1950 Standard model split window Beetle with cable brakes

Ask Andy › 1950 Standard model split window Beetle with cable brakes
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Andy Shouse asked 7 years ago

I’m thinking of buying your Disc Brake Kit, Rear, e-Brake, Zero Offset, Wide-5. Ready for a unique question? I have a 1950 Standard model split window Beetle with cable brakes to all 4 wheels. I was thinking of adding these rear disc brakes and retro fitting my rear cables to operate the e-brake as my main rear brakes. My question is how strong is the e-brake on these calipers. They have to be better then my stock 50 drum brakes. Did you ever try to stop a Beetle using just your e-brake lever keeping the button held in?

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Andy Shouse answered 7 years ago

Hi Bob,

Thanks for your question. Interesting thought but I would never recommend this. Yes, the emergency brake style caliper has a manually cable operated side but the manual cable side doesn’t have near the applied braking pressure as compared to what is generated thought the hydraulic portion of the caliper. The cable operated side is great for holding the car on a hill and slowing the car if you have a hydraulic failure, but it is NOT intended for everyday stopping! There’s a good reason that cable brakes were discontinued over a half century ago!

Thanks,

Andy

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