The MAGIC VIN circa 1972

[alphacrimedog]

I have asked a couple of different questions regarding the front brake calipers on my 72 teener. I just saw a vendor on EBay, one that sells a lot of new Porsche stuff and he had a VIN in reference to some front brake pads he was selling. He said that the pads would fit 1972 (after VIN # 4722919033). That would lead me to believe that from that VIN on, on a 1972 model, that it would have the same (later style) calipers. Has anyone who has owned a 1972 had to deal with Late vs. Early calipers. My stuff is stock and my VIN is after the one referenced above. So I am assuming I have the later calipers. But you know what they say about assuming........

[rich]

I have a 1972 with the stock front end. Early caliper design.

[philinjax]

John,
VIN 47229-19033 and later came with caliper part numbers 914 351 425 00 (driver's side) and 914 351 426 00 (passenger side).
Phil

[gint]

Sounds like some good info here John. I'll look at my 72 VIN and calipers tomorrow night if you'd like. I won't have time until then. Today/tonight is all booked.

Mike

[ws91420]

I think the only real difference is the bleeder screws. The later models had th extra set at the bottom to allow for draining the system to replace the fluid. I actually bought a remanned caliper and it was the early style for my 76. They just use whatever cores they have.

[HMeeder]

I have an early '72 (so early, in fact October '71 build date. To ensure that I get the right parts I sometimes refer to it as a '71.)

The early cars have slightly different calipers and rotors. and the difference is much more than the # of bleeder screws. The later cars are different in the depth between where the rotor center line and the lug bolts (and bearing surfaces) are.

To explain it visually... Imagine the two rotors lying on a flat surface. They look like derby hats. The early cars have a slightly taller hat (and the rotors are different to account for that differential.)

[alphacrimedog]

Well according to my VIN, my 72 was one of the last 50 cars built for the 72 model year. 21033 is the last 5 digits of the serial number. One other thing. I have been told that for 73 and above that the rotor hub had a little lip used to steady the center of the wheel while trying to put the lug bolts in. I have had the wheels off of my car and the rotors are completely flat. No litttle lip aroung the dust cap to rest the wheel on. Just to add to the confusion........ I also undersstand there is a difference in brake pads for Early vs Late calipers.