For a 68-70 vw bus why go disc brakes

[vwuguy]

On a 1968-70 bus I was wondering what are the benefits of converting to disc brakes. I guess that would be 64-70, The stock drums it has in the front are already overkill for it and help to stop on a dime. I mean it really stops..you touch the brakes and your stopping ..

Stock front drum brakes cost about $300 for all front brake parts right and left, wheel cylinders ,shoes,a metal line and flex line, and about $30 to get the drum turned if it needs it.
If i read right the stock drums are set for a 5000pd stop rating..i believe it,

What is maximum load rating on some of the disc brake conversion kits.
What do the disc brake conversion kits cost?
Do you have to change more than just the drums to make it work?
I guess the real question is what are the benefits of disc brakes considering there about 5x the cost

I appreciate any comments or suggestions on this i ain't biased if you like discs or drums up to you .
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[sjbartnik]

I think people just don't like to adjust the drum brakes.
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1965 Volkswagen 1500 Variant S
2000 Kawasaki W650

[vwuguy]

You have to adjust disc brakes too..
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[sjbartnik]

[vwwestyman]

[vwuguy]

I don't know about disc brakes on a vw however on the volvo, ford, gmc, late model bus, actually brake calipers are adjustable. This is dne when you install the pads on the calipers ..
although considering the bus only gets very few miles a year i guess you might be right once you adjust it to set up the pads or the drums you probably will never adjust it again.
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[Wildthings]

[vwuguy]

Do 71 disc brakes fit on a 68-70?
Is there a self adjusting rear brake kit for the rear drums?
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[rockerarm]

Hi.
Yes, '71 and '72 had the same basic front disc brakes. In '73 the front spindle was changed and used a lager brake caliper and different rotor til 1979.

The rear drum brakes were essentially the same diameter and width. Brake shoe design and wheel cylinder shape differed. The later models replacement parts are a lot cheaper to buy.
Some folks have installed the Vanagon complete rear brake assy's that have a self adjuster. But, working as a dealer/independent mechanic I saw first hand that every Vanagon's rear brakes needed to be adjusted further than what the self adjusters provided.

If I was to pursue this job I would look for the later bay bus front and rear brakes for the swap, such as '76 and later.
Only you can determine if the costs for this offset any better braking as you stated the bus stops very well as it sits now.
I don't know how well these late brakes would stop for you utilizing the early bay bus master cyl without the power brake unit.
The upgrade to that plus the use of different bolt pattern wheels drastically changes the cost dynamics here.
Hope this helps, Bill.

[pioneer1]

Brake booster,modify front beam,vacuum lines
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"Always waiting for tomorrow ruined everything"

'85 Porsche 911 Targa

'76 Westfalia project

[Bulli Klinik]

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=556325&highlight

Helpful thread.
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PM me about quality metal-work on your vehicle.
Mike K
Bulli Klinik
Colorado Springs

[wihr]

My '70 Campmobile is slightly overweight and under-braked.

WW
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WIHR

1970 Campmobile "Van Ordinaire"
2009 Lincoln Town Car "Behemoth"
1969 Lambretta 150 DL "Nina"
1962 Matchless G 12 CS 650cc