote: |
I have the So Cal imports front disc brakes on mine and I am more than happy with them. They do require 15" wheels, but they bolted right up and have served me well. From what I understand, they use first gen VW rabbit pads. |
What VW part number did you use for the rear drums ? Any spacers used due to the rear Thing drums being wider ? |
I have the stock 181 rear drums. Running 15" wheels. 7x15 front tires and 30x9.5x15 rear tires. Stops straight and true even in a panic stop. _________________ 1973 Type 181 - 2016cc - 091 trans
ITS A FUN RIDE! |
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sam_w Samba Member
Joined: March 07, 2002 Posts: 1479 Location: Petaluma, CA
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Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2016 7:00 pm Post subject: Adjustable beam & disc brake conversion |
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Oh Dear, They arrived and will not fit. I have lifted spindles and they don't bolt on.
I guess I have to get an adjustable beam, to have discs and be lifted.
Is an adjustable beam available for a Thing, and is it different to a beetle one? _________________ 63 singlecab
73 thingster
74 Thing |
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Ratt Samba Member
Joined: April 15, 2003 Posts: 753 Location: Puyallup, Wa
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Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2016 10:28 pm Post subject: Re: disc brake conversion |
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No, don't tell me that! How do they not fit with lifted spindles? I really need front discs to stop my Thing safely with the Subaru conversion. |
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