Re: [Amc-list] Disc Brake set-ups for 69 Javelins?

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

You must have sent this to the wrong address, messages for the AMC-List 
need to go to amc-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxx I'll forward to the list, but I 
have an answer here for you as well.

You have the old Bendix four piston calipers and solid rotors. They are 
expensive to replace, as you found out. The place you read about the 
91-94 Ford Town Car/Crown Vic rotors is the AMC Forum, here's a link: 
http://theamcforum.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3295.

Kelsey-Hayes single piston calipers (71-75) were used, replacing the 
factory rotors. You will also need a set of front drum brake hubs from 
any AMC. The drums come off the hubs. Your Bendix calipers won't work, 
and I'm not sure if any other calipers will bolt onto the Bendix mount. 
Wilwood (http://www.wilwood.com/Products/001-Calipers/index.asp) has 
mounting diagrams for all their brakes. Something like a Dynalite would 
be good. The mount bolt holes are 3.50" apart. You will need to find the 
bolt hole radius as well. There's a chart with different rotor diameters 
that gives the radius you need. It doesn't have to be exact, but should 
be close. They might use the old Bendix pattern, you'll just have to 
check. Then it's just a matter of getting the right caliper for the 
diameter and thickness of the Ford rotor. The caliper may have to be 
shimmed out on the mount to fit, of the mount points ground down. The 
caliper must be near centered on the rotor, exact is preferred, but the 
caliper will self adjust to small differences.

An easier way to fix the problem for under $400 with new parts is to 
order a kit from www.scarebird.com. I *think* the spindles for drum and 
disc brakes are the same for the early 66-70 discs. If not you may have 
to locate 68-70 Javelin or Rebel front drum brake spindles. The American 
spindle is slightly different and the seal adapter doesn't work right. I 
know -- most people think the Javelin and American would use the same 
spindle since the Javelin is based on the American and uses the same 
suspension, but AMC used the big car spindle on the Javelin, probably to 
give it a bit more track width.

If there is a salvage yard with any 79-83 Spirits, Concords, or Pacers 
in it you can get everything from the steering knuckle out and bolt it 
on in place of your old disc brakes. The same with any 71-78 brakes, but 
new rotors are getting expensive and harder to find for those too. Pre 
79 rotors are usually around $100 each. The big cost on you 70 brakes is 
the calipers, not the rotors.

rocky5750@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
> I am restoring a 69 Javelin that did come with factory disc
> brakes, but the calipers and rotors are junk.  I have checked with APD 
> for
> replacement parts and the cost is close to $800.  I thought I 
> remembered seeing
> someone go through this a few months back on this list and they were 
> able to buy
> (I think) Ford calipers and rotors for a crown victoria that bolted 
> on.  Is my
> memory wrong here or does someone in here know a more practical cost 
> effective
> way of getting a new braking system in this car that bolts on without 
> breaking
> the bank?
>     Thanks in advance for any help that is sent my way.
>     Rocky out here in NH where yes I am considered to have a junk yard 
> with 2
> restoration Javelins and 2 parts car Javelins.
>


-- 
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
(free download available!)

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