disc brake conversion

[sam_w]

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

[Solomon Grundy]

'73 Thing: CSP front disc brake installation issue
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=606931&highlight=csp+disc+brakes

Do this, worth the $ That is what I have.
C31-499-181-5205 - CSP MADE IN GERMANY - 73-74 THING BOLT-ON (DRUM SPINDLE) DISC BRAKE KIT - WITH 5x205MM BOLT PATTERN - WITH ZERO OFF-SET - (A50)

http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=C31-499-181-5205
_________________
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
- Dr. Seuss
VW 181 Archive: https://sites.google.com/site/jeffgilleland/vw_archive
| _______
| |_______| '73 Thing "481"
| _\_\_|_/_/_
| |O||_4_||O|
| [ ]=====[ ]
http://vwthingregistry.com
https://doublecabshaka.wordpress.com

[mondshine]

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

[hobie16]

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

[ente_kaefer]

[74 Thing]

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.

[hobie16]

[sam_w]

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

[74 Thing]

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.

[Madkel]

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!

[hobie16]

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

[ente_kaefer]

[gblair]

Does EMPI have a set that will work with the OEM 14 inch rims?

[74 Thing]

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".

[sam_w]

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

[mondshine]

Sam-
With disc brakes front and rear, you might want to look into an up-sized master cylinder.

CSP (and others) recommend a 20.64mm bore.
It's worth doing some research.

http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=C31-611-015-000
https://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=C31-611-017-111


Whatever you decide, good luck with the project, Mondshine

[sam_w]

I will try the standard master cylinder, and if needed go to the size CSP recommends.
_________________
63 singlecab
73 thingster
74 Thing

[Madkel]

[sam_w]

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

[Ratt]

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.