Re: [Amc-list] breakes

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

1971-74 AMC used Kelsey Hayes 2.75" piston calipers and rotors. 75-76 used "big" Bendix 3.1" piston calipers and rotors. 77-78 small cars used "small" Bendix 2.6" piston calipers and rotors (Matador continued using "big" Bendix calipers -- everything else was considered a "small" car, the Ambo was "big", but they stopped making it after 74). 

The problem you're having comes in with the spindles and bearings. 77-78 small cars used the small Bendix caliper but used the same big spindles and bearings as the 75-76 big Bendix rotors, which used the same spindles and bearings as the big cars. 79-82 small cars (well, all AMCs!) used the small Bendix caliper through 81 and a similar GM caliper for 82-83 (that interchanges... provided you have the correct adapter that bolts between the caliper and mount behind the spindle). 

To run the earlier brakes you need either a later or earlier (other than 75-78) spindle from a small car with disc brakes. Earlier big cars used the large bearings and spindles too, so you're looking for 71-74 Hornet/Gremlin or 79-83 Concord/Spirit parts to convert. The big bearing rotors are available (check www.rockauto.com and AMC vendors), but cost a good deal more than others. If you can find a 79-83 Concord/Spirit (or even Pacer) in a local salvage yard that's the best upgrade, with the 82-83 preferred. 

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Date: Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:00:05 -0600
From: "Michael Canada" <gcanada@xxxxxxxxx>

Hi I have a 1977 Hornet AMX and I need new rotors and calipers for my car. I found some great slot style rotors for 1970 to 1976 Hornets but the 1977 does not have any available. The clerk at the store said the 1977 has a different caliper and rotor. If I ordered a 1976 caliper & rotor could I switch to the 1976 style. 

-- 
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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