VW Super Beetle Disc Brake Upgrade! Make you Beetle Stop Like A Modern Car.

My old 1974 Super Beetle refresh is moving along well these days. The engine rebuild is almost finished and while it's on the bench, it's the perfect time to get the brake system ready to handle all that massive 60 horse power!
I picked up an Empi Disc brake upgrade kit online and it turns out installing it was a pretty easy task. I would totally make this a top upgrade option if you live in an area where there are mountains. Stops are quick and firm.

[@LibertyTalkFM]

Man I am super thankful that Negan ;) took the time in the freezing cold to show step-by-step how to upgrade Super Beetle brakes from old drums to sweet EMPI disc brakes. Very nice & easy to understand process. +1 subscriber.

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Thanks man! Hey, does this mean I can half 1/2 of your stuff?

[@LibertyTalkFM]

@@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs that was the OLD Negan. The new Negan left the NWO and joined the good guys after Rick showed him mercy & grace by sparing his life at the conclusion of the war with the Saviors. BTW: Was hoping to purchase some swag/merch to support the channel, however the website link led to a default landing page. Also, real bummer on the scissor lift still not being back in stock circa 2024. Really enjoyed your three-year long term review.

[@ronleblanc9832]

makes it so much easier when you have the proper tools

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Most certainly! I am blessed to have nearly every tool a mechanic may need, but it took me 30 years to collect them all.

[@Dallas-Rife-UDX-347-Tennessee]

That car is so light , now it will definitely stop 🛑 on a dime and give you change back ! Nice upgrade and pretty simple .

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Right? This is one way to be certain you'll stop in the mountains!

[@YllaStar95970]

Right tools, right instructions. Win, Win.👍

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

You got that right!

[@Glenn_123]

Man I would love to say it is really cold tonight!! Like 100 degrees right now. great video love these updates!!!

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

As much as I hate to sweat, I really hate it when I can't feel my hands from touching all that cold metal! This was filmed on a VERY chilly week over the winter. Even with the wood stove and a kerosene heater, it was still stilling at 30 in the shop.

[@johndavis5502]

I have installed front wheel disk brake kits on 3 types 1. This is the best upgrade for safety you can do. Makes a big difference. I put a rear wheel disk brake kit on my personal car. Did not seem to help much. The only tricky part was getting the bearing races out of the front wheel hubs, the races were not provided with the kit.

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

I have found the rears to be unneeded as well. Save your money and just do the fronts!

[@meagenb4968]

I can't wait to see the maiden voyage of the Super Beetle! This is such a great, informative video. You're a really good teacher, Erik! I'm guessing this was filmed in spring - as it's a heat wave this week. You and Jenn, stay cool! Be well.

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

It was Super cold when I filmed it. I couldn't feel my hands from touching all that cold metal. Not today! Today, I'm sweating it out on the same car! Newly rebuilt engine going to be installed here in the next few days.

[@tiyukitv6508]

Awesome breakdown on how to do it properly. TY and be well always✌️

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Glad you enjoyed it- I appreciate the comments

[@TheDrockDennis]

Great work friend! Working on my moms dream beatle 1973 super, this was a huge help!

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Go for it!

[@1SIMONdeGEKKE1]

Amazing video! Thank you so much! Great that you give little headups

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Happy to help!

[@jimnespor2231]

Excellent video sir! I’m excited to do mine this weekend!

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Good luck!

[@benkanobe7500]

Nice work!

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Thanks man! It was a labor of love building this thing, but it's super fun to drive and people love to see it on the road. These were once everywhere and now they are all but extinct.

[@stumpydog87]

In Australia the 1303 Superbug was known as the Volkswagen "L"

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Cool to know-

[@zimms-world]

Cool video. Thanks for going through the details. New subscriber

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Awesome, thank you!

[@AarenCobb]

Great video, clear and to the point. Thanks for posting.

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Glad it was helpful!

[@800fmoore]

Thanks!

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Wow, thank you!!! Glad it helped!!

[@thedubwhisperer2157]

Don't forget that pedal pressure will be higher with discs than drums!

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

good tip. thanks

[@RJLM330]

Enjoy vw bus bug content using this as we speak for 71SB Thanks Raleigh Nc

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Thank you so much! Every bit helps. I have a LOT of new bus and bug content coming over the next 12 months. I bought a huge pile of cars!

[@HenryCalderonJr]

Sweet disc brakes

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

They are!

