Date:         Fri, 2 Jun 2023 14:25:50 -0500
Reply-To:     Jeff Palmer <w.jeff.palmer@ICLOUD.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeff Palmer <w.jeff.palmer@ICLOUD.COM>
Subject:      Re: Front brake calipers?
Comments: To: Mark Drillock <madvws@COX.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <36e6e45d-2df7-7ca7-8128-1f53dde29b50@cox.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

Thanks Mark!  I thought I better fix the subject since I seem to be the victim of autocorrect.  

I don’t have my registration handy (or the van!) but it’s definitely an 85.  I’ve had it since 93 and I believe I’ve changed the calipers once already.  I didn’t realize that parts would be different between makers.  Thought a part number is a part number.

Most suppliers list up to 85 and then 86+ - to be honest that’s a bit of a rookie mistake IMO and I will be extra careful when dealing with them in the future.

Thanks again
Jeff

> On Jun 2, 2023, at 7:30 AM, Mark Drillock <madvws@COX.NET> wrote:
> 
> 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