Front Disc Brake Kit, for Bus 64-66

OVERVIEW

Upgrade your vintage transporter''s stopping power with the EMPI Front Disc Brake Kit, specifically engineered for the 1964 through 1966 Volkswagen Bus. If you have ever piloted a fully loaded Split Window Bus through modern traffic, you know that the original factory drum brakes can feel woefully inadequate, especially when faced with sudden stops or steep descents. This comprehensive conversion kit replaces those aging, fading drums with a high-performance disc system that provides consistent, reliable braking torque. By moving to a disc setup, you significantly reduce brake fade caused by heat buildup, ensuring that your classic Type 2 remains safe for the family, the camping gear, and the open road. This kit is designed to maintain the iconic "Wide 5" 5x205mm bolt pattern, allowing you to keep your original wheels or period-correct aftermarket alloys while enjoying 21st-century safety standards.

Engineered for a straightforward installation, this EMPI kit is a favorite among air-cooled purists and custom builders alike. Each component, from the heavy-duty cast iron rotors to the precision-machined caliper brackets, is manufactured to withstand the rigors of a heavy Transporter. The dual-piston calipers are designed to provide even pressure across the brake pads, resulting in a smooth, linear pedal feel that inspires confidence behind the wheel. Whether you are restoring a 21-Window Deluxe to showroom condition or building a reliable weekend camper, this disc brake conversion is the single most important mechanical upgrade you can perform. Appletree Automotive provides this kit as a complete solution to eliminate the guesswork, ensuring that your 1964-1966 Bus stops as well as it looks.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus: 1964, 1965, 1966
• Models Covered: Kombi, Microbus, Deluxe, Panel Van, Single Cab, and Double Cab
• Spindle Compatibility: Designed for use with original 1964-1966 "Late Split" style spindles
• Bolt Pattern: 5x205mm (Wide 5)

SPECS

• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Part Number: 22-2937-0
• Rotor Material: High-grade cast iron for maximum heat dissipation
• Caliper Style: Heavy-duty dual-piston floating calipers
• Brake Pad Compound: Premium semi-metallic for high friction and low noise
• Bolt Pattern: 5x205mm (Traditional VW Wide 5)
• Hardware: Includes high-tensile strength mounting bolts and necessary seals
• Finish: Natural cast finish on rotors with corrosion-resistant coating on brackets
• Shipping Weight: Approximately 83.5 lbs

PRO TIPS

1. Upgrade to a Dual-Circuit Master Cylinder

When converting your 1964-1966 Bus from four-wheel drums to front discs, we strongly recommend upgrading to a dual-circuit master cylinder if you haven''t already done so. Disc brake calipers require a different volume of fluid displacement compared to traditional wheel cylinders. A dual-circuit system not only handles this volume more efficiently but also provides a vital safety margin by separating the front and rear hydraulic systems. If a leak occurs in one half of the system, the other half will still allow you to bring the vehicle to a stop. This is a critical safety "must-have" for any modern road-going air-cooled VW.

2. Verify Wheel Clearance Before Final Torque

While this kit is designed to work with the 5x205mm Wide 5 bolt pattern, the physical profile of a disc brake caliper is significantly larger than a flat brake drum. Most original 14-inch and 15-inch steel wheels will clear the calipers without issue, but some aftermarket aluminum wheels or early "outie" style steel wheels may have inner diameters or offset shapes that interfere with the caliper body. Before you finish the installation and torque everything down, "dry fit" your wheel onto the new rotor and spin it by hand to check for any rubbing or contact. If clearance is tight, you may need a small wheel spacer or minor clearancing.

3. Proper Bearing Packing and Break-In

Since you will have the front hubs apart, this is the absolute best time to inspect and repack your wheel bearings with high-quality, high-temperature disc brake grease. Disc brakes generate significantly more localized heat at the hub than drum brakes do, so using a grease specifically rated for disc brake applications is non-negotiable. Additionally, once the installation is complete, perform a proper "bedding-in" procedure. This involves several controlled stops from 30-40 mph to 5 mph without coming to a complete stop, which transfers a thin layer of pad material onto the rotor. This process ensures maximum stopping power and prevents premature rotor warping or "brake chatter."