VW Front Left Brake Backing Plate, Restoration Line — Semi-Gloss OEM | Beetle 1966–1977, Ghia 1966–1974 & Thing 1973–1974 (R63)
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VW Front Left Brake Backing Plate — Semi-Gloss Powder-Coated OEM (R63)
The R63 is a restored original factory front left drum brake backing plate, finished in semi-gloss black powder coat. It fits the standard (non-Super) 1966–1977 VW Beetle, the 1966–1974 Karmann Ghia and the 1973–1974 Thing with drum front brakes. It is a heavy-gauge stamped steel factory core, inspected and media blasted, sold as one plate.
Part numbers: Washburn's Metal R63 (#R63) — front left plate.
Fitment
| Years | Vehicle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1966–1977 | VW Beetle (standard, non-Super) | Front left, drum brakes |
| 1966–1974 | VW Karmann Ghia | Front left, drum brakes |
| 1973–1974 | VW Thing (Type 181) | Front left, drum brakes |
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Placement | Front left |
| Material | Heavy-gauge stamped steel (original factory core) |
| Finish | Semi-gloss black powder coat |
| Restoration | Inspected for warping and integrity, media blasted to bare metal, powder coated |
| Part number | R63 |
| Shipping box | 12 x 10 x 3 in |
Why It Matters
This is a genuine heavy-gauge stamped steel factory core for maximum rigidity, not a thin aftermarket reproduction. Semi-gloss powder coat resists heat, road salt and corrosive brake fluid far better than standard paint.
Installation Notes
All mounting surfaces and hardware holes are clean and clear, ready to bolt on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the R63 backing plate original or a reproduction?
It is an original factory core, fully restored — not a thin aftermarket reproduction.
Which side is the R63 brake backing plate?
Front left, ready to bolt on with clean, clear mounting surfaces and hardware holes.
Does this front brake backing plate fit a 1967 VW Beetle?
Yes. It fits the standard (non-Super) VW Beetle 1966–1977, the Karmann Ghia 1966–1974 and the Thing 1973–1974 with drum front brakes.
What finish is the backing plate?
It is media blasted to bare metal and finished in semi-gloss black powder coat.
What is the part number?
Washburn's Metal R63.
Sourcing & Restoration Standards
Every core in this listing is pulled from disassembled donor vehicles, hand-inspected for cracks, stripped, and checked to confirm it moves and mounts correctly before it's offered for sale — we do not sell parts we wouldn't install on our own cars. Because these are original German-built pieces rather than reproductions, expect the light surface texture and character of a genuine 50+ year old stamping, not the sterile finish of a modern casting.
The Washburn's Metal Difference
Washburn's Metal is a family-run air-cooled VW & Porsche specialist shop — every part we sell is inspected before it ships, and our team is on hand by phone or email if you have a fitment question before or after you order. We stand behind what we sell: if a part doesn't fit as described, reach out and we'll make it right.
Parts are legal for use on pre-pollution-controlled vehicles only.
Explore Related Categories
Restoring your front drums? Browse Brakes, VW Beetle, and VW Karmann Ghia.
Prop 65 Warning
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
