Re: [Amc-list] alternate disc-brake conversion kit

[farna@xxxxxxx]

I just got an e-mail from the seller, Mark Janis from Lynwood, WA. This is exactly what AMCs have needed for a while now! There was a big discussion on the AMC Forums (.com -- the one that's disappeared, it seems) about this. I was criticized for even suggesting anyone would want something other than either the stock AMC setup or the $1200 (or so) Aerospace setup. I pointed out that stock disc brake setups were getting hard to find and even then still needed rebuilt calipers and possibly new rotors. A more readily available setup that didn't require digging around a salvage yard, and was in the $200-$400 range, should be all that most people want. I feel that a lot of people with drum brakes want better, safer brakes, but not show car quality and price. That said (and I said it then), the Aerospace setup is real good looking and reasonably priced for a four piston state of the art setup. It comes complte with new hubs as well. 

Mark, I wouldn't worry at all about the 1/4" plate. The caliper frame itself reinforces the plate, plus there are nuts welded to the plate to mount the caliper. Take a look at some of the rear weld-on and clamp on caliper brackets -- they are made of 1/8" plate or less! There is a 90 degree bend in them that adds some support, but there aren't any sideways forces on the caliper bracket, just rotating in the plane of the bracket. The caliper is really self-supporting once it starts to clamp down, or rather the rotor supports it. All it needs is something to suspend it in place then keep it from rotating once clamped. It only "pulls" or "pushes" on the bracket in one direction parallel with the wheel.

Mark is going to send me a set to physically eye-ball, and of course I'll be writing a review. Might even put them on my car. If not I do have a suspension mock-up to work with, and a couple parts cars for test fitting. I've already told him these should fit Nash/AMC cars back to 52 with drum brakes. It should fit disc brake cars if a 1/8" spacer (I suggested two 1/16") is added, with the exception of 75-78 cars that used the Big Bendix brakes (75-78 Matador, 75-76 All). I'm not sure about the Bendix four piston and K-H spindles. The spacer would bring the thickness of the bracket up to the same as the AMC cast bracket, and having two 1/16" spacers would allow putting one on each side if necessary to center the caliper. Remember, the GM calipers slide on a pin -- they will self center if there's not to much difference. 

Message: 12
Date: Mon, 14 May 2007 22:12:33 -0700 (PDT)
From: Tom Jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx>

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/AMC-Javelin-AMX-SST-Rebel-Rambler-front-disc-brak
e_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33564QQihZ012QQitemZ220110062946QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZ
WDVW

or eBay item # 220110062946

 	"This setup was created from a 1969 Rebel spindle.
 	We designed a bracket to utilize 1983-94 2WD Ranger
 	rotors and 1983-94 S10 4WD calipers to convert the
 	stock drum knuckle and spindle to disc.  This will fit
 	inside the stock AMC 14" rims easily.  The components
 	needs are quite inexpensive, and doing this changeover
 	should be less than $400 total.  These brackets bolt
 	in between the spindle and knuckle, and will increase
 	total track width by 1/4".  These brackets are AutoCAD
 	designed, then CNC laser cut and professionally welded
 	with Grade 8 hardware.	The auction is for the brackets,
 	bearing spacers and wheel pilot rings only."

 	"Currently, we know this setup will fit the following
 	vehicles:

 	"1969 Javelin and Rambler V8, 1969 AMX, 1970-73 Javelin
 	6 Wide Profile Tire.  We used spindle casting	  #
 	3191484, if you have another casting- we are definitely
 	interested in getting the measurements for calculations
 	of suitability for other applications."


This seems like a good kit, anyone used it? AMC part kits run
$200 these days unless you strike it lucky at the yard.

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 15 May 2007 12:55:14 +0000
From: Wrambler242@xxxxxxxxxxx

My first thought looking at this is that a 1/4" plate is an extremely narrow 
area for that caliper to be riding against.
I would epxect that in short order you will have a croove work in the caliper or 
mushroomed the plate? 
  I could be completely wrong on this...  Otherwise it looks to be a very nice piece.


--
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
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