Front Disc Brake Kit, for Bus 67 Only

OVERVIEW

Upgrading your 1967 Volkswagen Bus to a modern disc brake system is not just a performance enhancement; it is a critical safety necessity for today''s driving environment. The 1967 Bus is a legendary "one-year-only" machine, bridging the gap between the early split-window era and the later bay-window designs. While its aesthetic is timeless, the original factory drum brakes are often found wanting when navigating modern highway speeds or descending steep grades with a full load of passengers and gear. This EMPI Front Disc Brake Kit has been meticulously engineered to replace those aging, fade-prone drums with a high-performance, reliable stopping solution that provides consistent pedal feel and significantly shorter stopping distances. By moving to a disc setup, you eliminate the constant need for manual adjustment and the dreaded "pull" often associated with unevenly wearing drum shoes, ensuring your Type 2 tracks straight and true every time you hit the binders.

At Appletree Automotive, we understand that "one-year-only" parts can be a headache for enthusiasts, which is why we offer this specific EMPI kit designed exclusively for the unique spindle geometry of the 1967 Transporter. This kit is a complete bolt-on solution that maintains the classic 5x205mm lug pattern, allowing you to keep your iconic wide-five wheels while benefiting from 21st-century braking technology. The heavy-duty calipers and premium rotors are manufactured to exacting tolerances to handle the weight and demands of a fully loaded Bus. Whether you are restoring a pristine Westfalia camper or building a daily-driven Single Cab, this kit provides the peace of mind that comes from knowing your vintage VW can handle emergency stops with the same confidence as a modern vehicle. Don''t leave your safety to chance with fifty-year-old technology; give your Bus the stopping power it deserves with this professional-grade conversion.

FITMENT

• 1967 Volkswagen Type 2 Bus (All Models)
• 1967 VW Kombi
• 1967 VW Microbus
• 1967 VW Transporter
• 1967 VW Westfalia Camper
• 1967 VW Single Cab Pickup
• 1967 VW Double Cab Pickup

SPECS

• Product Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 22-2938-0
• Rotor Bolt Pattern: 5x205mm (Wide Five)
• Brake System Type: Front Disc Brake Conversion
• Caliper Type: Heavy-Duty Single Piston Floating Calipers
• Rotor Material: High-Grade Cast Iron, Precision Ground
• Hardware Included: High-Strength Grade 8.8+ Bolts and Fasteners
• Spindle Compatibility: Fits Stock 1967 Kingpin Spindles
• Finish: Zinc Plated Hardware for Corrosion Resistance
• Weight: Approximately 85.85 lbs (Complete Kit)

PRO TIPS

1. Thorough Spindle Inspection and Preparation

Before you begin the installation of your new EMPI disc brake kit, it is absolutely vital to inspect your 1967 spindles for any signs of excessive wear or scoring. Since the 1967 Bus uses a unique kingpin setup, ensure there is no "slop" or play in the kingpin bushings, as any movement here will translate into vibration under braking. Clean the spindle snouts thoroughly with a fine emery cloth to remove any old grease or burrs. When installing the new inner bearing races into the rotors, use a dedicated race driver rather than a punch to avoid marring the surface. Proper seating of these races is the difference between a smooth ride and a premature bearing failure. Also, remember to pack your bearings with a high-quality, high-temperature disc brake grease; drum brake grease is not formulated to handle the higher heat levels generated by disc systems.

2. Master Cylinder and Fluid Compatibility

When upgrading from drums to discs, the volume of fluid required to move the caliper pistons is different than what was required for wheel cylinders. For the best performance, we highly recommend upgrading to a dual-circuit master cylinder if your Bus hasn''t been converted already. This provides a secondary safety margin in the event of a line failure. Additionally, always use fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid from a sealed container. Because disc brakes operate at significantly higher temperatures than drums, old fluid with absorbed moisture can boil, leading to a "spongy" pedal or total brake fade. Once installed, bleed the system starting from the wheel furthest from the master cylinder (typically the passenger rear) and work your way forward to ensure all air bubbles are purged from the lines.

3. Proper Pad Bedding Procedure

To get the maximum lifespan and stopping power out of your new EMPI kit, you must properly "bed" the brake pads to the rotors. This process transfers a thin layer of friction material from the pads to the rotor surface, which prevents glazing and squealing. Once the installation is complete and you have a firm pedal, take the vehicle to a safe, low-traffic area. Perform a series of 8 to 10 decelerations from approximately 35 MPH down to 5 MPH using moderate pressure. Do not come to a complete stop during these cycles, as this can cause "pad imprinting" and lead to future vibrations. After the cycles are complete, drive the vehicle for several minutes without using the brakes to allow the system to cool down naturally. Following this procedure ensures your new brakes will be quiet, powerful, and long-lasting.