Date: Tue, 13 Apr 2021 08:10:29 -0400
Reply-To: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Brakes
In-Reply-To: <CAHtOfz80GfqH0HVW4dOXBGuYEjPYy=_yGmbs-AhoAtkqHF7UGw@mail.gmail.com>
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Hi Spencer,
Hopefully Dennis will see your post. He can give you a better answer.
But, here is what I did .
I found a set of 86 or later spindles. The 85 won’t work. I lined up a set from a local VW bone yard but luckily a friend was parting out a 87 and gave me the set.
Once you have 86 or later spindles you need the big brake kit.
In the rear it would be easier just need the Rear disc kit.
But, the brakes require larger wheels. I gave up my 14 inch wheels and now have 17 inch wheels.
Along with improved braking the larger wheels, wider tires, refreshed suspension bushings and the T3 anti sway bar has completely updated the bus to an almost car like experience. I have not noticed the big lean yet on my trips in the updated van.
So, bigger wheels,, 86 spindles, and the complete kit. I think there is also a rear emergency brake spring upgrade that is part of the rear discs.
I’m sure it works with the 85 emergency brake but I took the opportunity to put in a 86 handle and it is more solid feeling and has more clicks for spacing.
I think I also ordered backing plates separately.
I hope this helps.
Eric Caron
85 /86 GL Westfalia
> On Apr 12, 2021, at 10:49 PM, Spencer Allen <soxndubs1951@gmail.com <mailto:soxndubs1951@gmail.com>> wrote:
>
> Eric I have a 85 Westy and have lived with the weak (original) brakes for 20 years. Anyway can you list ALL the parts you had to order to get the big brakes? The Go Westy site is kind of confusing with all the extra parts you need beside the brake kit . I want to upgrade the fronts and rears. Thanks for any help.
> Spencer
>
> On Mon, Apr 12, 2021 at 6:32 PM Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net <mailto:ericcaron96@comcast.net>> wrote:
> Concerning brakes, It turns out that with time they actually may become even better. So hopefully I’ll have more positive surprises to report back in a few more miles!
>
> Eric
>
>
> > On Apr 12, 2021, at 7:30 PM, WILLIAM WITZ <pbwitz@sbcglobal.net <mailto:pbwitz@sbcglobal.net>> wrote:
> >
> > Congratulations on new Brakes I think the future I will sort this out as well on Old Paint 37 years old and proud of it.
> > Bill Witz 84 Westy 1.8 T
> >
> > Sent from my iPhone
> >
> >> On Apr 11, 2021, at 6:12 PM, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net <mailto:ericcaron96@comcast.net>> wrote:
> >>
> >> Hi List,
> >>
> >> Today we got a opportunity to test the GW front big brakes and rear discs.
> >>
> >> A ca coming off interstate 91 did not stop as they flew off the ramp onto the local road in front of us. Heidi stopped us quick and the first thing she said was That idiot, the second thing was I don’t think we would have been able to avoid hitting that car with the old brakes.
> >>
> >> So, brake upgrade getting a big positive thumbs up from us.
> >>
> >> Eric Caron
> >> 85 GL Auto
> >> Updated spindles to 86 with GW big front and rear discs.
> >
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