Disc Brakes on Drop Spindles

[jacobworek]

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.

[Multi69s]

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.
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[VW_Jimbo]

Why not get the dropped spindles in the kit too?

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

There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!

[awreed]

[awreed]

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?

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

[neil68]

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.
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Neil.

Der Kleiner Rennwagens
‘68 Beetle 2332 cc, 204 WHP
12.5 seconds @ 108 mph
Dynojet Test: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9B_H3eklAo

[jacobworek]

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?

[awreed]

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

[biggsteve]

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

[neil68]

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/
_________________
Neil.

Der Kleiner Rennwagens
‘68 Beetle 2332 cc, 204 WHP
12.5 seconds @ 108 mph
Dynojet Test: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9B_H3eklAo