EMPI Front Disc Brake Conversion Kit | Link-Pin VW Beetle & Ghia 1954-1965 | Bolt-On 4x130 (22-2986)
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EMPI Front Disc Brake Conversion Kit — Bolt-On 4x130 for Link-Pin VW Beetle & Ghia 1954-1965
Bring modern stopping power to your early air-cooled. The EMPI Bolt-On Front Disc Brake Conversion Kit fits 1954-1965 Link Pin Front End VW Beetles and 1956+ Karmann Ghias. Featuring a 4x130 lug pattern with 14x1.5mm threads, this kit gives you the safety and confidence of disc brakes without the complexity of swapping spindles.
The caliper bracket mounts directly to your stock-height drum brake spindle — no spindle change required, no modifications to the chassis.
Vehicle Fitment
- VW Beetle: 1954-1965 (Link Pin front end)
- VW Karmann Ghia: 1956-1965 (Link Pin)
Key Features & Benefits
- Bolt-On Design: Mounts to stock-height drum brake spindles — no spindle swap or chassis modification.
- 4x130 Lug Pattern: 14x1.5mm threads for modern wheel fitment.
- Complete Kit: Rotors, calipers, pads, brackets, bearings, seals, and hardware included.
- Popular Safety Upgrade: The most requested stopping-power upgrade for early Beetles and Ghias.
What's in the Kit
- 4x130 drilled brake rotors (pair)
- Front calipers and pads (pair)
- Caliper mounting brackets
- Wheel bearings, spacers, and seals
- Complete mounting hardware
- Installation instructions
Technical Specifications
- Part Number: 22-2986
- Lug Pattern: 4x130
- Thread: 14x1.5mm
- Fits: 1954-1965 VW Beetle (Link Pin), 1956-1965 VW Karmann Ghia (Link Pin)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to change my spindles? No — the caliper bracket bolts to your stock-height drum brake spindle, so no spindle change is required. It will not fit drop spindles or other disc brake spindles.
- What lug pattern is this kit? 4x130 with 14x1.5mm threads.
- Do I need a different master cylinder? For a front-only conversion, no; if converting to 4-wheel disc brakes, a separately sold large-bore master cylinder is required.
Installation
The caliper bracket mounts directly to your stock-height drum brake spindle — no spindle change required and no modifications to the chassis. Bolt it on, transfer your brake lines, and bleed.
Important Installation Notes:
- Must use stock-style drum brake spindles. Will NOT fit drop spindles or other disc brake spindles.
- Track width will increase slightly versus stock — verify wheel clearance before ordering
- Add quick bleeder valves to your order — this saves substantial time when bleeding the new brake lines
- If converting to 4-wheel disc brakes, a separately sold large-bore master cylinder is required
This is the single most popular safety upgrade for early Beetles and Ghias — and a perfect companion to lowered front beam builds with our caster shim kits.