Bob Ingman once mentioned there was a thread on this forum about putting Porsche disk brakes on the Thing beam. Can't find the thread, search function seems it won't even return anything if it's more than a few weeks old. (As an aside, it appears that ALL the old ShopTalk stuff is gone. Bummer!)
Can disk brakes be mounted to the Thing spindle?
Does the caliper mounting boss have to be welded on?
So you think your project is taking forever eh? Well you've got nothing on me.....
You can mount Ghia disc brakes much easier than Porsche discs. I have a set of the brackets to do just that. I could probably make a knock off set very easily. Or you can buy them from Things Unlimited last time I checked. The Porsche early 944 stuff will work, but, it takes some custom fab work, and then you MUST run Porsche rims because they have a unique bolt pattern.
I don't know which rims you want to use.
There is a front disk brake kit sold by So Cal Imports ($500).
With this kit, you must use 15 inches rims, the bolt pattern is 5X205.
There is no overall width changing, compared to 5 lug drum brakes.
My reference to the Porsche disc brakes was in regard to the rear. It is done by installing the 944/924 trailing arms and assembly. As Matt pointed out you do end up with a 5X130 pattern as a result. This is not so much a problem for a rear wheel but is difficult to find a narrow 5X130 front rim suitable for use on the Thing.
Kubelmann has done this conversion to his Thing and now has the Porsche disc all round on his Thing. If he happens by here I`m sure he`ll be happy to explain it for us.
The KG assembly Matt mentions will result in a 4X130 pattern but is easily adapted back to the 5X205X 15. However this is a front wheel only application.
At this point I would have to favor one of the high dollar kits ($1000+) if I felt I really needed discs. The less expensive ones available are intended for light weight sandrails or buggies certainly not street driven 3000bl Things. Good luck. Bob Ingman
Last edited by Bob Ingman on Mon Aug 04, 2003 6:56 am, edited 1 time in total.
The test of time on So Cal Imports is still out. The problem there is not so much a matter of if they work or not but a matter of parts availability. If they decide to drop this product from their line where are the new parts going to be found. They are NOT VW or Porsche or anything else really. Get the idea? They may be a good set but will they always be available like those of a major manufacturer? Good luck. Bob Ingman
Thanks everyone for posting. All my questions were answered.
I should have specified I have a beetle and I wanted the tougher Thing front end stuff under it. My beetle balljoints are getting worn and I figured what the heck, put something better for offroading under there. My plan is to use the VW 4 lug bolt pattern, so the caliper brackets for Ghia brakes on Thing spindles and arms are perfect. I would rather use VW stuff than the Porsche if I can for price considerations.
Mattt, thanks for the tip about Things Unlimited. It looks like they have all the parts I would need to do this spindle conversion without having to find a complete Thing beam. I like my front end's current spring/shock rates for offroading and *somewhat* comfortable street driving and I could keep those settings with a spindle change. I am willing to bet Thing front torsion stacks are stiffer for a Thing's heavier weight and that would be murder for me on and off road.
Bob Ingman, thank you also for clarifying about the Porsche brake application. I couldn't find the thread where you were specifying *rear* brakes, just saw you mention that thread on another thread later. Sorry for the mix up. (As a side note, I noticed you mention you had a new set of KYB shocks on your Thing that were destroyed almost right away. My set of KYB's have been on my bug for years and have held up fine. I *think* that the "Type 1" KYB shocks are only meant for the lighter Beetle so that may be something for "Thingers" to keep in mind.)
So you think your project is taking forever eh? Well you've got nothing on me.....
Bob is correct and here I am to chime in a few thoughts.
To use Ghia disc brakes (67 -74) on a Bug you can do a fairly inexpensive swap. Use Ghia spindles, rotors and calipers and you have fron discs. To do the same to a Thing you should keep your stronger and higher Thing spindles and ;buy the adapter plates for $85 from Things Unlimited. You can get used rotors, spindles, backing plates and calipers online or froma salavage yard for around $100
Bob is correct 85 944 Porsche rear arms are a direct bolt up you gain 1' in width per side and you push back your arms 1" this a 1x1 arm extension with BIG vented rear disc brakes and the 944 arms use the same CVs as Things, Type IV more angle of movement. The 944 rear discs also have an independent internal drum brake mechanism for the emergency brake system (very cool) I got my arms with brakes complete online for $100. iF you need help finding a set I know a few guys that dismantle and sell parts from old Porsches. Parts are readily available. I also switched my master cylinder for a Type III master cylinder it has internal pressure compensation whcih applies more pressure to the rear than the fron which is perfect for an offroad application (this is an idea that Jeff Hibbard offers in his offroad book) As Bob did mention front 5x130 front rims that are a narrow application for off road (3.5" -5.5") are hard to find but Randar will custom make them for you for about $150 each. I currently have 515x10 5x130 rear Centerlines and have a 4x130 pattern up front until I find the right front rims then I will buy front rotors from CB performance with 5x130 studs. Best of all these 5x130 studs are 14 mm x 1.5m pitch which is the heavy sized wheel studs used for offroad. Hope anything here is of some interest or use to anyone. K-mann
In regards to the SoCal front disc kit, I can clarify a bit. The rotors/hubs, & caliper bracket are a proprietary item that can only be purchased from SoCal. However, from what I understand, the calipers and pads are from an early to mid 80s Golf/Jetta, etc.
If you decide you want a complete Thing beam, give me a ring. I am local, and have a complete original Thing beam. Im in OC, CA
Bob I will be at the GMW Thing show in the morning. HOpefully you are there. ARE you on the road yet? Updates needed. I will be at the Pomona swap meet on Sunday also.
I am in Cal doing the hospice deal with one of our closest old Baja racing buds and land partners. Can you make it to CO? I still need to get the Canadian oil coolers into herr K along with the gas line issue. I will be at the GMW show tomorrow and Pomona on Sunday and then back to San Diego to continue the vigil. I still dream of us rolling down the road via Thing convoy..
(As an aside, it appears that ALL the old ShopTalk stuff is gone. Bummer!)
