Disc Brake Kit, 4 On 130mm, For King Pin 56-65

Product Overview

Upgrading your vintage Volkswagen from outdated, fading drum brakes to modern disc performance is one of the single most important safety and performance modifications you can make. This EMPI Disc Brake Kit is specifically engineered for 1956 through 1965 King Pin front ends, providing a seamless bridge between classic suspension architecture and contemporary stopping reliability. By utilizing a heavy-duty 2-piston caliper design and precision-machined rotors, this kit virtually eliminates the brake fade commonly experienced during spirited driving or in modern traffic conditions. Whether you are navigating steep descents in a loaded Beetle or pushing the limits in a lightweight dune buggy, the consistent pedal feel and increased clamping force provided by this kit ensure that your air-cooled classic stops as well as it goes. This isn''t just a part replacement; it''s a total transformation of your vehicle''s handling dynamics and driver confidence.

What makes this specific kit a favorite among seasoned VW builders is the clever engineering used to adapt newer-style ball joint rotors to the earlier King Pin spindles. This allows owners of early Beetles and Ghias to run the popular 4 on 130mm lug pattern, which was standard on 1967 and later models. This opens up a massive world of wheel choices that were previously unavailable for King Pin cars without expensive custom machining or adapters. The kit comes complete with high-quality calipers, brackets, and a specialized bearing set designed to make the conversion as straightforward as possible. At Appletree Automotive, we understand that vintage VW owners demand parts that fit correctly the first time, and this EMPI kit delivers a professional-grade solution that maintains the integrity of your classic front end while bringing its safety standards into the 21st century.

Vehicle Fitment

This disc brake conversion kit is designed for Volkswagen Type 1 vehicles equipped with original King Pin front suspension. Please verify your spindle type before ordering.

• VW Beetle (Sedan & Convertible): 1956 - 1965
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956 - 1965
• Custom Dune Buggies / Sand Rails: Any chassis utilizing a 1956-1965 VW King Pin front beam.
• Note: Not compatible with 1966-later Ball Joint front ends or 1955-earlier Link Pin spindles without modification.

Technical Specifications

Every component in this kit is selected for durability and precision fitment. Below are the technical details for the EMPI A1003 kit:

• Lug Pattern: 4 on 130mm (Late Beetle Style)
• Caliper Type: Dual-Piston Floating Design for even pressure distribution
• Rotor Style: Solid Hub-Integrated Disc, precision ground for smoothness
• Spindle Compatibility: Stock King Pin Spindles (1956-1965)
• Bearing Type: Specialized conversion bearings (Included)
• Hardware: Includes high-tensile caliper brackets and spindle nuts
• Material: High-grade cast iron rotors and steel mounting brackets
• Finish: Natural cast finish on rotors; plated or painted calipers for corrosion resistance

Expert Pro Tips

1. Proper Bearing Installation is Critical

The most important step in installing this kit is the preparation of the rotors. The wheel bearings included in this kit MUST be pressed into the rotor hubs using a hydraulic press or a dedicated bearing driver. Never attempt to "hammer" the bearings in with a punch or a socket, as this can easily distort the race or damage the bearing cage, leading to premature failure and dangerous spindle wear. Before pressing them in, ensure the hub cavity is clean and lightly coated with grease. Once the races are seated, pack the bearings thoroughly with a high-quality, high-temperature disc brake wheel bearing grease. Don''t skimp on the grease; a dry bearing will fail within miles of your first drive.

2. Clean the Rotors Before Installation

New rotors are shipped with a thin coating of "shipping oil" or Cosmoline to prevent rust while they sit in the warehouse. If you install the pads and calipers without removing this oil, you will contaminate your new brake pads instantly, leading to "glazed" pads and significantly reduced stopping power. Before you slide the rotors onto the spindles, use a high-quality aerosol brake cleaner and a clean rag to scrub both sides of the friction surface until no residue remains. Doing this ensures the pads can properly "bed-in" to the metal surface, providing the maximum coefficient of friction from the very first stop.

3. Upgrade Your Master Cylinder and Lines

When switching from drum brakes to disc brakes, you are changing the volume of fluid required to move the pistons. While your stock master cylinder might "work," we highly recommend upgrading to a dual-circuit master cylinder if you haven''t already. Furthermore, disc brakes operate at higher pressures than drums; this is the perfect time to inspect your flexible rubber brake lines. If they are older than five years, replace them with new rubber lines or, better yet, stainless steel braided lines. This will prevent line expansion under heavy braking, ensuring that every ounce of pressure from your foot goes directly to those new dual-piston calipers for the firmest pedal feel possible.