Disc Brake Conversion and 12" Wide Rear Wheels

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    Author Topic: Disc Brake Conversion and 12" Wide Rear Wheels  (Read 2297 times)

    Offline filmsurgeon

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    • Resto-Mod '70 Convertible Challenger
    Disc Brake Conversion and 12" Wide Rear Wheels
    « on: April 27, 2007 - 03:13:15 PM »
    I just received the Weld 15x12 wheels and have noticed that the Master Power Brakes disc brake conversion kit that was installed on the car uses a Cadillac Eldorado caliper that has a ratchet style E brake lever that sticks out too far to allow the wheel to fit.  The car currently has a 10" wheel that clears the lever by about 3/4".  I'd really like to make these 12" wheels work even at the cost of going with a different disc brake manufacturer.  Does anyone have a recommedation for a conversion kit that allows for the use of the E brake for the rear without interferring with the inside diameter of a 15" wheel?  Is there an alternative to having the E brake function as part of the rear caliper?  For those of you who have had to deal with this same (or similar) issue, what was your solution?  Thanks.
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    1970 Challenger Convertible (JH27N0B); Resto-Mod; 605 HP, 412cid Small Block; Holley 750CFM Carburetor; A-833 23-spline 4-SPD; A-body 8.75 rear-end w/3.55 gears; 3" mini-tub; leaf spring relocation kit with split-leaf mono and Caltracs; American Racing AR500 Wheels, Rears = 15x10 (5.5" BS) with 315/60-15 BFG Comp T/A Drag Radials; Fronts = 15x7 (3.5" BS) with 215/70-15 BFG Radial T/A Radials.


    Offline ntstlgl1970

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    Re: Disc Brake Conversion and 12" Wide Rear Wheels
    « Reply #1 on: April 27, 2007 - 04:24:44 PM »
    Can you post a picture of the caliper? Maybe there is a different style parking brake lever setup from a different GM model that would use the same mounting bracket
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    70 Cuda, 7.0L Gen-III Hemi, Viper T56 w/9310 gearset, 3.91's, Megasquirt MS3x v3.57, Innovate wideband, Firm Feel upper arms, torsion bars, springs and strut rods, QA1 DA shocks. I did everything on this car except the fancy paint stuff and I drive it...and I can't seem to stop messing with it....

    Offline filmsurgeon

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    • Resto-Mod '70 Convertible Challenger
    Re: Disc Brake Conversion and 12" Wide Rear Wheels
    « Reply #2 on: April 27, 2007 - 05:55:01 PM »
    Here's some pictures of the caliper I found on the 'net.  The pictures showing the caliper on a vehicle are some other guy's photos.  It looks like he has larger diameter wheels which allow for the E brake lever if wider wheels were used.
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    1970 Challenger Convertible (JH27N0B); Resto-Mod; 605 HP, 412cid Small Block; Holley 750CFM Carburetor; A-833 23-spline 4-SPD; A-body 8.75 rear-end w/3.55 gears; 3" mini-tub; leaf spring relocation kit with split-leaf mono and Caltracs; American Racing AR500 Wheels, Rears = 15x10 (5.5" BS) with 315/60-15 BFG Comp T/A Drag Radials; Fronts = 15x7 (3.5" BS) with 215/70-15 BFG Radial T/A Radials.

    Offline Chryco Psycho

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    • 70 Challenger R/T SE 70 tube Chassis Cuda now sold
    Re: Disc Brake Conversion and 12" Wide Rear Wheels
    « Reply #3 on: April 28, 2007 - 02:00:26 AM »
    My first move would be to contact SSBC & see what other caliper options exist
    The 74-75 Imperials had a read disc that fits a 15" wheel with a inner drum parking brake that could be an option
    early Dodge trucks & cars used a drum system on the driveshaft that could possibly be adapted as well
     Contact Dray also he has a set of rear calpiers that could work for you , the caliper is too wide for his car
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    Challenger - You`ll wish You Hadn`t

    Offline filmsurgeon

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    • Resto-Mod '70 Convertible Challenger
    Re: Disc Brake Conversion and 12" Wide Rear Wheels
    « Reply #4 on: May 01, 2007 - 12:16:52 AM »
    What about Baer or Wilwood?
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    1970 Challenger Convertible (JH27N0B); Resto-Mod; 605 HP, 412cid Small Block; Holley 750CFM Carburetor; A-833 23-spline 4-SPD; A-body 8.75 rear-end w/3.55 gears; 3" mini-tub; leaf spring relocation kit with split-leaf mono and Caltracs; American Racing AR500 Wheels, Rears = 15x10 (5.5" BS) with 315/60-15 BFG Comp T/A Drag Radials; Fronts = 15x7 (3.5" BS) with 215/70-15 BFG Radial T/A Radials.

