356 brakes on 52 zwitter

[D. Haviland]

so I've read most of the sections on this topic, but still don't really know what modifications need to be done.
I'm planning on converting to 356A brakes. My zwitter is completely stock other than a 36 horse engine running 356B crank, 912 rods, B flywheel, Harley-Davidson pistons, etc..
do the E-brake cables work? and what about the axle nut? Washer ? yes or no?
Thanks in advance.

Dave

[Danwvw]

It may just bolt right up fine I don't know about the 52 though. They bolted right on to my 67 e-brake cables fit everything was perfect. Not sure about how well it will proportion on your car though. It was not enough to match front disc on mine.
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1960 Beetle And 1679cc DP W-100 & Dual Zeniths!

[Big_E_Deluxe]

Early Porsche backing plates share the same bolt pattern as VW. They should bolt right on, but it's something you just need to check first hand especially on your '52. I'm not sure about your e-brake cables, not familiar with cables on a '52. The length tends to be the issue. Axle nut....do not use a stock VW axle nut, they will net seat properly. Locate a pair of early Porsche axle nuts. There is a difference in fitment, they have a beveled area that will clear the exposed axle teeth & and they have a slightly larger diameter to the face. Buy quality wheel cylinders, cheaper ones will leak at bleeder. If possible, buy the most complete set of brakes you can find, there are a lot of little hardware pieces that are hard to find or there are no reproductions available (e-brake hardware in particular). Front bearings should be VW Beetle fitment, but again you need to check for sure. If you are using stock spindles you will be fine, dropped spindles require modifications to the backing plate for clearence.

BTW, they are fantastic brakes when they are working & spec'd properly. I have no regrets doing this upgrade on my '58. The only thing is they are expensive. If you want something unique and period correct for upgrades, they are the way to go. Good luck.
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Erik

1958 VW Beetle - "Max": https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...highlight=
1959 VW Bus - "Hans" - Double Door Panel (sold): https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746927
2014 Porsche 991.1 Carrera S

[viciouscycle]

If my memory serves I think the front 356 drum takes a Bus inner(?) bearing to mate to the stock type one spindle.
I considered doing the same set-up on my Zwitter vert.
Would be interested in how yours works out.

[Freeform Metal]

[Bub]

You'll need an 'adapter' bearing for the inner front wheel bearing, not sure about the outer.
But-- AFAIK 356 Aluminumm drums typically use a larger diameter inner bearing, the spindle 'stub axle' was larger diameter, for sure on the A/B ...before that I'm not entirely sure?
But it's a simple part, not hard to find right off the shelf, or online.

A thing that isn't usually an issue with these swaps, but worth keeping in mind is the wheels you'll be running. Wide 5? I assume.
Only run good light orginal style steel wheels or high quality alloys. Do NOT run cheap wheels on Porsche drums. The width of the bolt spacing and the aluminum material make prone to warping by simply bolting a cheap weel to the drum. On a VW with smaller stiffer drums cheap wheels that are made just slightly out of shape will conform to the drum surface.
On those big aluminium drums a very very slightly crooked wheel will warp the drums right quick.
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[Big_E_Deluxe]

[Jacks]

VW axle nuts were used on 356 up untill 1957 with a special washer, still available here:
https://www.nlaparts.com/store/rear-axle-washer-prea-356a-p-25978.html
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Jack Staggs
Actual name

[Freeform Metal]