Home > Products > Brakes > Front Disc Brake Kits


Gen 1 BAD Series Disc Brakes released in 2007 and we sold over 23,000 kits over 48 countries. It finally gave Classic VW Enthusiasts an American option instead of settling on Chinese counterparts. Wilwood calipers, flexible bolt pattern switching, upgrade-able from 1, 2 to 4 piston applications and they bolted onto factory or drum drop spindles with ease. To put it bluntly, the industry as a whole, loved the versatility and performance.

Almost 16 years later, we introduce GEN 2. Our greatest update on a industry leading set of disc brakes, the BAD Series Disc Brakes.

BAD (Billet Assembled Disc) is made up of a 3-Piece design that include the hub assembly, the bolt pattern and the rotor blade. With the pandemic hitting just about everyone hard, the raw materials industry was hit even harder. Rotor material we used became non-existent so we had to search worldwide for options. What once was a 11 different companies touching this rotor is now a single company, that produces millions of rotors annually, making our products the best yet. Every aspect of this rotor is now done in house and to the spec the PRO's demand. The hub design went through a small change that included a dust/grease cap update. This update included a bolt on design with the speedometer cable connection hidden under the anodized Airkewld Star design. Super trick, super clean.

Caliper brackets were redesigned to set the calipers in the perfect location for service, tie rod end replacement and Wilwood caliper recommended hardware, which is now American instead of Metric.

Stainless Steel Brake lines have been updated for an even better look, fit and function as well.

Rear BAD Hubs have been updated to include the same cap as the front to keep the look uniform and hide the axle nut.

Rear eBrake cables have been updated to include OEM connections at the hand brake handle and a barrel nut at the caliper for a quick and easy installation.

Future upgrades include the availability of an electronic parking brake option to release in 2023.

New options available is to have the bearings pressed in and packed, ready for you to install easily.

Match painted eBrake calipers are now a drop down menu item so compiling the Ultimate front and rear kit to matching specs is actually a reality.

As it stands in 2022, Wilwood does not make a eBrake caliper that fits a 3/8" thick rotor. Some shops, (shops, normally do NOT carry product liability insurance, meaning if the product fails and you get injured or worse, they can give you the finger), *Modify* a 3/4" rotor to fit which takes the liability away from Wilwood and onto them AND you.

Also, Wilwood does NOT make disc brake conversions for the Classic Volkswagen. So when you read Wilwood Disc Brake conversions, that company is marketing to you in a deceptive way and giving their kit value in a consumer market.

One company, with product liability insurance, that's Airkewld and one other company, EMPI, which states that these products are designed for the use to be on a off-road application, which takes the liability risk OFF OF THEM and onto YOU, the SHOP/GARAGE that is installing them. Airkewld, that's us, has a 90%+ American-Made Disc Brake Conversions and EMPI has a 90%+ Chinese-Made Disc Brake Conversions.

Front Kits - LINK - All front kits will come with BAD Series rotor assemblies featuring new assembly hardware for a better user experience, caliper brackets, calipers, pads, master cylinder, seals, hardware, NEW bolt-on billet dust caps, German roller bearings, reservoir bottle, brake light switches and stainless steel braided brake lines. These are the most complete kits on the market to ensure you can do the job correctly and safely.

Two Piston Wilwood Caliper - Zero Offset on all bolt patterns, not 5x205mm (add .375" offset) - Great for performance applications street or strip - 1100cc-2110cc - 90-100 mph tops - They utilize one piston on each side in aluminum construction and anodized Titanium Grey finish - Replacement pads are available on our website any high performance outlet or street rod shop.

Four Piston Wilwood Caliper - Zero Offset on all bolt patterns, not 5x205mm (add .375" offset) - Great for performance and racing applications - 2331cc and up * Any Turbo Application * NOS Application - 105 mph + - They utilize two pistons on each side in aluminum construction and anodized Titanium Grey finish - Replacement pads are available on our website any high performance outlet or street rod shop.

