Rear drum break upgrade

[les.andy]

I have recently bought a 91 injection scala and I'll be getting it restored over the next couple of years. Does anyone know if it's possible to to upgrade the rear drum breaks for disks? Any advice would be much appreciated!
Les

[mark1gls]

Hello and welcome to the forum,
Why do you want rear disc?
There is no performance gain in rear disc as long as the drums are adjusted properly (automatic adjuster does not always work well)
The only advantage of having disc is looks and servicing/changing pads is easier.
I think the Mk3 or Mk4 golf rear calipers are the way to go as the Mk2 golf rear calipers seem to have problems with handbrake seizing but I'm not 100% as I've not really looked into it to much.
You will need different handbrake cables and axel stubs.
Mk1 golf's have the same set up so you could also search there for more info if you still wish to change.

If you are after better performing brakes I would look at replacing/servicing other bits, one thing that very often gets over looked is old brake fluid any thing over 3 years should really be replaced as your brake pedal will feel spongy with old brake fluid, braided hoses also help frim up the pedal.
Bigger servo, bigger front brakes will help with performance.

Don't compare these brakes with newer cars with ABS and over servo brakes. If you can lock up your wheels then the brakes are working but it takes longer to stop a car with locked wheels and you lose your steering that is why ABS arrived.
If your car has an MOT it must of passed the brake test?

[duggers]

Disc conversion is very common.
You need stub axles, pads,discs with bearings, calipers and carriers, extra flexible hose from hard line which ends at the trailing arm and connects to the caliper. You will also need Scirocco 16v handbrake cables.

Conversion will depend whether you go new components or used. Mk2 and mk3 golf rear calipers have a rep for the handbrake mech' seizing but as long as you maintain them they should be ok. Mk4 Golf rear calipers are a lighter alloy and less susceptible to seizing. You won't get any braking improvement with this set up as mentioned above. Have a search on well known search site and it will give you loads of info.

Or look here http://www.timbox.net/technotes/category/brakes/

[duggers]

Oh you might want brake splash shields as well. Not an MOT necessity but some like to fit them for the full OE look.

[les.andy]

Thanks guys for you advice. It's much appreciated.

[whiteshark]

I have done this twice. The second time was a disaster due to my brakes locking going to the Mot centre! I have done this as the Mot here is far harder than mainland UK and all your brakes get tested with a digital readout of their performance and their balance. Be careful which setup you go for as you might have to change your servo. A mk2 golf 16v servo is sometimes necessary to make your brakes work correctly and a good upgrade. Do not go for 16v scirocco brake cables as they do not always fit. I know this from experience and have a spare set sitting in my garage. You can purchase a set of cables that are adapted for this job but they are very dear. A set of golf Mk4 cables with the plastic trim cut a bit to fit are my best option and most cost effective. Rear discs are far easier to service and in my opinion stop you just a bit quicker than the normal setup. If you are restoring the rest of your car go for it. Use stainless brake hoses. If your going the full hog keep your eye on the vortex or someone braking on the German eBay as you can get the adapter to screw into your rear axle to make fitting the brakepipe and hose easier.