Date:         Fri, 2 Jun 2023 05:30:03 -0700
Reply-To:     Mark Drillock <madvws@COX.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mark Drillock <madvws@COX.NET>
Subject:      Re: Front brake calibers?
Comments: To: Jeff Palmer <w.jeff.palmer@ICLOUD.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <A62CA8E8-A529-4E3F-B7AD-9F998FF0B706@icloud.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed

An 85 model Vanagon should have the letters FH as the 10th and 11th
digits of the VIN.
There were very big changes to the FRONT brakes after the 85 model year.
No brake parts from 86+ model year FRONT brakes will fit it.

There is a reason for the year confusion in various parts listings.
Since VW switches model production around August, many 86 model vans
were actually built in late 1985.
The VIN number still shows them as 1986 models and VW bases their parts
as for 1986 models.
Most vehicle registrations in the US are by MODEL year.
Other countries often use PRODUCTION year for registration.
This leads to parts suppliers showing some overlaps in years that their
parts fit even when there is no such overlap in model year fitment for a
given part.

As for Girling vs ATE, etc, you need to look closely at your own brakes
to know.
VW switched parts suppliers back and forth.
An 85 model would have come with ATE originally AFAIK.
So calipers fitting 80-85 ATE should do it.

Mark


On 6/1/2023 9:26 PM, Jeff Palmer wrote:
> Hi everyone.  The time has come apparently for new front brake calipers for my 85 Westfalia GL.
>
> I am having a bit of trouble figuring out the part numbers.  I have seen the same part numbers for 85-91 and 86-91.  And different part numbers for Girling, ATE and others.
>
> Suggestions welcome!!
>
> Thanks
> Jeff