Disc or Drum Brakes? - That is the Question
The Volkswagen Super Beetle is a beloved classic, admired for its iconic design
and simple engineering. However, its original drum brake system, while sufficient
for mid-20th-century traffic, can feel inadequate on modern roads. Upgrading
to disc brakes is a popular modification that significantly enhances the safety
and performance of the Super Beetle. This article explains why disc brakes
are the smart choice for today's driving.
Drum brakes were the standard braking technology in the early and mid-20th
century. They consist of a drum attached to the wheel and brake shoes inside
the drum. When the brakes are applied, the shoes press outward against the
drum, creating friction to slow the vehicle. While effective, drum brakes
have several inherent drawbacks. Drum brakes trap heat, which can cause brake
fade during repeated use. Less Consistent Performance in wet or muddy conditions.
Drum brakes may lose effectiveness due to their enclosed design. Drum brakes
are more complex and harder to service than disc brakes.
Disc brakes provide greater stopping force compared to drum brakes. The open
design of the disc brake system allows for even and consistent application
of friction, enabling the Super Beetle to stop more quickly and reliably,
especially in emergencies. With their exposed rotors, dissipate heat more
effectively. This reduces the risk of brake fade, ensuring reliable performance
even during prolonged or heavy braking, such as descending steep hills. Disc
brakes are self-cleaning, with their open design allowing water and debris
to be shed easily. This ensures consistent performance regardless of weather
conditions. Servicing disc brakes is simpler than working on drum brakes.
Replacing brake pads is a straightforward process, while drum brake systems
require disassembly and careful adjustment of springs and shoes. For a classic
Super Beetle, this ease of maintenance can save both time and money.
Upgrading a Volkswagen Super Beetle from drum to disc brakes typically involves
replacing the front brakes, as these handle the majority of braking force.
Rear drum brakes can often be left in place, though some enthusiasts choose
to upgrade all four wheels for maximum performance. A typical disc brake conversion
kit includes, Discs or Rotors, Calipers, Brake pads, Mounting brackets, Hoses
and hardware. Bolt-on kits are widely available and designed specifically
for the Super Beetle, making the installation process straightforward for
experienced DIY mechanics or professional.
Disc brakes offer a substantial improvement over drum brakes for the Super
Beetle, enhancing safety, reliability, and ease of maintenance. For classic
car enthusiasts who want to enjoy their Beetle on modern roads without compromising
safety, upgrading to disc brakes is a highly recommended modification. This
simple change not only makes driving more enjoyable but also preserves the
timeless charm of the Super Beetle while bringing its braking system into
the modern era.
February Blog
If you're reading this I made it back from two weeks in the Dominican Republic!
I was getting tired of the snow and cold weather up here in Canada and needed
a break. So relaxing on a white sand beach with family and friends seemed
like the the thing to do. So now I'm recharged with solar energy and ready
to pour my heart and soul back into my passion for Super Beetles.
Check this out. I got a message from the owner of a Super Beetle that I
had featured in the past. He lives in Los Angeles and had to evacuate his
home due to the LA fires in the area. Sadly he had to leave his Super Beetle
behind. When he came back a few days later, his home was destroyed but his
1302 Super Beetle was still in the driveway untouched. He shared the photos
and story of it's rescue with me, which I posted on my @VWSuper
Beetles Instagram account. So far the post has had over 255,000 views,
13,000 likes, and over 200 positive comments from the VW community. Check
it out and give Drew Kogon and his '71 Super some love.
This month at the website we feature another SE
Super Beetle, a 1972 Formula Vee. I did an in-depth Q&A with Matthew Light
about his 1972 Super Beetle that was given to him by it's original owner,
his grandmother. So check it out. Stop it! Well that's what your brakes are
supposed to do. Super Beetles in North America did not come with disc brakes
as standard equipment, whereas the European 1302L and 1303L Supers did. Should
you swap up the disc brakes? Read this article in the news
section and decide for yourself. Check out the new Factory
pics, more VW ads and updated Event
Listings while you're at it.
GSR - The Unicorn of Special Edition Super Beetles
The GSR nameplate made its debut in late 1972 as a limited-edition 1973 version
of the 1303S, created in response to the demands of speed enthusiasts. The
acronym GSR represents Gleb Schwarzer Renner, translating to Yellow Black
Racer in German. Despite its name, the modifications were primarily aesthetic.
The GSR distinguished itself from the regular 1303S with its vibrant yellow
exterior, which featured flat black accents on the hood, deck lid, bumpers,
and nearly all exterior trim.
Volkswagen produced a limited run of just 3,500 units of the GSR model. Each
vehicle was priced at 7,650 Deutsche Mark (approximately $4,100 USD today),
which was around 800 Deutsche Mark more than the standard 1303S model. The
entire production run sold out rapidly, as many enthusiasts had long anticipated
a factory-built racing version of the Beetle.
The
track-inspired design continues inside with sport seats for the front occupants
and a leather three-spoke racing style steering wheel. However, this focus
did not carry over to the engine compartment, as the GSR was equipped with
the standard 1.6-liter air-cooled flat-four engine, producing 50 horsepower
and 80 pound-feet of torque. An oil cooler was added, necessitating the use
of a slotted front apron identical to that of the Super Beetle sold in the
USA and Canada. Designed with rally enthusiasts in mind, the GSR came with
a list of Volkswagen-approved tuners to help maximize the performance of the
flat-four engine.
The GSR is an uncomplicated machine featuring four pistons, eight valves,
and a carburetor. With a swift turn of the key, the flat-four engine roars
to life, quickly transitioning to a steady, low idle. The choke operates automatically,
eliminating the need for manual adjustments. Engage the long gear shift lever
into first gear, release the clutch, and youre on your way. Initial
observations are that the GSR produces a louder sound compared to other Beetles
from its time, with the flat-four's engine noise being notably more prominent.
The GSR marks Volkswagen's initial effort to evolve an economy vehicle into a
street-legal version that boasts enhanced speed, improved driving dynamics,
and a robust aesthetic. A significant number of GSRs were either modified
for racing purposes, heavily used, or both. According to estimates from Volkswagen's
archives department, approximately only 100 units remain today, rendering
it one of the rarest VWs available and one of the most sought-after Super
Beetles ever manufactured.
January Blog
Happy New Year! I'm lucky I updated the website a few weeks ago, because
I'm sure to be sleeping in after a super-fun New Years Eve celebration. So
for 2025 I'm continuing with the same formula that has made SuperBeetles.com
the most popular Super Beetle website in the world. New Super
Beetle features each month, interesting Super Beetle
focused articles in the new section, event listings
and event coverage along with Super
Beetle ads and lots of factory pictures. These
sections have grown so much that I've had to split them into several pages.
So be sure to look for the "MORE >>" at the bottom of each
page to see MORE super stuff. If you have any suggestions for what you'd like
to see in 2025 please feel free to reach out to me.
All the best in 2025!