Rear disc brakes

[waterbus]

I have a '65 split window bus and replace the transaxle with a '72 bug unit. Converted it to disc with a kit from SoCal but dis not have the emergency brake at the time. Now they have them in stock but would cost as much as a whole new setup sooooo off to the boneyard. Found a set of rear calipers from a Pontiac with the emergency brake. Had to build the mounting brackets but that was not much of a problem. Still have to add gussets to the sides of the brackets but everything bolts up nice so far. The new brakes are floaters with helps not having to be exact with the brackets. The size of the pads are just about double the area of the old pads. So far, with new pads the cost is $64. Will have updates as I go.

[waterbus]

Well, the brakes are installed and bled. Quick road test and they are working fine. Next up is the cable install for the hand brake. I got a set of donated bug cables which will fit the handle but come up far short of the rear calipers. When I got the calipers from the junkyard I also got the cables so it's a mater of finding a way to connect the two cables. Intend on using a small turnbuckle on each cable which will give me some adjustment under the bus as well as "fine tuning" at the handle. If all goes well I'll be able to throw the rock away!

[birddog1148]

Pics man we need PICS
And what year Pontiac and what model

[waterbus]

The calipers come from a mid '90s Grand Prix. Of course with the brakes installed there is nothing to see. Hardest part of the install to this point was to find calipers that would suit the disc that I had and to build the mounting brackets. When I got the calipers from the junkyard I made sure I got the rubber hoses too. I re-routed the line on the swingarm and added a short hard line to the new hose. This is all boring stuff and each install will be different I'm sure. Guess I didn't mention that I'm running 15" rims with a Chevrolet bolt pattern both front and back. Also switched to a Mustang II non-power duel master cylinder. May put it on blocks to install the cables and will take pictures then.

[waterbus]

Cables are now hooked up. Problem was that the front VW cables were smaller than the rear and there were two. What I did was to build two aluminum blocks and connect them with all-thread. Cables were pulled tight and locked into the blocks, then the all-thread was used to add tention to the cables and "adjust" the brakes. I decided not to go with a balance bar because there were two cables up front vs one. System works good. Also added two 2# residual valves while up in the air.