[AMC-list] AMC Bendix disk brakes - waddaya need to swap

[Nick ALFANO <71amx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I didn't think this would be an option until reading it would cost around $500 
for the Scarebird set up.  I think that is a nice option but if you want the 
best, for a couple hundred more dollars you can get a complete Wilwood set up to 
convert your drums to disc. It comes with their Dynalite Pro 4 piston calipers, 
billet aluminum hub and caliper mount, rotors, brake pads, bearings and all of 
the hardware to convert from drum to disc.  It is a really slick set up and 
weighs a lot less.  Plus their easy replace brake pad caliper doesn't require 
taking the rotor off to replace.  You basically pull out a pin at the top of the 
rotor and the pads pull out.  Put in the new set, push the pin back in and you 
are done.

Here is a link to the brake set up.  I am a dealer for them if anyone is 
interested.
http://wilwood.com/BrakeKits/BrakeKitsProdFront.aspx?itemno=140-11940

Don't get me wrong, the Scarebird looks to be a nice set up to convert over this 
just gives you another option with a complete kit instead of piece meal.

Nick
Alfano Performance
4849-76 st.
Kenosha, WI. 53142
262-308-1302
262-942-8271 after 6pm central and weekends 

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Message: 6
Date: Wed, 05 Oct 2011 18:27:15 -0400
From: Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>
To: AMC-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [AMC-list] AMC Bendix disk brakes - waddaya need to swap
    'em?
Message-ID: <4E8CD9C3.6030508@xxxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

As Andrew pointed out -- the 71-74 brakes are Kelsey-Hayes. They are actually a 
bit better than the 75-81 Bendix, but I'd stay away from them. Calipers are 
still cheap (rebuilds) and easy to find, but the rotors are over $100 each. 
Local stires may not be able to get them at all. If you decide to go the factory 
route get the 79-83 setup (79-81 Bendix sliding calipers, 82-83 Delco low drag 
type). You will need everything that attaches to the steering knuckle pin 
including the spindles. Disc spindles are generally thinner where they mount due 
to the thickness of the caliper bracket, but V-8 drum brakes may be thicker 
(depends on width of drum brakes). There were several thicknesses used. You 
could use drum spindles, but may have to cut them down (must be even, so machine 
shop time!) or use spacers (grade 8 washers are fine) to properly center the 
caliper. As long as you are using the small Bendix (79-81 Concord/Spirit 2.6" 
piston caliper) setup the rotor bearings will fit the d
rum spindles -- this I know from experience. I tried my drum spindle (63 Classic 
six) on the 79 rotors I use and they fit perfectly. Didn't mount them or compare 
mounting boss thickness though.

I'd go with the Scarebird setup mainly due to parts availability in the future. 
Cost will be just under $500 total, but you can easily get inexpensive 
replacement rotors, and should be able to for the next 20 years. I paid $55 for 
a 79-83 rotor just a year ago, and only one of the local stores could even get 
one. Prices will go up, availability down, as time goes on. In 20 years may not 
be able to find one for $200 (or whatever inflation brings it to... could be3 
much more!)... or at all.

---------
Date: Tue, 4 Oct 2011 17:17:19 -0400
From: Bruce Griffis<bruce.griffis@xxxxxxxxx>

Thinking of going to disk brakes on the American. I saw someone that
has AMC disk brakes. Rotors, calipers - but no spindles. If I want to
go disk brakes on the American, what all would I need to grab?

Trying to decide between Bendix disks from a '71 Javelin versus going
with the scarebird kit and applying my son's GM parts discount for
rotors, calipers and stuff.

-- 
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars"
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://www.amc-mag.com

_______________________________________________
AMC-list mailing list
AMC-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://list.amc-list.com/listinfo.cgi/amc-list-amc-list.com