    Offline ntstlgl1970

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    Re: Disc Brake Conversion and 12" Wide Rear Wheels
    « Reply #5 on: May 01, 2007 - 12:35:42 AM »
    Baer has a completely different caliper setup for the parking brake. The cable(s) run parallel to the axle housing then forward as opposed to running straight forward off the caliper. Here is a pic from their site. This style caliper (PGC or pad guided caliper) makes up the lions share of their kits until you get into the big money setups (six piston calipers, etc.). Wilwood kits use a separate "mini" mechanical caliper on some of their kits.
    « Last Edit: May 01, 2007 - 12:38:22 AM by ntstlgl1970 »
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    70 Cuda, 7.0L Gen-III Hemi, Viper T56 w/9310 gearset, 3.91's, Megasquirt MS3x v3.57, Innovate wideband, Firm Feel upper arms, torsion bars, springs and strut rods, QA1 DA shocks. I did everything on this car except the fancy paint stuff and I drive it...and I can't seem to stop messing with it....

    Offline dtedler

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    Re: Disc Brake Conversion and 12" Wide Rear Wheels
    « Reply #6 on: May 01, 2007 - 09:54:25 AM »
    The track plus system that is shown takes a minumum of a 17" wheel.  Would you consider going to the larger diameter wheels?  Scarebird uses the same caliper if I'm not mistaken.  With most application this is a non issue, but since you are running a higher offset rim you are sharing space.  Come to the dark side - go 17's or even 18's with 335's!
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    Offline ragtopdodge

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    Re: Disc Brake Conversion and 12" Wide Rear Wheels
    « Reply #7 on: May 01, 2007 - 11:41:49 AM »
    Quote from: dtedler on May 01, 2007 - 09:54:25 AM
    The track plus system that is shown takes a minumum of a 17" wheel.  Would you consider going to the larger diameter wheels?  Scarebird uses the same caliper if I'm not mistaken.  With most application this is a non issue, but since you are running a higher offset rim you are sharing space.  Come to the dark side - go 17's or even 18's with 335's!

    Definitely.

    Step up to some 345-30-18s!
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    '70 318-auto Chally 'vert
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    Offline HemiDog

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    Re: Disc Brake Conversion and 12" Wide Rear Wheels
    « Reply #8 on: May 01, 2007 - 11:59:47 AM »
    You need to be careful on the Baer setup.  It is designed to be used with a stock e-body rear and 17 inch or larger rims as stated.  If you are running a b-body rear and the spring relocation the e-brake lever will interfere with the leaf springs.  I had to re-clock the brake to work and I still may have issues with the sway bar.  If you are running a ladder bar or four link, I wouldn't think you will have issues.

    Ideally you would want to find a more modern setup that uses a small drum e-brake that sits inside the rotor.  That setup doesn't use the caliper at all as a e-brake.   Like this one from Wilwood: http://www.wilwood.com/BrakeKits/Pages/12/index.asp   You would have to do some research to see if this would fit your car.
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    Offline ntstlgl1970

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    Re: Disc Brake Conversion and 12" Wide Rear Wheels
    « Reply #9 on: May 01, 2007 - 12:06:49 PM »
    Sorry I used the wrong picture for an illustration, the wheel sizes are dictated by the diameter of the rotor...here is the specs on the serious street setup just for reference.

    I'm sure talking to any of these companies on the phone should be able to get your setup sorted out....

    SERIOUS STREET/SERIOUS STREET-PLUS

    (1-piece 11" dia. / PBR 2-piston PGC)

    The Baer Claw®  SERIOUS STREET brake system is designed to fit within the smaller period-correct wheels popular on 60's and 70's muscle cars, such as '67 to '72 A-bodies and '67 to '69 F-bodies (as well as selected X-body applications). Featuring 2-piston aluminum calipers and 1-piece, 11" cross-drilled, slotted and zinc-washed rotors, they jazz up the looks of these older street machines while delivering the much needed braking performance of today's technology. SERIOUS STREET brake systems fit within virtually all 15" wheels (occasionally a spacer is required).

    Essentially the same as the SERIOUS STREET, the SERIOUS STREET-PLUS brake system employs 2-piece rotors for overall weight reduction, enhanced performance, and a dynamic, race-car look. 

    Rear systems for both versions are available with 11.350" dia. rotors and PBR 1-piston calipers with park mechanism (not shown).

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    70 Cuda, 7.0L Gen-III Hemi, Viper T56 w/9310 gearset, 3.91's, Megasquirt MS3x v3.57, Innovate wideband, Firm Feel upper arms, torsion bars, springs and strut rods, QA1 DA shocks. I did everything on this car except the fancy paint stuff and I drive it...and I can't seem to stop messing with it....

    Offline Mt.St.BigBlock

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    Re: Disc Brake Conversion and 12" Wide Rear Wheels
    « Reply #10 on: May 02, 2007 - 03:28:51 PM »
    Hi, I found this searching e-brake alternatives. Parking brake mounts to the center section instead
    of out behind the wheels. This is the website and they offer kits for Chrysler axles. Jeff
    www.tsmmfg.com/Pinion_Mounted_Parking_Brakes.htm
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    71 cuda 383 3spd manual gy9
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