Okay, so I am finally getting around to upgrading the brakes in my '59 beetle. It's got plenty of "go" - but not too much "whoa". After much reading I think the route I wanna go is type 3's in the rear and disc in the front.....I think
Here's what I've got so far...
* I picked up a set of type 3 rear backing plates (3 of them) a few weeks ago at the Michigan buggy builders meet - $5 each. Not bad!
* Picked up a new set of wide-5 type 3 rear drums - they are at a machinist now getting 5/8" knocked off the nose.
* New wheel cylinders (from cip1) for the rear will be here next week.
* Picked up a new set of shoes for the rear at Pep-Boys of all places! $24!
A couple points to note:
* I have a puma narrowed beam and CB dropped spindles with Nankang 135's in front.
* I don't want / can't-afford to increase the track width in front. I get a little rubbing as it is sometimes.
* The front-end is pretty low. The rear is at stock height, so it's raked pretty good!
Now the questions are -
* What to do for the fronts discs? The airkewld kit looks nice, but damn it's pricey....
* What kind of master cylinder and/or proportioning valve-set-up should I use? (I have a Volvo 240DL MC reservoir available)
* The rear tires are 215/65 15 M&H DOTS - will the new drums in back increase my track or make the tire get closer to the spring-plate? I can afford a little room, but not too much.
* Can I just run the type 3 rear brakes as it is, and upgrade the fronts a little later (if at all?), or should I do it all at once?
I've been doing some reading on thesamba, but just can't figure-out answers to these questions.
-Garrett
