King Pin Brake Drum, 5 On 205mm, Beetle 58-65

OVERVIEW

When it comes to restoring or maintaining the stopping power of your classic air-cooled Volkswagen, there is no room for compromise. This EMPI King Pin Front Brake Drum is a premium-grade replacement designed specifically for the iconic 5 on 205mm "Wide-5" bolt pattern found on early Beetles and Karmann Ghias. Engineered to meet or exceed original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications, this drum ensures that your vintage ride retains its period-correct aesthetics while benefiting from modern manufacturing tolerances. Whether you are daily driving a 1963 Bug or finishing a show-quality 1958 restoration, these drums provide the reliable friction surface needed for consistent, fade-resistant braking performance under various driving conditions.

At Appletree Automotive, we understand that the front-end geometry of a King Pin VW requires precise components to maintain proper wheel alignment and braking balance. This drum is cast from high-quality gray iron, providing excellent heat dissipation properties that prevent warping during heavy use. The 12mm x 1.5 threaded lug holes are precision-machined to ensure your wheel bolts seat perfectly every time, preventing the common headache of stripped threads or loose wheels. By choosing this EMPI replacement, you are investing in a component that has been the industry standard for decades, ensuring your classic VW stays on the road and stops on a dime for years to come.

FITMENT

This brake drum is designed for front-axle applications on the following Volkswagen models equipped with King Pin and Link Pin front ends:

• VW Beetle (Type 1): 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965
• Custom Applications: Fits most aftermarket King Pin front beams used on Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Baja Bugs utilizing the 5x205mm lug pattern.

SPECS

• Part Number: 113-405-615A
• Bolt Pattern: 5 on 205mm (Wide-5)
• Lug Thread Size: M12 x 1.5 (Threaded)
• Position: Front (Left or Right)
• Material: Heavy-duty Cast Iron
• Front End Type: King Pin / Link Pin
• Weight: 13.75 lbs
• Finish: Natural Machined Surface
• Brand: EMPI

PRO TIPS

1. Clean Before You Install

Every new brake drum comes coated in a thin layer of rust-inhibitor or cosmoline from the factory to prevent oxidation during shipping and storage. It is absolutely critical that you clean the internal braking surface thoroughly with a high-quality brake cleaner and a lint-free rag before installation. If you don''t remove this protective coating, it will contaminate your new brake shoes, leading to poor stopping performance, glazing, and a "pulling" sensation during braking. Take the extra five minutes to ensure that friction surface is bone-dry and spotless.

2. Always Replace Bearings and Seals

Since you already have the front end disassembled to replace the drums, it is the perfect time to install new inner and outer wheel bearings along with fresh grease seals. Reusing old bearings in a brand-new drum is a recipe for premature failure, as the wear patterns from the old hub won''t match the new race seats perfectly. Ensure you use a high-temperature disc brake wheel bearing grease and pack the bearings thoroughly. Don''t forget to inspect your spindle for any scoring or heat damage while the drum is off to ensure a smooth, vibration-free ride.

3. Perform a Proper Brake Adjustment

After installing your new 5 on 205mm drums, you must manually adjust the brake shoes using the star adjusters located behind the backing plate. New drums may have a slightly different internal diameter than the worn ones you removed, so "pumping the pedal" isn''t enough. Adjust the shoes until you feel a slight drag while spinning the drum by hand, then back it off just a click or two. This ensures a high, firm pedal and prevents the master cylinder from having to displace too much fluid, which is vital for the safety of single-circuit braking systems found on these early Volkswagens.