1979 VW B1 Passat Estate - Ready for MOT

[jpr1977]

Personally i'd invest in new discs, they are available off the shelf for about 20 quid a pair (or less if you get them from GSF on an offer weekend) especially if your going to get new pads and refresh the calipers (and it will probably save you more than a stack of wire cup brushes).

The steel wheels should come up well with a bit of a sand and a fresh coat of shiny silver...

[07lilredwagon]

yes, very much agree with others to drill that screw head off (start slow as the slots in the screw will want to break the bit at first...once the screw is rounded by the bit, youll be fine...I use WD40 in copious amounts for lube)

You can use a smaller bit to drill into the rest of the screw once the rotor is off: be sure to use a center punch and get the bit in the center of the screw and drill straight in. you can use larger and larger bits until you are close to the threads, but by this time, whats left of the screw will be so weakened you can pick and pry at it to deform it enough to get it out. You will have heated it up and lubed it up many times, so it should work loose.

*****They do make reversing drill bits that bite in the opposite direction of normal bits...or in reverse...I have had this work before when nothing else does.

I doubt your up for it yet, but if you have a buddy that can weld, you can weld a new head on the bolt and back it out that way...the heat from welding should get it cherry red...then it will most likely come right out.

Once that screw is out, using a new screw will be no problem as you will put anti-seize compound on the threads and it wont rust up again....

I did find a kit for the calipers from Frenkit....ebay does have them in abundance and in the UK too.....looks to be around 18 pounds (did I say that right?) which is like 25.00US...a good price.

FRENKIT 248908 REPAIR KIT, BRAKE CALIPER

I think a new set of discs too is a good idea as those look kinda tired...but in a pinch, they should work fine.

Have fun on holiday and when you come back all refreshed you may actually be looking forward to working on the car again!



JP

[outrage]

attention, these VWs came with two different front brakes, ATE or Girling, which need different repair kits. Before ordering, you should have a look at your calipers which brand they are. From here they look like Girling but you should double check.

[07lilredwagon]

May 20, 2016 13:47:02 GMT outrage said:

attention, these VWs came with two different front brakes, ATE or Girling, which need different repair kits. Before ordering, you should have a look at your calipers which brand they are. From here they look like Girling but you should double check.

yes, meant to say that too!...thanks outrage

JP

[Knugcab]

As long as the rotors are undamaged and thick enough, I don't see any reason to throw them away, they develop surface rust if you just let the car stand still for a couple of days in a damp climate.

[arsonist]

May 19, 2016 21:44:43 GMT taurus said:

Some progress which is good to see. If you stuck with the screw I have drills that will shift it.

You want a proper twisted knot wire cup for your angles grinder.

For parts try Brakes International in Bolton. Usually very helpful.

Dude if you had a drill I could borrow that would be amazing! No worries if not though, I know you're busy. I'm back from the 7th June, pretty much free all evenings and weekends if necessary. If you might be able to, message me Again honestly if not, don't worry
My callipers are Girling (written on them, which is helpful). Where might I find the rebuild kit from on-line?

As for disks. I'm going to be cheap and use the old ones (gonna check minimum depth spec first), and getting the tyres removed when I get back from hols. A quick fix job on the rims, new tyres and back on hopefully.

Getting the car washed and waxed today before I'm off!

Ta

[melle]

Nasty grooves on the brake discs, I bet there was not much friction material left on the pads. I would either have them machined or buy new ones (which is probably cheapest).

[joem83]

A pair of front disks should only be about £12 from euro car parts with the current 20% discount, so tbh I wouldnt waste time cleaning old stuff up.

[taurus]

I'll PM you my number - pity you're away over half-term as I'm off duty then. The week from the 7th is a bit manic unfortunately - my only day off is our daughter's birthday but give me a call when you're back and we'll see what we can do. Shouldn't take long to drill it out.

[arsonist]

Cheers for the phone call taurus, much appreciated.

Just wanted to put some feelers out in regards to tyres and rims really. I've had the knackered tyres taken off and I'm fixing up the original vw/audi rims. Not far off priming and painting, but was wondering what colours people might think looked good? I was hedging towards a matt black but not too sure if this will look a bit tacky?

Ta

[guz]

silver.

[lufbramatt]

+1 for silver, black will make them look like the wheel trims are missing :-)

[taurus]

I'd go silver as well. Will ring you Sunday afternoon as soon as I'm in.

[arsonist]

Silver it is then, which makes sense as I've some black VW logo centre caps which will show up better.

Thanks taurus. I'll probs head back about 12, about a 3 hour drive depending on traffic. If I get back too late and miss you, no biggy!

[07lilredwagon]

good to see you back on the project. Silver wheels, yes....perhaps some nice chrome trim rings too?...old school...

JP

[joem83]

Silver, but if you have chrome trim rings - what about body colour?

[arsonist]

Man I'm stalling with this project Need some actual weekends at home! Still no further with brakes.

I'm trying to rebuild a caliper as it's been jizzing brake fluid everywhere. Struggling to find the correct piston seal though. They're dual piston girling caalipers.

The original girling company was bought by TRV who say the seals are these; www.trwaftermarket.com/us/catalogue/product-details/SJ1112/
However, on measuring the 2 seals I've just taken out, I don't know where they got 48mm from.

The internal diam of current seals is 44mm and the external diam is 50mm. How are seals usually measured?

If internal diam, then these look right? www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FRENKIT-244003-REPAIR-KIT-BRAKE-CALIPER-/291671053429?fits=Car+Make%3AVW%7CModel%3APassat%7CCars+Year%3A1979&hash=item43e8f31475:g:yCEAAOSwFMZWqJPD

Thanks

[georgexs]

Have you tried Bigg Red?

www.biggred.co.uk/

[arsonist]

Jun 15, 2016 9:56:08 GMT georgexs said:

Have you tried Bigg Red?

www.biggred.co.uk/

Yep, they don't cover the '73-'79 passat

[07lilredwagon]

I'm not sure if its possible where you are, but I have taken parts into the parts store and made sure the replacements match up. Sometimes there are fitment problems despite the books and reference guides. I have also emailed images along with measurements and references to online vendors so they can be sure to send me the right parts.

I can sympathize with your dilemma. been there...All you want to do is get the brakes back together, right?!?

"why did I ever do this in the first place!" you may ask......

don't worry, it will happen....ya just gotta really want it!



JP