It is up to the client to ensure that they have what they should have under their year/model/application. If they are unsure, it is time to send an email with some photos to make sure. The brake kits below require the following;

  • A DRUM spindle for our brakes to work, not a DISC spindle. If you need a stock height drum spindle or a dropped drum spindle, the PRO's can set you up.
  • All studs we use are 14mm x 1.50 and we do not supply lug nuts due to wheels taking a specific lug nut for each application. If you don't know what you need, the PRO's can help. 12mm x 1.50 are available as a special request if you need them for your build.
  • DOT 3 Brake Fluid to be used.

Sort By:
1
Gen 1 Classic 1955-63 VW Bus Front Disc Brake Conversion Kit - 4300 Gen 1 Classic 1955-63 VW Bus Front Disc Brake Conversion Kit - 4300

Fits the following:

  • 1955-1963 Type 2 Bus Kombi Transporter Single Cab Double Cab
  • Does not fit factory bus wheels, 14" or 15"
PDF Instructions:
  • Front Disc Install - Link
The PRO's Recommendations:
  • 14mm Studs are used in all applications - 12mm are available on special order request
Tips:
  • Some applications add track width, please verify before purchasing.
  • Kit utilizes original spindle nuts, thrust washers and dust caps.

More Information

Normaly ships within 14 Business Days
Airkewld Army Price: $1,455.00

(3)
Gen 1 Classic 1964-67 VW Bus Front Disc Brake Conversion Kit - 4305 Gen 1 Classic 1964-67 VW Bus Front Disc Brake Conversion Kit - 4305

Fits the following:

  • 1964-1967 Type 2 Bus Kombi Transporter Single Cab Double Cab
  • Does not fit factory bus wheels, 14" or 15"
PDF Instructions:
  • Front Disc Install - Link
The PRO's Recommendations:
  • 14mm Studs are used in all applications - 12mm are available on special order request
Tips:
  • Some applications add track width, please verify before purchasing.
  • Kit utilizes original spindle nuts, thrust washers and dust caps.

More Information

Normaly ships within 14 Business Days
Airkewld Army Price: $1,455.00

(5)
Classic VW Type 1 Front Disc Brake Conversion Kit - 4150G2 Classic VW Type 1 Front Disc Brake Conversion Kit - 4150G2

Fits the following:

  • 1949-1965 Type 1 Beetle-Bug-Fusca
  • 1949-1965 Karmann Ghia
  • Kit cars with link pin front suspension
PDF Instructions:
  • Front Disc Install - Link
The PRO's Recommendations:
  • We can now press in the races, pack the bearings and install the seal, ready for you to install upon arrival.
  • If you are looking to add a matching rear set of BAD Series Brakes, click here.
  • If you want to add these to a PRObuilt Beam purchase, click here.
Tips:
  • 14mm x 1.50 studs are used in all applications - 12mm x 1.50 are available on special order request

More Information

Normaly ships within 14 Business Days
Airkewld Army Price: $1,455.00
Classic Porsche 356 Front Disc Brake Conversion Kit - 4602G2 Classic Porsche 356 Front Disc Brake Conversion Kit - 4602G2

Fits the following:

  • 1955-1963 Porsche 356 A & B
PDF Instructions:
  • Front Disc Install - Link
Tips:
  • Kit utilizes original spindle nuts and thrust washers.
  • Fits drum spindles only
  • Must use late model 914 master cylinder like this one.
  • If you want to run a set of matching rear disc brakes and you have an A or Pre-A model, you can go with these but the cable is not made to specifically fit the 356 so you will need to handle that part of it.