[@apodaca309]

Seems that this is easier than replacing the shifter bushings ... Time will tell but I will feel better with front disks at freeway speeds 70+

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Shifter bearing are a bear--

[@apodaca309]

Thank you

[@karitapio4578]

Good

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Thanks

[@mattmiller3967]

Great instructor & instructions. Sub’d!

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Thanks for the sub!

[@danvillareal9996]

i convert my super beetle in 84 using 914 brake system

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Was that a simple swap?

[@scottmahlan7645]

Where is the video on packing the wheel bearings?

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYGcf2VvaMqAeZY

[@pawleymediaconsultantsllc5]

Great Video. I wonder why Empi just didn't install the races themselves and have it as a complete unit ??

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

I wondered the same thing. My best guess is that it saved them maybe a buck per set not to have it done.

[@pawleymediaconsultantsllc5]

@@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs BTW, I really like your lift. I'm tired of my floor jack (getting old). Can you tell me the brand & model of you lift ?

[@tkskagen]

Would you recommend the use of Red LOCTITE on the Caliper Mounting Plate? And maybe Blue for the Caliper as well? -Better safe that sorry!

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

I've never been a fan of loctite unless it was called for by the manufacturer.

[@georgebianco-rumorsband9527]

Great instructional video. Did I hear you say at the beginning it was an MP Kit? Is that a brand name? Supplier name? Thanks

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

It is an EMPI kit that I got from eBay. Hope that helps!

[@georgebianco-rumorsband9527]

@@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs I see that available on jbugs but they offer a couple of different options.

[@kerryhutchins3959]

Can you shoot the link to this kit? Would love to buy one

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

The kit came from Ebay. It fits 71 to 79 VW Super Beetles.

[@Elpordex1]

Nice job! Do I need to change my stock rims to install this disc brake? Thanks

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

No, not at all. works with everything else 100% stock.

[@ollie1464]

It was one of the best up grades i've done to my 78. Did this when I re-did the front suspension?

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

There are a few mods that can really make a difference

[@tonymedeiros8029]

Great video, I have a Type 3 Square Back, Will the process work for my vehicle? Thank you,

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

It should, good luck with yours!

[@kevinhogan9184]

Where did you get that sweet lift?

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

I got this one from Harbor Frieght, but they are out of stock now. You can get the same one on eBay. Look for "Mid-ride scissor lift" and order the cheapest one you find. With shipping looks like less than 1500.

[@superstrat6714]

Do you have a video about rear disc brake conversion on the same Superbeetle...or another one for this matter...also have you installed the top line lowering kit ever on a super. ?

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

I have not done a rear disc conversion. I also haven't ever lowered a car, but I've raised one. Check my video on that as it should be much the same.

[@danvillareal9996]

they have available rear disc made by Frum from brazil so can use 914 rear caliper

[@jamesbryant7355]

Do you have a link or where you got the brake up grade?

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

I don't, I would just shop around to see where you could get the best deal

[@Foamybeerman]

Do you need to upgrade the master cylinder if you are doing just the front discs?

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

No, the stock master cylinder works just fine.

[@kolakduren3159]

How about the rear brake ??

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

100% not worth the money. Front brakes do 80% of the braking. No change will be felt.

[@tareknasr8953]

Hi. Please how much all new stuff?

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

I don't mention prices anymore due to inflation. What I paid a few years ago is not what you would be paying today.

[@Mizztree23]

Hi please could you telll me if I need to change my spindles with this conversion? Thank you

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

No, these work with the stock spindles.

[@Mizztree23]

@@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs is this only for the super beetle though? And not on 1.2 72 ? 🤙

[@OrignalRobRobert]

Where did you get your jack

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

That is a Harbor Freight Automotive Scissor lift. I have a great video on it.

[@paulcostinett9501]

Hi. What brand and model number is that lift?

[@paulcostinett9501]

An are you on a piece of 2x4 for that front lift point? I need to do front beam work and want to get a mid-rise lift. Thanks.

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

That is the wonderful Harbor Freight mid-rise scissor lift. I have a video on it.

[@paulcostinett9501]

@@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs Ok so I'll assume you're putting the lift arms on the torsion bars. How are you placing the lift arms up front? It looks like a 2x4 is in there. I'm looking at the bend pak MD-6XP, similar to this lift, and am wondering how I'll place the front arms to not crush anything.

[@manningcustom]

what lift is that?

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

This is the Harbor Freight Mid-rise scissor lift. It's out of stock now, but units just like it are available on eBay. Great to own!

[@manningcustom]

@@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs THANKS.