Author Topic: disc brakes on an '85? (Read 2906 times)

DieselSteed · « **on:** September 01, 2008, 07:22:42 pm »

Well, I have done it to myself again...another project. I found a 1985 TurboDiesel this weekend. While I was looking the car over, I noticed that the car had disc brakes on the rear. The rotors are grooved and need replacing, so I am wondering if anyone might know where the donor parts came from, like maybe a 16v or something? I am pretty sure they aint stock. Thanks in advance.

blkboostedtruck · « **Reply #1 on:** September 01, 2008, 07:38:24 pm »

i'm pretty sure there was 1 flavor for disc brakes for VW on the rear!
unless thier exotic and custom?
Duane

DieselSteed · « **Reply #2 on:** September 01, 2008, 07:49:08 pm »

That I am not sure of. I am thinking that they are Vw brakes because the PO grandfather was also a Vw gearhead, so I was thinking it must have come from another jetta. The weather isnt cooperating this weekend, so I havent started a more detailed inspection yet. What flavor/year of Vw came with the disc's? I know 1985 was an inbetween year for the Jetta with its own engine code. Maybe for brakes too?

Dakotakid · « **Reply #3 on:** September 01, 2008, 10:24:24 pm »

I think all the GLi's had the disc brakes. Not sure if they started in 85 or 86. I remember scavenging some parts off one which had them. I believe that car was an '85. GTI Golfs had them.

It has been my experience that the brake mechanisms corrode badly in salt country. For this reason, I prefer drums.

jtanguay · « **Reply #4 on:** September 02, 2008, 12:07:10 am »

Quote from: "Dakotakid"

I think all the GLi's had the disc brakes. Not sure if they started in 85 or 86. I remember scavenging some parts off one which had them. I believe that car was an '85. GTI Golfs had them.

It has been my experience that the brake mechanisms corrode badly in salt country. For this reason, I prefer drums.

have to agree with you on that... BUT when it comes time to change the pads, i'll take disc please! :lol:

the caveman · « **Reply #5 on:** September 02, 2008, 11:07:52 am »

All GLI 's and carat's had them. easy bolt on except for brake line and HB cables. The here in salt land the early disc brakes didn't fair that well, made me hate rear disc brakes. i can change rear shoes ,drums, bearings, wheel cylinders on both sides faster than doing one side disc deplacement.

DieselSteed · « **Reply #6 on:** September 03, 2008, 01:37:57 am »

Thanks for the input. The car is from Utah and I know they use a lot of salt in the winters. I looked over the car more today and surprised of how little rust there is underneath. I have a parts car with drums if corrosion is a factor. Maybe the old guy didnt drive too much in the snow. I now know the parts I am looking for. Thanks again guys. John