As part of the overall vision, we have always wanted to have the original stud pattern for the 356, which is a 5×205 pattern (i.e. 5 studs at a 205mm diameter). The donor chassis came with upgraded front spindles and brake discs already fitted (no calipers), but were the narrower 4 stud pattern found on Beetles.
After much research, we decided to fit CB Performance disc brakes, but have the 5×205 pattern and a plain front face to the disc. This way, we can either run the car with or without the hub caps; as the original 356’s had flat discs, but their Beetle cousins’ had more sculpted discs.
The CB Performance discs came with new dropped spindles, which lower the front by 2.5″. This can be adjusted further, using the front adjustable beam to get the perfect stance when we have fitted the body, batteries, etc.
Fitting the new spindles and discs was relatively straightforward when you have worked out the right was in which to install the inner and outer bearings!
The following middle photo shows the view from the back, with the speedometer cable installed through the left hand spindle, but no brake hoses fitted yet. They look really smart.
This right hand photo shows the white wall look that we are probably going to go for, showing off the 5×205 stud pattern