Hi Martin,

I have not had an opportunity to start this project because of the very busy
Christmas season. Also, I have not had any response with information
regarding hub size etc. Now without that information I will have to dismantle
my rear brakes to review my options.

You are correct concerning the rear brake mounting. I converted my old Beetle
by having tabs welded onto the bearing housing. However, I was also
successful in having a bracket fabricated then attached via a longer housing
bolt when I converted my Karmann Ghia. I have also seen a conversion where
someone had welded mounting tabs directly onto the swingarms.

These are all possible solutions. However, I intend on making the conversion
reversible. In other words, if something breaks, I want to be able to use
stock parts make my repairs (with the exception of the brackets..of course).

There is also the possibility that our beloved Vanagons may become
collectible one of these days. Collectors generally frown on any kind of
non-factory modifications. I am speaking from experience. Twenty-three of the
sixty-eight or so vehicles I've owned in the last 21 years were Volkswagens.
Some of these vehicles were so modified that they worth less than the sum of
all their parts. When the car became old enough to be collectible, it was
even worth less to the collectors. I still do it anyway. I just want the
option of reversing any work I do, just in case. Anyway, so much for my
philosophy.

I will inform you and the list of my progress after the coming millennium
celebration.

BenT
Citadel Properties.
San Francisco
(650) 994-7253

'87 GL Vanagon
'88 Fox Wagon
'89 Jetta GL
'80 Rabbit pick-up
'83 323i BMW
'81 323i BMW
'72 911 Targa
'76 914 converted to 914-6 configuration
'79 Mercedes 280TE
80 Mercedes 300TD