disc brakes

[lasso]

As I'm nearing the finish line mechanically, decided its time to start looking at converting the drum brakes to disc. It's got a 72 model VW rear-end, any ideas and or suggestions to start looking.

 

[RSW]

Just buy the whole kit at once and be done with it. Mine come from Chirco and work really good.
Air Cooled VW Disc Brake Kits - Chirco Performance & Restoration
Used these wheel adapters and like them as well also.
4 Lug, Adapters Type 1 Drum To Chevy 4 3/4 Bolt Pattern, Pair Chirco Performance & Restoration

Appletree sells full kits also and has very good customer support.
VW Brakes – Dune Buggy Braking Systems | AppleTreeAuto.com

Just make sure you torque the axle nut to 250 lbs and put some lock tight on it. Also they make a short spline and a long spline axle. Some kits you have to use a spacer on the short spline axles, but it should come with the kit. I use a 3/4 inch master cylinder and it works good with the dual piston calipers.

 

[lasso]

Did you have to apply any heat to break the axle nut loose. My 3/4 impact wouldn't break them.

 

[RSW]

Did you have to apply any heat to break the axle nut loose. My 3/4 impact wouldn't break them.

You might have to if someone put lock tight on them to break the lock tight. Also the shop manuals say to "torque to 250 lbs and if the holes for the cotter pin don't line up, take it to the next hole". So your looking at maybe 300 lbs of torque. People like me that don't have a torque wrench that goes that high, use a big breaker bar and a long piece of pipe and just guess at it. You might have to do the same to get them off. Your impact might not have the power to do it.

 

[RSW]

Is this a new build?

 

[DeathBySnuSnu]

Got mine from So Cal Imports. Only because of best price that day. Got the ones without park brake and no bolt pattern. Drill them for whatever wheels you want to use. The axle spacer/sleeve that the seal runs on had to be trimmed to center the rotor in the caliper bracket. But other than that they are fine.

 

[lasso]

@ RSW, I guess you could call it a new build, been building on it for about a year now, getting close, finally.

@ DeathBySnuSnu, I'll check and see what they got also. Will probably go with the ones without the park brake, and just put a hydraulic lock in the line for when i need to lock the back wheels down.

 

[RSW]

You do know if your master cylinder is lower then your calipers, you have to use a residual valve?