[Grand73Am]

Originally Posted by Tim Corcoran

I get the part that I can go to the pick-a-part and remove the parts and save the cash. Or I can get the adapter plate and I don't have to change the spindles and deal with removing and reinstalling the coil springs. My question now is what are the advantages/disadvantages of going with new spindles or just going with the adapter plate route? Thanks.

Tim C

Well, they wouldn't be "new" spindles, since they'd be a "used" set of 69-72 a-body factory disc spindles. I guess they'd be "new to you" though . The fact that it would be a factory setup is an advantage, since it all fits, looks, and works as it should, uses factory replacement parts and looks original GM. It's a little more work since you have to swap spindles.

The disc brake conversion kit is more convenient to do since you don't have to change spindles. Brake performance probably about the same as factory. Sometimes uses specialized parts, depending on what kit you get.

Expense is probably close either way once you rebuild and buy new parts and add it all up.

[Grand73Am]

Of course, just to swap the spindles at home, a spring compressor wouldn't be needed.

[Tim Corcoran]

OK, if I don't have to mess with the coil springs then I am leaning towards the inline tube kit, sounds like it's made with OEM parts, it's complete and the price ain't bad either.

Tim C

[Charlie Brengun]

Originally Posted by Grand73Am

You jack up underneath the outboard end of the lower control arm, to create more weight leverage at the spot. The weight of the car/engine keeps the spring compressed, and you can remove your drum brake spindle from the ball joints, and replace with the factory disc brake spindle.

you also want to be extremely careful when messing around with these things because when you do make a mistake it can cost you dearly..

[Old Goat 67]

Chain the darn spring to the front cross member and have at it! Insurance.

[track73]

Make sure you use a master cylinder that doesn't have a residual pressure valve.

[HWYSTR455]

What size wheels do you have? If you're going through the trouble, you might want to ask yourself if it's worth an upgrade, or just to change over to discs. Are you trying to get away as least expensive as possible? A lot of upgrades are within a few bucks of the general change-over anyway. Many who have done just a change-over end up upgrading later.

Wilwood makes a kit for the drum spindle, not expensive, but also not off the shelf calipers either. Nice, affordable, popular upgrade.

Kore3.com has big brake kits, can check there, and their' kits use popular C5/C6 parts. They will sell you individual pieces, like brakets and hubs, and you can source everyting else where you choose. (As opposed to others who make you buy the whole kit from them).

There's always the F/B-Body spindle swap, you gain handling as well, 11" or 12" off the shelf parts. The spindles are available new for like $45, no questionable used parts to deal with. Several have posted the part numbers for the complete conversion, can order it all online. Keep in mind, many will have 'opinions' about the swap, but it wouldn't still be popular if it didn't work. This swap is 'best' to use aftermarket upper control arms, fyi, but can be done with offset shafts.

.

[Nikwho]

Originally Posted by geeteeohguy

The cheapest and easiest way to do this is to find a '69-'72 A body and remove the spindles, calipers, master cylinder, and combination valve, and to simply bolt them on to your car. These are factory parts that fit perfectly, are high in quality, and will not change your front end alignment angles. We did one on a '65 GTO years ago and it worked very well. Total cost was $90. If you can get just the spindles (steering arms), you can get the rotors, bearings, master cylinder, and combi valve from the parts house.

Would this work with ANY GM A-body? Chevelle, Buick Special, Oldsmobile Cutlass, Tempest, Oldsmobile 442, Buick GS? ARe they all "5 on 4 3/4"" Im trying to compile a list because the local auto recycler says that they can only look for parts if I have a specific year/make/model..... Any of these from '69-'72? Thanks, Nik

[Grand73Am]

yes, 69-72 a-body. it doesn't matter which one.

[andrewT]

http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=115940

I am about to go through with this myself.

you can get a power disc master at the parts store for about 30 bucks. Grind down the spindles, pick up the caliper brackets off of ebay, and the discs, calipers and pads can also be purchased at your local parts store.

You will also need a new proportioning valve. Wilwood makes an adjustable one for much cheaper than the "correct" ones like were used from the factory. Just search it on summitracing

good luck

[Nikwho]

anyone have pictures or additional info on how/where to grind down or modify the stock spindles?

[andrewT]

Originally Posted by Nikwho

anyone have pictures or additional info on how/where to grind down or modify the stock spindles?

look at the link I just posted above

[HaloMedic]

Originally Posted by Squidward

I liked doing the "Scarebird" conversion.

Ya don't have to change spindles, and altogether it cost me less than $400.

www.scarebird.com

was thinking about Scarbirds kit whats in it and what kind of instrutions did you get

[67 LeMans 326]

Here is the thread I did for my 4-wheel disc brake conversion. There are several pics that may help. This kit has now been on the car for a year and everything works great! I am very happy with this conversion...

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...highlight=disc