upgrading to disc: is it silly to just use stock Ghia parts?

V.waffe 3 · #1 January 29th 2006, 19:05

I just ordered Topline's disc conversion and will let you guys know how easy it is to install them. I am impressed that the kit comes with everthing down to the steel braided brake lines. I am also happy that there is no need to change my spindles.

Eurolook71 · #2 January 31st 2006, 22:41

Hey there!

Even though this kit has been used for many years now, it still is an obviously popular item. For fun, (and for the enjoyment of others) take pics and right your own step by step of the mod. They might just put it in the tech section.

V.waffe 3 · #3 February 3rd 2006, 15:57

Yeah didn't think about the lenght of time this kit has been around before posting, lol. I'll take those pictures. I decided to get this kit so I can have disc till i get the money together for my 944 stuff. I have 944 brakes from the spindle out right now. I have to wait till I can afford everything else though. I guess that this everyone's else's problem too, huh. I think that for $300.00 USD it is a pretty slick kit. Especially for those on a tight budget. Like me, haha. By the way how do you like your Kadrons? I have/had a set that I'm trying to find. I never had them installed.

oasis · #4 February 4th 2006, 15:42

When I was assisting my mechanic with the comprehensive TopLine install, I had a camera with me. I didn't take any pics because it was going rather quickly and I didn't want to incur any delays which would have meant more money. In fact, the most difficult thing to do was removing parts (the stock struts and springs especially) which had been there for so many years.

I have four-wheel disks on mine. Once I get the drivetrain upgraded, I will have a better sense if I need to upgrade the braking any further. I was pleasantly surprised how well the TopLine brakes perform and I am not so sure I will need an upgrade. If I do, I already know VeeDubEngineering (formerly VeeDubCustoms) will be getting my call.

A pictorial would be cool.

V.waffe 3 · #5 February 15th 2006, 15:05

I just put my Topline brake kit on last weekend and man was a dream to work with. I suggest that anyone that needs brakes and do not want the expense of big, beautiful Porsche stuff or just need some disc till you can afford the Porsche stuff ( because who wouldn't want Porsche stuff) I highly reccommend Toplines kit. For 300.00 USD it can't be beat. I also suggest that you look at the tech article done by SuperBeetles.com The guy was a tad anal about the install, but it is a well written and easy to follow set of instructions. I took a bunch of pictures and will try to get those posted.

#6 February 16th 2006, 15:10

You might want to do a type 3 rear drum setup too. It is a simple bolt on from the backing plate out. bigger drum and shoe than stock. It's a nice complement to the Topline disks I put up front.

V.waffe 3 · #7 February 17th 2006, 16:26

Will look into that. I saw the same reccommendation on the aircooled.net site. So, I will need everything including: backing plate, shoes, brake cylinders,and drums right? Will I need to step up to a larger master cylinder? And do I need different rear brake hoses ? I would like some Goodridge ss hoses like I got for the front with Topline's kit, but all I have seen is full 4pc kits for like 100.00usd or so. Do you know where I could get the rear lines? Thanks for the advice, Ryan :agree:

krems · #8 April 2nd 2006, 19:09

im considering going with So Cal Auto's kit for $149...my mechanic here quoted me the equivalent of roughy $500 for a USED front disc setup

any thoughts/suggestions?

oasis · #9 April 3rd 2006, 09:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by krems

im considering going with So Cal Auto's kit for $149...my mechanic here quoted me the equivalent of roughy $500 for a USED front disc setup ... any thoughts/suggestions?

The first thought that crossed my mind is Are you comparing apples and oranges? In other words, is this kit just the kit whereas your mechanic is including labor?

My second thought is I have TopLine disk brakes and I wouldn't go with anything less. It is true their front disks are twice as much So Cal Auto (who I have never heard of), but their brakes are of a quality that even impressed my mechanic. I may some day change my front disks to VDubEngineering's version. If I do, it wouldn't be because of any dissatisfaction with TopLine (I'd keep their rear disks). It would only be because I wanted or felt I needed an upgrade.

Brakes are not something I would want to be penny-wise and dollar-foolish. My TopLine brakes have saved me four times by my count with two having the potential of being "total" wrecks with possible hospital stays.

krems · #10 April 15th 2006, 15:10

nope..thats parts alone in both cases.

in any case, i have a lot of time to make for a decision.

do Topline's kits come in the standard 4 lug config? or could i get blank rotors from them?

oasis · #11 April 17th 2006, 01:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by krems

do Topline's kits come in the standard 4 lug config? or could i get blank rotors from them?

Yes, and I am 98% sure yes. My kit was studded in a 5x100 pattern by them. I suppose if you wanted to get blanks to do whatever you wanted yourself, you could. I would ask Jon at TopLine to be absolutely sure.

krems · #12 February 8th 2007, 16:06

months later and topline all round drilled kit is heading to my car

:agree:

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