In the process of convering 4 lug VW wheels to 5 wides at the rears and am deep in rear brake confusion.
Have a 2000 Vintage Speedster with a short swing axle rear end.
I was told that the conversion could be easily accomodated by simply replacing the existing drums with `67 5 wide drums (Italian made from So Cal Imports). Got the 67 drums and put them on, then found when tightening the castle nut that the drums got bound up internally I am thinking against the outer edge of the brake shoes. I know my car has the wider 40 mm shoes from later bugs on the rear.
My question is: (1) can I fix this problem by changing out the 40 mm wide shoes with 30 mm shoes; and (2) if so, do I need to change out anything else like the wheel cylinders, backing plate, spring hardware . . .
Any input or help would be greatly apprecated.
Thanks, Grant
Picture of existing rear brakes with the 40 mm wide later bug brake shoes as assembled by Vintintage Speedsters
Picture of existing later bug 4 lug drum fitting 40 mm wide shoes