Polo Disc Brake Conversion

Post by **wanderinstar** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 7:08 pm

I thought this would make things clearer, instead of Polo Disc Brakes being listed under Ford Disc Brakes

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 7:33 pm

So - just to get it going - would anyone on here be able/willing to make up the necessary caliper brackets for this conversion ?

Post by **wanderinstar** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 7:46 pm

I have got Naadeslaus's original article translated. So if anyone would like a copy of it if you PM me with your email address I will let you have a copy of it.
Ian.

Post by **Peetee** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 7:51 pm

I would think it wise to find out if the later Polo discs and calipers fit. There is a huge supply of these in scrapyards (including a vented option) and it's a fair bet they would go on as (has been previously pointed out) the Mk1, 2 and 3 polo are basically the same car. I know a fair bit about these cars having modified one myself - I was well in to them before I went crazy for Mogs.
All we need is a willing person with time on their hands to try these brackets with a VW1 or VW11 caliper and disc.

Post by **jonathon** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 8:04 pm

bmcecosse wrote:So - just to get it going - would anyone on here be able/willing to make up the necessary caliper brackets for this conversion ?

Just make sure that who ever decides to produce these brackets and modify the discs should have adequate insurance to cover any eventuality of failure.
If going this route then I'd suggest that you find out the limitations of the original hub bearings. If someone intends on fitting vented discs using this method plus a Fiat TC or the like I'm not too certain that a bearing designed for braking a 40bhp engined car from a max speed of 70odd mph would be upto the task.Remember some disclaimers are not recognised in a court of law.
I'd just be very carefull indeed and do thorough research and not use each other as test beds.

Post by **Naadeslaus** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 9:30 pm

I also belive you can use brakes from golf/jetta mk I or 2.
I think they have the same part number.. I'm not sure but think so..

Post by **Peetee** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 9:41 pm

I also belive you can use brakes from golf/jetta mk I or 2.
I think they have the same part number.. I'm not sure but think so..

This is the point I was trying to make as the vast majority of these cars use the VW1 and VW11 caliper not the calipers shown in the photos in the original thread.
To clarify:
Post '83 Polo, Jetta, Golf, Scirocco. 239mm plain discs and VW1 calipers or 239mm vented discs and VW11 calipers.
Later Mk2 GTi 16V had 256mm discs. These can be substituted for 239mm with appropriate calipers and carriers and used with 14" VW wheels so it may be possible to use these on a Minor too.

Post by **Naadeslaus** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 5:40 am

It also the same part number on old audi 80 and VW passat.I can try to find out what cars that have the same parts.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 7:23 am

My daughter's SEAT Arosa has these discs - I may treat her car to a new pair - to give me the old discs (which are really not too bad) to play with. I agree with Jonathon on the bearing issue - which could prove marginal if the car is weighted up much with heavier engine and gearbox - but Minor's and Spridgets have been used in Competition many many years and the bearings seem to survive that ok. I have never had any front wheel bearing problems with any of my Minors.

Post by **plastic_orange** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 10:39 am

My full race MGB engined minor coped just fine with original bearings - using Riley Drums (until upgraded to discs) and I never had to replace them in 80,000 miles. This engine provided quite a bit more urge than a non modded 2 litre fiat.
Mate also used minor hubs (with Fiat discs) on his fiat 2 litre engined minor for years without bother. I do however take Jonathon's point regarding liability though.
If someone provides drawings and specs I could easily ask mate for a price.

Pete

Post by **wanderinstar** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 10:58 am

Just sent you a PM mate.

Post by **Naadeslaus** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 12:59 pm

I'm gonna try to use this type of brakes on my saloon.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 1:06 pm

The drawing was published in the older 'Ford' thread - but I don't know how to put it up again here. I is a nice sturdy bracket - 10 mm thick, certainly much better looking than an earlier J shaped bracket which was shown on here a little while back - it looked a bit marginal to say the least. Is there a clearance issue to stop the bracket being say 12 mm thick - which will be Forth Rail Bridge standard ?! Note - NOT Forth ROAD Bridge standard - it's falling down already!!

Post by **tickman** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 4:57 pm

lalaw wrote:

Br Lars

picture from the other thread!

john.

Post by **Peetee** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 5:43 pm

My daughter's SEAT Arosa has these discs

Are you referring to the part No or the size (239mm)?

Post by **plastic_orange** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 6:02 pm

I'll send pics to mate and get a price.

Pete

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 6:58 pm

Peetee - the SEAT is effectively a VW Lupo and the discs are that size - it seems the same discs were used on many of the VW range. And well done tickman putting up the pic - I must learn how to do that one day!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 7:46 pm

Tru-surplus in Doncaster (handy for you Ian!) is selling these Polo discs on ebay for £4.12 each - 'Buy it now price ' !!

Post by **chrisd87** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 8:01 pm

Anyone got any idea how much it would cost to get the hole in the middle of the disc enlarged?

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 8:06 pm

Depends how much is needed - anyone know ? Is it just a rub with a half-round file - or is some serious machining involved ?

Morris Minor Owners Club

Polo Disc Brake Conversion

Polo Disc Brake Conversion

Polo disc brakes