More Information

Normaly ships within 14 Business Days
Airkewld Army Price: $1,550.00
Classic VW Type 1 Front Disc Brake Conversion Kit - 4151G2 Classic VW Type 1 Front Disc Brake Conversion Kit - 4151G2

Fits the following:

  • 1966-1968 Type 1 Beetle-Bug-Fusca
  • 1966-1968 Karmann Ghia
  • Kit cars with Ball Joint front suspension
PDF Instructions:
  • Front Disc Install - Link
The PRO's Recommendations:
  • We can now press in the races, pack the bearings and install the seal, ready for you to install upon arrival.
  • If you are looking to add a matching rear set of BAD Series Brakes, click here.
  • If you want to add these to a PRObuilt Beam purchase, click here.
Tips:
  • 14mm x 1.50 studs are used in all applications - 12mm x 1.50 are available on special order request
  • This kit is designed to work with factory DRUM spindles or Drop DRUM Spindles. DISC Spindles will NOT work with ANY of our kits.

More Information

Normaly ships within 14 Business Days
Airkewld Army Price: $1,455.00
Classic VW Type 1 Front Disc Brake Conversion Kit - 4152G2 Classic VW Type 1 Front Disc Brake Conversion Kit - 4152G2

Fits the following:

  • 1969-1975 Type 1 Beetle-Bug-Fusca
  • 1969-1975 Karmann Ghia
  • 1973-1974 Type 181 Thing
  • Kit cars with Ball Joint front suspension
PDF Instructions:
  • Front Disc Install - Link
The PRO's Recommendations:
  • We can now press in the races, pack the bearings and install the seal, ready for you to install upon arrival.
  • If you are looking to add a matching rear set of BAD Series Brakes, click here.
  • If you want to add these to a PRObuilt Beam purchase, click here.
Tips:
  • Some applications add track width, please verify before purchasing.
  • Kit utilizes original spindle nuts and thrust washers.
  • This kit is designed to work with factory DRUM spindles or Drop DRUM Spindles. DISC Spindles will NOT work with ANY of our kits.
  • 14mm Studs are used in all applications - 12mm are available on special order request

More Information

Normaly ships within 14 Business Days
Airkewld Army Price: $1,455.00
BAD Series Brakes Pedal Box Emblem 1480 BAD Series Brakes Pedal Box Emblem 1480

New Product for 2023 - BAD Series Brakes Emblem that attaches to your Master Cylinder bolts notifying whomever is driving your ride will have the confidence that it has the best brakes in the industry!

More Information

Shipping in 2023
Airkewld Army Price $0.01
(Built to Order)
Classic VW Type 3 Front Disc Brake Conversion Kit - 4153G2 Classic VW Type 3 Front Disc Brake Conversion Kit - 4153G2

Fits the following:

  • Type 3 Applications using PRObuilt Beams from Airkewld
PDF Instructions:
  • Front Disc Install - Link
The PRO's Recommendations:
  • We can now press in the races, pack the bearings and install the seal, ready for you to install upon arrival.
  • If you are looking to add a matching rear set of BAD Series Brakes, click here.
  • If you want to add these to a PRObuilt Beam purchase, click here.
Tips:
  • Some applications add track width, please verify before purchasing.
  • Kit utilizes original spindle nuts and thrust washers.
  • 14mm Studs are used in all applications - 12mm are available on special order request

More Information

Normaly ships within 14 Business Days
Airkewld Army Price: $1,355.00
   
 
1

FAQ - Frequently Asked Question - Disc Brake Edition

Question: Do you make a Wilwood eBrake caliper kit for your BAD Series Brakes?
Answer: No sorry we do not. Wilwood does not make a 3/8" thick rotor equipped caliper.

Question: What size lugs do I need?
Answer: Most brake kits come with 14mm x 1.50 studs pressed in them, so a lug nut that fits those, but in the seat that the wheels need, either acorn conical, ball seat or mag lug. Check the wheel manufacture for specs the wheels require.

Question: I have a dual circuit master on my VW already. Do I still need to install the master cylinder that was sent with my kit?
Answer: Yes, the dual circuit master relies on the springs in the backing plates to syphon the fluid back into the reservoir. The dual circuit disc master has a larger spring to do the syphoning.
Have questions on a product listed above? Fill out this form and a PRO will help shortly!