Was told I need new front & rear brakes

[Beachgirl10]

Do I need to take my 74 Thing to a special shop to get new brakes or can I go to a good brake place?

[74 Thing]

I would take it to an aircooled VW shop and bring the exploded diagram with part numbers. The stock front drums are the same as 66-67 bug drums. The rear drums are Thing specific 181 parts. The shoes are late bug front and rear and same with the spring kits.

Not sure if you need new drums or yours can be turned or you just need new shoes...

[mondshine]

Beach-
First off, evaluate the credibility of the person who told you that you need new brakes.

Is he aware that the brakes on your car need to be manually adjusted on a regular basis?
Has anybody checked the remaining thickness of your brake linings through the inspection holes at each wheel?

The best course of action would be to familiarize yourself with the brake system on your car; even if you have no intention of performing the work yourself.
A wise investment for any air cooled VW owner is a workshop manual; there is a 181 manual available from The Thing Shop, but the Robert Bentley manual for Beetles 1970-1979 is a good substitute.
If you enjoy humorous reading in the throne room, the "idiot book" would do.

The more you know about your car, the better.

If you don't want to get your hands dirty, seek out a local VW club for references to a good air cooled VW repair shop, as recommended by 74.
Repairs to these cars by regular gas station mechanics seldom end well.
Good luck, Mondshine

[Gene Kisner]

Unless you want trouble down the road (no pun intended) DO NOT FORGET TO TORQUE THE REAR BRAKE AXLE NUT's TO 217 Ft. Lbs.

[andk5591]

Brakes on these cars are not rocket science... There are 2 things that a shop needs to be aware of. They are manually adjusted and the adjuster is slotted on an angle. Any good import repair shop should be Ok. I would not suggest any regular repair shop. Call around and see who does things like early sports cars, or other early imports. A certified Bosch shop should be a good bet.
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D-Dubya Manx clone 1914. Ex wifes car.
Rosie 65 bug - My mostly stock daily driver.
Woodie 69 VW woodie (Hot VWs 7/12).
"John's car" 64 VW woodie - The first ever
Maxine 61 Cal-look bug - Ex-wifes car.
66 bug project - Real patina & Suby conversion
There's more, but not keeping them...

[RWK]

I adjust mine every 1-2k miles, may be all it needs, they see a lot of dirt and off road though, hopefully your rear drums are ok,$$, would be hesitant to let unskilled brake tech turn them, have them take as little as possible
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73 Type 181
63 Type 113
63 Type 261- 428 071
62 Type 241-378 025 178 530

[Bashr52]

This just means it's a great time to upgrade to discs