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Anybody got a pair of rear drums to sell so I can convert my late model bug to 5-lug??

Cheap......

Plus, I hear the type III conversion gets you more braking surface for less $$$$.

You can also get the job done with earlier T-1 and T-3 drums for a lot less money than 181 rear drums. Fronts are the same. Good luck. Bob Ingman

What all is involve in the conversion on the back? And what about the front? Will the fronts convert also and will it be better breaking?

habeeb, I wish I had my Hibbards book Bajas and Buggies here because it gives instruction to do that. Rather than put myself out on a limb and risk leading astray I will refere you to the off-road forum. They will set you straight quickly and easily.Very suspension knowlegable guys over there. Good luck. Bob Ingman

I have my Hibbard book in hand. If you would like email me off this list with an address and I will photo copy the procedure and mail it to you. K-mann

To summarize .. You can use any year t-3 but to get the 5 wide pattern you will need to used a 65 or earlier drum. The brakes are 45 mm on at-3 which is half again as wide as a 30 mm bug linings also the t-3 has a 22 mm wheel cylinder bore the biggest of all vw. To install these in a 67 or earlier bug machine .055 in off the surface of the drum that the alxe nut tightens down against. The t-3 drums bolt right up to a 68 or newer irs model vw Forget the email this is the jist of Hibbard t-3 info. K-mann

[This message has been edited by Bob Ingman (edited 02-24-2003).]

thanks for the info......

Habeeb I will soon have a set of Thing rear drums, stubs,backing plates,brakes, axles and drive flanges for sale. The whole assembly from trans out , even 181 trailing arms if you want them. Good luck. Bob Ingman

I located a set.....Thanks guys

I need to mount a chevy pattern wheel on the back of my thing. The adapters push the wheel out too far. I called Socal Imports. They told me I could just purchase regulat Type 1 long spline drums studded for the chevy pattern. These will run about $70 each before shipping. They said they would simply bolt on WITHOUT changing the pads or anything. Is this true?
Thanks,
John

Thanks Bob. Here's what I'm doing with my Thing: I got a screaming deal on my buddy's wheels off his dune buggy. Chevy pattern. 275/60 15s and 165/65 15s on super light Crager drag star wheels. I'm already running the wheel adapters in the front. The rears just stick out too much with the wheel adapters.
So is Socal right. Can I just use type one long spline drums in the back without changing the shoes or anything?
Thanks

851, if you do this you will need to carry two spare tires. But if you need to save the inch(adapter width) then I guess its the price you will have to pay.Personally I would take advantage of the commonly available wide five wheels and forget the additional expense of another set of drums.Simplify so to speak. Good luck. Bob Ingman

851 that sounds right to me. The Thing rear drum is Thing specific because of the wide five pattern ,however the rear brakes are the same as bug of same year so the undrilled drum should be just the thing(no pun intended) for you. Good luck. Bob Ingman