Boys (and gurls) I'm fumin bout brakes

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68 Sedan

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yanno....I really thought I wanted to put discs on the front of my Sedan, but I'm beginning to rethink the entire thing.

First, the original KH stuff. Most everything you see for sale needs new rotors and calipers, and still people want $400-500 a set. For what? Spindles, dust shields, and hardware? Seems kinda high.

Next I check with SSBC. Used them before, and I think the original drums worked (at least) as well. Granted that was maybe 6 years ago, but for $800+ from Summit, I think I'll pass. They are at least offered in large and small bolt patterns with both size lugs.

Wilwoods. WTF is up with these people. I called them three times today. Yes, they offer brakes. Yes, they will work on factory spindles. Yes, they are offered in both bolt patterns. So what's the problem you ask?

They only offer 1/2" studs, even for the 5X4" pattern......for "safety reasons". I asked them how "safe" they thought it was to modify a wheel so it would fit on their studs. What I got was "Well, that's the way we've always done it." Guess that makes it right....AND safe. I suggested they either offer the correct studs so wheels will fit without compromising their integrity, or not sell the setup as working with 5X4" pattern. And Oh by the way, factory steel wheels won't work with their brakes because of the centers.

I'm just blown away by the fact they sell brakes for an application knowing they won't work...and they don't care. Cause they sure don't tell you they won't work.

Yeah, I guess I'm just blowing off some steam. But unless I find an alternative (or the remaining KH parts I need) I'm gonna sh!tcan the idea all together and put 10" drums on the front.

So if any of you are considering using aftermarket disc brakes, DON'T pick Wilwood unless you're changing to the large bolt pattern AND are using some kind of aftermarket wheel.

rant off

I forgot. I considered a fix for the Wilwoods (since they ARE about $200 cheaper than the SSBC stuff). The fix would be a custom lug stud that is both 1/2" and 7/16". The real question is...
is there any interest on here in running Wilwood brakes on your 5X4" Mopar if you could still use your wheels without hogging out the lug holes??
 
I don't see whats wrong with a 1/2 inch stud? They are on every vehicle I own and every wheel I've used so far(even my original 14x6 4.5x5 bolt pattern rallye's) fit a 1/2 inch stud. We use 5/8" studs on the old Pro Truck circle track truck.
 
They won't fit a wheel with a 5X4" pattern. IF you want to run the larger pattern, there is nothing wrong with them. But if you have a need to stick with the small pattern you're screwed.
 
Why would you want to stick with the SBP anyways? theres such a limited selection for wheels and if your going to buy brakes you might as well go to the bigger pattern at the same time it's the same cost.
 
cause I have acquired the most beeeUtiful set of 15X6 and 15X7 Halibrand type wheels, and they are 5X4". It also saves me from converting the axles and rear brakes
 
cause I have acquired the most beeeUtiful set of 15X6 and 15X7 Halibrand type wheels, and they are 5X4". It also saves me from converting the axles and rear brakes


then why are you bringing up the steel wheels when that is far from what you are running? they told me that aftermarket wheels usually fit the hub and the studs. wilwood are high end brakes. not just bolt on and go. all the bolts are drilled for safety wire. kh are pricey because the stuff is not reproduced(i.e. spindles, dust shields,hubs, etc.) you can get rebuilt calipers, hoses, pads, and rotors since you should never install used brake items like calipers, hoses, masters.
 
Go find yourself a 73 - up a body with disc brakes and a 8 1/4" rear and do the easy swap. You'll have the better brakes up front a stronger rear end and nothing to complain about.
 
i replaced my 10" drum brakes with the Scarebird adaptors. you then use
Celebrity discs and calipers and Cadallic hoses. NAPA usually has them in
stock. Your local machine shop guy can "trim" your hub and drill your new
rotors for the new 7/16 studs (on a 4' pattern). stops straight..and a whole
lot better than drums....
 
It's getting an 8.75 with the factory 10" brakes and 5X4 pattern. So that is (one) reason I'm sticking with the small pattern up front. That and the wheels. What I'm building is a retro piece. Everything on it (with exception of a sanden compressor) will be "period correct". So I don't want the BBP stuff, and frankly I wouldn't have liked having Wilwoods showing through the wheels. However, if I could get a completely new setup for less than I would have to pay to resurrect a set of KH's I'd do it
 
I forgot. I considered a fix for the Wilwoods (since they ARE about $200 cheaper than the SSBC stuff). The fix would be a custom lug stud that is both 1/2" and 7/16". The real question is...
is there any interest on here in running Wilwood brakes on your 5X4" Mopar if you could still use your wheels without hogging out the lug holes??

One thing to note some differences between the 2 kits. SSBC comes with a new master cyl, and adj prop valve and some new brake lines from mater to original prop valve. The Wilwood kit does not.

The Wilwood kit has aluminum hubs, nice advantage.

I'm running the SSBC kit on the Demon, 5 X4 and the Wilwood kit on my 65 Cuda 5 X 4.5. The SSBC kit does stop nice and straight everytimer with no Brake fade. I have not driven the Wilwood setup yet.
 
So how close to original is the master they include> Can the adjustable PV be mounted (basically) out of sight? Again, I'm working on a concept here and want to avoid things that are obviously out of place.
 
http://www.scarebird.com/6928.html
go buy yourself the scarebird adapters like mentioned above they cost 105 bucks for their set then you go and buy rotors, and calipers, "We use 1990 Chevrolet Celebrity rotors and calipers" thats probably your best and cheapest option.
 
Thanks GT. I'd like to think the Sedan wouldn't have tissue rejection using GM parts on it, but that looks like a viable alternative to the original parts. Even the calipers are large enough that (at a glance) they might pass for the factory stuff.

Shame he doesn't have any pics of the rear disc setup. I'd really like to see that as well.

soooo...anyone wanna buy a set of spindles??
 
Contact him on the Scarebird. He will email you pictures and install instructions, etc.

Here is the rear bracket kit....
DSCF0889.JPG
 
I can see why a guy would want to upgrade the brakes on his car without having to dilute the original product by using large bolt pattern wheels. One of the things that makes the A-bodies cool is the small bolt pattern and to find a cool set of vintage wheels to use makes it even better. I know some cars are modified and originality doesn't matter. My GSS wears four wheel drum brakes as it was ordered as a street racer with no frills. I wouldn't mind putting disks on the front as insurance on my investment but I still want the car to look original in that it still has the small bolt pattern wheels on it (even if they are aftermarket). For the record, I have installed the SSBC Kit on a 72 Valiant and used 14" small bolt ralleys with no problems. Is it the plain steel wheels that don't fit?
 
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