4 lugged rear drum on a 66 Beetle

Yes you can, I did that on my euro spec 67. The axle may be too long for the 4 bolt drums, so you will need to use a spacer ring under the axle nut. Maybe 1" tall or so. Can't remember exact details.

Jan

I have those drawings somewhere with the precise measures, going both ways. Spacer or turning down of the snout of the drum.

Been out, remind me if I forget. If Odd could speak we would be grand, as he no longer drinks.

J.

I think I needed the 4-bolt drum's outer bolting surface reduced by 0.50" -

Also you will have to modify backing plates to allow brake adjustments!

Umm, if and when the shoes are wider in the 4 lug drum, you need to replace the backing plates and all hardware to 4 lug type too. Good point.

So, it sounds like the 4 lug drum's snout needs to be reduced not extended with spacers?

John

Yes, you will have to reduce the snout by having it turned on a lathe. The snout surface should be as perpendicular as possible, otherwise the castle-nut will not tighten properly. In my '67, I had it reduced 14mm on the outside, and 1.5mm on the inside surface (where the drum sits on the bearing spacer).

You can use the 5-lug backing plates, but you have to drill holes behind the star wheels to be able to adjust the brakes. It would be better if you can find a set of 4-lug backing plates.

Regards,

Bill Spiliotopoulos, '67 Bug.

Thanks for that information. It was very helpful.

John