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Mon Feb 24, 2025 9:45 am

Is there a difference between the brake drums on my 1950 standard Beetle that would prevent me from using new Brake drums that are advertised to fit '52 through '55 Beetles?

Some vendors list '52-'55 brake drums for sale, some list them as fitting '49-'57. In Progressive Refinements, I see a few small changes made starting Jan. '53, but nothing stood out to me that would prevent these brake drums from fitting a pre-'53 Beetle.

My original 1950 standard Beetle brake drums (date stamped) are very much out of round, and I'm going to see if they can be turned and remain within usable specifications. In case they cannot be turned and remain within spec, I'm looking at new German-made brake drums from Wolfsburg West or BBT manufactured brake drums, but I wasn't sure if either would work properly on my Beetle.

Thanks!

Tue Feb 25, 2025 9:06 am

All '57 and earlier front and rear brake drums are the same, or interchangeable. The only difference would be the rear oil slingers and how they attach/drain out the drum as there are a couple versions. I'm not sure what the replacement or repros offer there so that would be something to check. I've rarely found early drums beyond turning. More often the splines or lug nut threads are bad.

Tue Feb 25, 2025 9:18 am

The holes through which the brake adjusters are accessed also changed shape, there are round ones and oval ones. Sebro is a good supplier of early drums.

Tue Feb 25, 2025 10:10 am

Zwitterkafer wrote: The holes through which the brake adjusters are accessed also changed shape, there are round ones and oval ones. Sebro is a good supplier of early drums.

Original standard drums for cable brakes till 3´50 had no adjuster holes.

Front drums till early 47, VIN till 1 - 064 339, axle till 69 100 had different seats for bearings and seal.

Rear drumes, VW spare books:
5´49 11 501 341 A
9´50 11 501 341 B

but the drums till 10´57 fit on a 50 standard, front and rear.

Tue Feb 25, 2025 12:44 pm

Exactly. But will the OP be able to find "New German-made drums" without the unnecessary adjuster holes?

Tue Feb 25, 2025 2:19 pm

Thanks everyone for your replies, it has been very helpful!

All 4 of my drums have an adjustment hole, I assume because my build date is July 1950, so this would be expected. Based on everyone's feedback, it looks like I will be able to use '57 and earlier drums if my original drums cannot be turned and stay within spec.