Drum Brakes?

[Dale]

Hi, I currently have 4 stud wheels with discs up front, but I prefer wide 5 wheels.  Obviously a disc kit would be ideal but is expensive, would it be a bad move to convert to drum brakes up front for the desired stud pattern?

I'm not running a high power engine so I imagine that it would be ok, but how much of a backward move is it?

[TexasTom]

Do you know anyone running the combo you would like that may let you experience the feel on a first-hand basis?

Your best bet could be drums like you say with the 'semi-metallic' shoes from Kymco ... do they still sell these???

[Dale]

my area is pretty dead as far cal look cars go.  All my mates with bugs are driving 4 stud generally that I could drive.  My mate Fred has wide 5 drums and feels they would be fine but his is a slammed bug so driving at speed isn't very common.

I see from the magazines that drums are still used in top spec Cal Lookers in some cases, therefore I assume that it will be fine.

[TexasTom]

Dale,
One thing that would be VERY helpful would be to put T3 rear drums on ... I ran that combo for a long time. The rear shoes are effectively Super Beetle fronts = much wider.
If you could do that, no worries whatsoever.
TxT

[Dale]

Thanks very much, I'm keen on running BRM reps or ERCOs and the 4 stud versions don't look half as good.

[TexasTom]

I know what ya mean ... 

[Deanodynosaurs]

my area is pretty dead as far cal look cars go.  

Have Stretch’s and mines cars been demoted from cal look cars then? Both regularly turn to your Volkswagen club, and both 5 stud.  

I'll speak to you about converting to 5 stud at our club on Wednesday.

Dude 

[stretch]

Mine does have trim.......

 

[Dale]

chill Dude haha, yeah but you don't have a big motor in it at the mo do you.  I'll speak to you Wednesday

and Stretch, please bring your car, I've never seen it

[jamiep_jamiep]

Having owned hot bugs with 4 wheels discs, discs front/drums rear, and drums all round (not all at the same time! ) I have to say I've found a well adjusted drum system to be fine. Others disagree though. Maybe I drive too slow on the street   on the strip there's plenty of run off for cars without front brakes at all, so I wouldn't worry about that....

I think having whatever system you go for in tip top condition is probably the most important thing.