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Tue Sep 12, 2017 6:10 pm

I've searched the archives on this issue and haven't found anything recent or definitive. So I'll ask again in hopes that there's some fresh insight out there. Apologies if I've just missed it.

I recently purchased and installed 2.5" drop spindles on my '69 , and retained the drum brakes. I've since come to my senses and have decided change over to discs as well. I've found bolt-on conversion kits online that contain only the brake components without the spindles. They state that the kit will only work with non-drop, stock-style drum brake spindles. However, in looking at a photo of the included components I can't see an obvious reason why it wouldn't work with drop spindles as well...the dust shield will likely need to go, but the holes in the spindle seem match the bracket and I can't visualize anything that would impact it.

Can anyone tell me what I'm missing? Would hate to have to replace brand new spindles unless absolutely necessary.

Tue Sep 12, 2017 6:19 pm

At least you get a manufacture that gives you straight up advise about fitment, many don't. If the manufacture says they don't fit, there has to be a good reason. I would check to see if that brand does have a setup for dropped spindles. Never second guess or hack your brake system.

Tue Sep 12, 2017 7:41 pm

Why not get the dropped spindles in the kit too?

That's the way I buy them and they work great!

Tue Sep 12, 2017 8:27 pm

jacobworek wrote: However, in looking at a photo of the included components I can't see an obvious reason why it wouldn't work with drop spindles as well...the dust shield will likely need to go, but the holes in the spindle seem match the bracket and I can't visualize anything that would impact it.

You will not be able to feed the caliper bolts into the calipers. The spindle gets in the way. When you try to install that disc brake kit on your existing spindles you'll see the problem right away. You'll need to grit your teeth and buy the dropped spindles for disc brakes http://www.cbperformance.com/product-p/4061.htm. The dropped spindles for disc brakes will have the caliper bracket already attached to the spindle, thus eliminating the bolt interference problem.

Tue Sep 12, 2017 8:44 pm

The difference is in the caliper bracket. With the drum brake dropped spindle there is no caliper bracket (no caliper, duh). The lowered disc brake kit includes new spindles with the caliper bracket cast into the spindle. If you were to try and install your regular bolt on caliper bracket to the dropped drum spindle the bolts for the caliper cannot be fed from the back (inside) because the tie rod arm is right there in the way.

Did I get all that right? :-k

So three setups:

Disc brake kit, no drop = use your existing spindles

Disc brake kit, with drop = must buy special dropped spindle with caliper bracket cast into spindle

Drums with drop = dropped spindle with separate bolt on caliper bracket

Tue Sep 12, 2017 9:15 pm

I recently went through the same situation with my 68 Beetle.

I had installed CB dropped spindles several years ago, and then started drag racing a bit at our local street legal nights, and wanted to convert to discs for extra safety. I could only find one supplier who could do a bolt on to CB's dropped spindles, but they didn't make the 4 x 130 OEM lug bolt pattern and it was very expensive, even if I had switched to another bolt pattern.

I ended up selling my dropped drum spindles and installing the EMPI dropped disc kit...which are actually TRW Varga discs from Brazil. I haven't had any issues.

Wed Sep 13, 2017 10:47 am

Ahh...makes sense now. Glad I trusted my gut and asked rather than simply going by the photos. Thanks for the help guys.

Oh, and anyone want to buy some lightly used drop spindles? :D

Sun Sep 17, 2017 11:24 am

Take those dropped spindles to any VW show/swap or post an ad here on this site. You won't have them long.

Sat Sep 30, 2017 12:43 pm

so, if I convert from drum to disc on all 4 wheels, do I need a different master cylinder and a proportioning valve?

thanx/steve

Sat Sep 30, 2017 3:02 pm

I run EMPI 4-wheel disc brakes with the later 19 mm OEM dual-circuit master cylinder. I'd recommend one made in Germany, as the Brazilian and Chinese versions have spotty records. I have this one:

http://usstore.concept1.ca/Master-Cylinder-T1-67-77-GRM-113611015BD-GRM-58492/