Handbrake issue 58 gearbox on a 56 pan?

[Lars B]

Im finally fixed all rust on the body on my 56 Vert.
So know its time for the pan

I have a 2" narrowed 58 front, with dropped spindles, and adjusters.
And will use a 58 gearbox.
But now i have an issue with the handbrake wires?

The 56 wire do enter from the rear. But the 58 wires enter from the front.

Can i Use 58 brakes with 58 handbrake wires on a 56 pan?

[jason]

If I remember correctly the early cables were longer because of where they enter the backing plates. Use the cables for the backing plates used.

[Lars B]

[Snort]

When the cable was changed from rear backing plate entry to front, VW also changed the length of the tube inside the chassis. The tube was shortened and the chassis exit point moved forward to better handle the shorter S bends to enter the front of the backing plate. 56 and 57 are the same. 58-64 are the same. I have not looked at the 65-67 for a long time but according to parts numbers those are also the same.

It does not matter if you use early or later backing plates. Backing plates are rotated and/or switched left or right to match the cable entry point, front-back, top-bottom. However, backing plates should be matched to the axle tube (bearing housing) and bearing cover design as those also had subtle design changes.

[Lars B]

[Snort]

The 58 drums can be used with the 56 backing plates if you remove part of the outer drum. Mount them up on the axle and you will see.

[EVfun]

The axle tube bearing cover needs to match the axle tube.

You can run oval window brakes on later axles tubes provided you use the later axle tube bearing covers. You can run later brakes on oval axles provided you modify the oval axle tube covers to clear the backing plate.

If you are running '58 up front brakes and oval rear brakes I would recommend running the oval window FRONT wheel cylinder in the rear brakes. It provides the same brake ballance as the '58-'67 brakes.
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[Lars B]

Thanks guy's.

I will give it at try and let you know how it goes..