[jimib]

Although due to funds, I prefer (for now) to stay with my 14 inch wheels.

I have it narrowed down to four companies

Stainless Steel Brakes $925.00, works with 14” wheels
Performance Years: $895.00, works with 14” wheels
Master Power Brakes: $850.00 but requires 15" wheels
Hotchkis Performance: $1297.00, don’t know what size wheel it requires but tubular A-Arms included

Suggestions appreciated of my smartest options.
I’ve read most all the posted issues on disk conversions.
Lastly, what’s the story on tall spindles? What do they do? I just want to keep my GTO level and a little higher off the ground since it seems to sag low.

Thanks in advance
Jimmy

67 GTO, Auto, 400

[jimib]

Although due to funds, I prefer (for now) to stay with my 14 inch wheels.

I have it narrowed down to four companies

Stainless Steel Brakes $925.00, works with 14” wheels
Performance Years: $895.00, works with 14” wheels
Master Power Brakes: $850.00 but requires 15" wheels
Hotchkis Performance: $1297.00, don’t know what size wheel it requires but tubular A-Arms included

Suggestions appreciated of my smartest options.
I’ve read most all the posted issues on disk conversions.
Lastly, what’s the story on tall spindles? What do they do? I just want to keep my GTO level and a little higher off the ground since it seems to sag low.

Thanks in advance
Jimmy

67 GTO, Auto, 400

[ontheblocks]

Tall spindles give a better front end geometry, better handling, and tire wear. There are some issues concerning 14" wheels, but looks like you have that covered. If you are going to alter the stock ride height, tubular upper A-arms may be needed to get the alignment dialed in.

[rexus31]

I went with Stainless Steel Brake Corp. on my '64. Easy to install and they work great.

[My64GTO]

I went with SSBC also to keep my 14" wheels. Parts were great, customer service was so-so.
I did it well before PY or any of the "newer" vendors carried the kits however...

[jimib]

My64GTO

SSBC may be my 1st choice, bummer though about "So-So customer service.

I'm still trying to find out if tall spindles lower the front end. Certainly don't want this!!

Thanks
Jim

[retrojoe]

I bought my kit from PY and it hasn't gone well at all! I found out that I am the first guy to buy a kit for a Pontiac and as they are finding out from me, that Chvelles and GTO/Lemans are not the same! I have been working with them on straightening out the bugs, but sure has taken alot of time! I bought the kit because it claims to work with 14" wheels, but it does not. I had to sent several parts back to them to get correct parts, and the caliper brakets still hit the wheels. I'm still waiting on the brake line that goes from the P-valve to the rear brake line. I've talked with several guys that have used other brake manufactures and they have had issues with each kit they bought. So be prepared to make lots of phone calls! The Right Stuff, which is the PY kit, does have great customer service, I'll give them that! So to rain on your parade, go to 15" wheels as well! You will end up there anyways.

[Mr_GTO]

http://baer.com/Media/ContentDetails.aspx?ContentID=107

I would get that kit.

[jimib]

RetroJoe,

This is the feedback I definitely need.
Are these problems recent from PY? I thought they have been selling these kits for years and by now have the kinks worked out. That sucks if they are using you as their guinea pig.

I could go with 15” wheels but clearance concerns me.

Thanks for your input and keep us posted. It is info like this that forces a company to do better....or go under. I'm glad they have the customer service right.

Jim

[retrojoe]

Jim, I bought this kit from PY back in November of '03. As of now, I think I'm still the only person that has bought one from PY. Working with the Right Stuff(the company that makes the kit) has been good, it just stinks that the bugs are not worked out yet. They didn't have any instructions with the kit at the time I bought it, and they finally finished a dvd/cd rom for it. They sent me one at my request, but I have the kit already installed. They do need a guide to help whomever buys one of their kits to help with the install. Any time I've called and talked with Doug, I have received first class service. Some of the issues that I had with my kit was, the dust caps were wrong,the rear brakelines wouldn't go on,the line that goes from the P-valve to the rear lines was wrong, the caliper brackets were not quite right. They have replaced everything which was nice and they did it in a timely manner. I am going to try to see if I can get the caliper brackets to clear the wheels. They rub in a couple of spots. As for going with 15" wheels, you won't have any problems with clearance. I have talked with Mike Champion on this board, and he has been a wealth of info on tire size. He gave me a list of tire sizes that are th same size as the 14" tire size that go on my car. So even though I have 15" wheels, the tire height is still the same that it should be. Does that make any sense to you. Good luck, and feel free to contact me if you have any other questions on the kit. Joe.

