Brake Calipers...where to get them refurbished?

bbcobmike · Post by **bbcobmike** » 11th February 2010 - 7:04pm

Type 3 Detectives want £95 + each for refurbished calipers for my late type 3

German Swedish don't stock them

Status haven't any at the moment.

So does anyone know a company who can refurbish them?

Mike

DelBoy · Post by **DelBoy** » 12th February 2010 - 12:21pm

I recommend these guys, they specialise in british classics but got me a Type 3 caliper at a good price a couple of years back

J E M Vintage & Classic Car Consultants

Lockheed, Girling, Dunlop, ATE,DBA & Bendix parts

Ashcroft House
Druid Street
Hinckley
Leicestershire
UK

Tel: 01455 230626
Fax: 01455 611543

flatbeat · Post by **flatbeat** » 14th February 2010 - 2:28pm

Machine 7 said they could put a complete kit together for me and that the callipers are the same as later Beetles? If you try them ask for Scott as it was him I spoke to and he was very helpful.

Post by **Editor** » 14th February 2010 - 9:35pm

The calipers from about June '71 are NOT the same as Beetles - we wouldn't have the problem of getting them if so!

For a start the mounting holes for the stub axle assembly are 3" apart instead of 2 5/8".

flatbeat · Post by **flatbeat** » 15th February 2010 - 7:09pm

bbcobmike didn't say what year his was and did you see the question mark after the word 'beetle' in my reply? that's because I didn't know and was just repeating what Machine 7 said so maybe have a word with them. And there was me trying to be helpful

But hey, now you've put me straight I know

Post by **Editor** » 16th February 2010 - 1:17am

I'm not trying to get at you or anyone, so stop rolling your eyes! I'm just clarifying what's actually what.

If Machine 7 say the Type 3 calipers are the same as later Beetles, they're wrong! The later Beetles have a smaller diameter piston, although the rubber seal and the fitment is physically the same - you just get a reduction in front braking force for the same pedal force. '72 model 1600 Beetles were fitted with the same calipers, but that's the only year, and I think all the later ones from then are the smaller pistons.

The bigger Type 3 calipers are not even actually the same as 'early' Type 4s, which is another common misconception, as they lack the internal structure behind the piston.

DelBoy · Post by **DelBoy** » 16th February 2010 - 8:09am

This might be of interest...

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=251998

Post by **Editor** » 16th February 2010 - 10:33am

If the pistons are bigger it throws out the brake balance. Still, I suppose a load in the front or back changes it too.

bbcobmike · Post by **bbcobmike** » 16th February 2010 - 3:15pm

Ordered a pair of remanufactured ATE calipers for my 1973 from Brake Engineering via Camberley Auto Factors. Part No CA187 and CA187R cost £54.77 each.

I opted to pay £20 refundable surcharge so that I can compare the new with the old first.

Should be delivered tomorrow .

Tried to contact JEM but their number was unobtainable so perhaps they have gone. But thanks for the thought.

Mike

bbcobmike · Post by **bbcobmike** » 17th February 2010 - 4:04pm

Brilliant....Wrong calipers arrived.

Far too big allround with fixing centres about 4 inches.

Anyway Caamberley Autofactors rechecked the catalogue and phoned Brake Engineering. Looks like a catalogue error.

My old calipers are now on their way to Brake Engineering and I'll report on the outcome in due course.

Mike

manky ed · Post by **manky ed** » 23rd February 2010 - 5:45pm

i bought 2 new calipers from gsf for my 1970 fastback, they are beetle ones,not sure which model but it stops fine??

Post by **Editor** » 24th February 2010 - 12:44am

Probably needs 20% more braking force to brake as hard, but the fronts lock up a bit too easily on a wet road anyway. I would not be concerned over ones that worked properly even if I had to push harder!

bbcobmike · Post by **bbcobmike** » 12th March 2010 - 4:32pm

Hurray...after 3 weeks the calipers returned from Brake Engineering via Camberley Autos.

Unfortunately there was no Brake Engineering part number which could be used by others to order direct from Brake Engineering.

Total price £135 INCLUDING VAT and p&p

Just to confirm the procedure....Telephone Brake Engineering 01978 667800 to get a list of the auto factors they deal with in your area. Take the calipers to your chosen factor and ask them to send off to Brake Engineering.