Re: Running wide 5s on '68 question

Mark Detro 22 years ago

Now for my question. Can I run wide five drums with '68 backing plates up >front?

Yup 66-67 drums with 68 and up inner wheel bearings

And can I run type 3 backing plates in the rear on this year with type 3 rear >drums?

Yup, I'm not sure if the backing plates have to be 65' or earlier (to go with the drum) becuase the linings and cylinder can be off of any year T-3. This gives you a alot more shoe area as the linings are 45mm as opposed to the beetles 40 mm and the cylinders are 22mm

You can also just simply bolt on Thing drums to a 68'-up stock setup, but the drums are alot wider than T-1's so it may affect tire clearence in a bad way for a streetcar. Mark Detro Englewood, FL

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Braukuche 22 years ago

Thanks Mark. I will try to locate a type 3 backing plate. Sounds like the best route. One other question, though. On the fronts, if I use a wide five drum and a '69 backing plate, should I use 58-57 shoes (the skinny ones) or the wide '68 up ones? I would imagine the early style, but what do I know...

--Dan E

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Mark Detro 22 years ago

the 68' ones my car is a 72' I run 67'drums on it with the 72' linnings etc.

In the latest Hot VW's (just got it today) someone asks this question in the tech section. They suggest just using stock 67-dowm drums for the rear with a bigger spacer. I tried that with a brand new set of drums before I went with thing/181 drums. I did not think it would be a safe way to convert as you lose brake surface with the earlier drums and I didn't think they fit very well. I was surprised to see them suggest that especially to someone that wanted to do some drag racing with the car! Just thought I'd throw that in seeing as its along the same subject for people maybe reading this for future conversions. Mark Detro Englewood, FL

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