[jimib]

Joe,

I understand completely about the tires and 15” rims, just sounds like the tires I were to buy for the 15’s would be a low profile tire, which would work for me.

I guess I’ll do this right and purchase four 15” rims. Oh well, there goes another $1000.00 not to include tires.

I think I’ll stay away from PY and focus on Stainless Steel Brakes, Master Power Brakes, and possible Baer Brakes Systems that another mentioned in this thread.

Jim

[My64GTO]

Jimib,

The spindles that came with the kit didn't lower my front end at all. The only other mod I had to make was to go from 14x6 rims to 14x7 rims to accomodate the calipers.

I did have a problem with the passenger side caliper bracket, it was either stamped or bent incorrectly and wouldn't fit. I called them up and they sent me a new one, but not before charging my credit card $80 for the replacement. They did credit me $80 back when they received the defective one, but I had to call twice to have it removed from my credit card. they said they couldn't find the package. (Always send UPS!) That kind of pissed me off. Did they really think I was going to jipp them $80 after spending $1K on the kit? Also when talking to tech support, the tone I got from the two questions I had seemed to "annoy" the person on the line. Those are my reasons for my so-so customer service comment.

One other thing to note. The SSBC kit comes with a crappy adjustable rear prop valve. Spend the extra money and get a real prop valve from Inline Tube. And while you are at it,you can buy pre-bent brake lines from Inline Tube also. SSBC doesnt carry the front brake lines to the Master Cylinder.


<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by jimib:
My64GTO

SSBC may be my 1st choice, bummer though about "So-So customer service.

I'm still trying to find out if tall spindles lower the front end. Certainly don't want this!!

Thanks
Jim <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[jimib]

My64GTO

The faceless “tone of voice” on the opposite end says much of the individual and employer whether good or bad. Sounds like your event was frustrating rather than painful, so I’ll still keep this company in mind. This is great to know however.

I’m certainly trying to avoid mix and match parts but just a prop valve and brake lines doesn’t sound too bad.

By the way, I thought the original brake lines would work.
Is it necessary to replace the master cylinder and power boaster also?

This should be a fun project!!!!

[My64GTO]

Well your setup might be different. I had a single bowl master cylinder, without a power booster.

All of my lines met at a junction block on the frame then a single line off of that went to the master cylinder.

If you really want fun, make sure you rebuild the entire front end at the same time like I did! By the time I was done, the only original part that remained was the pitman arm. I did all of the bushings, ball joints, tierods, springs etc.... in a one car garage.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by jimib:
My64GTO

The faceless “tone of voice” on the opposite end says much of the individual and employer whether good or bad. Sounds like your event was frustrating rather than painful, so I’ll still keep this company in mind. This is great to know however.

I’m certainly trying to avoid mix and match parts but just a prop valve and brake lines doesn’t sound too bad.

By the way, I thought the original brake lines would work.
Is it necessary to replace the master cylinder and power boaster also?

This should be a fun project!!!! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[jimib]

Actually that’s my plan. I’ll be purchasing all polyurethane bushings and most likely replace the majority of front end parts. Still weighing my options on though on tubular control arms. Don’t know if it’s worth the money. It’s just a street car.

[My64GTO]

Go with Polygraphite, urethane squeak.

http://www.p-s-t.com

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by jimib:
Actually that’s my plan. I’ll be purchasing all polyurethane bushings and most likely replace the majority of front end parts. Still weighing my options on though on tubular control arms. Don’t know if it’s worth the money. It’s just a street car. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[retrojoe]

Well, here's another great one from the kit I bought. I finally got the line that I had them make for me, only to find it was bent as if to mirror my templet. The bend that goes into the P-valve is 180 out from where it needs to be! ARRRGGHHH!!!!! I am going to take the original one they sent me and have someone cut it down for me.

[jimib]

Joe,

Can't you heat the lines and bend it yourself?
I ask because I may have to do this?

Jim

[JBaptista]

It seems like there is some consensus...

I got my SSBC front discs with 2" drop, Hotchkiss springs, ADDCO rear swaybar, KYB Shocks last Friday. My P-S-T Super Front End Polygraphite kit arrived today.

I'm going to be a busy boy. I'll post some pictures soon...

[retrojoe]

Jim, I used the original (wrong) line that they sent me and cut it down to size. I was able to finish hooking everything up this afternoon. I hope to bleed the system tomorrow and I will let you know how it goes from there. I also forgot to mention that they did not include the bolts for the master brake booster. I had to get my own, which turned out to be metric!!!!