My Bare Bones 71 Cuda Convert Build

[CudamanTom]

Is that an aftermarket disc brake set-up that hangs the calipers on the rear like that ?

Yes Alan.
Master Power Brakes.    www.MPBrakes.com

I saw an online Mopar article using them with pleasing results. And the price was right.
It was a complete bolt on assembly. Just connect the two ball joints and tie-rod end and brake line and your done. 

[anlauto]

Cool set-up...odd that they mount the caliper on the backside instead of the front like stock E Body discs

[crocha617]

Is that an aftermarket disc brake set-up that hangs the calipers on the rear like that ?

My aftermarket setup is like that as well.

[CudamanTom]

My aftermarket setup is like that as well.

Chris,
Have you done your disc swap yet?

[crocha617]

Chris,
Have you done your disc swap yet?

Yes everything is installed including the lines just trying to figure out the booster. Got the missing piece the other day. Now it appears my threaded rod on the booster is too long so I guess I'm going to cut an inch off of it and hope for the best. The way it is now the plunger hits the fire wall so I'm going to mess with it tonight and hopefully get it in and get them bled.

[CudamanTom]

Yes everything is installed including the lines just trying to figure out the booster. Got the missing piece the other day. Now it appears my threaded rod on the booster is too long so I guess I'm going to cut an inch off of it and hope for the best. The way it is now the plunger hits the fire wall so I'm going to mess with it tonight and hopefully get it in and get them bled.

Hope all goes well on booster rod situation. 

I'm still waiting parts for the rear brakes (hopefully they show up today).
I'm not using a booster and the rod that came with my MC kit looks to be of correct length. So with any luck (like you) I should be bleeding the brake system real soon.

As for now, I'm going over my lash clearances as the rockers are noisy but nothing that sounds too bad. Hopefully just some fine tunning.

I verified my standard (C-H) temp gauge by hooking up a mechanical temp gauge. The original gauge showed at the bottom end as cool. Wasn't sure to trust that coming from a 440. But the mechanical gauge showed 180* to 190* after 30 minutes of idling. 

I hope we both see some stopping action real soon. 

[crocha617]

Yeah the brakes have been the biggest challenge. Missing parts, wrong parts, etc... I'm getting close though.

[Topcat]

Looking good Tom. 

Where'd ya get that ball joint tool?
I'd never seen one of those before.

That's a gotta get item.

[CudamanTom]

Looking good Tom. 

Where'd ya get that ball joint tool?
I'd never seen one of those before.

That's a gotta get item.

Thanks Mike.

I got it at Harbor Freight for $21.00.
I saw others for $50 or even more and does the same thing.
The box said for front wheel drive but works perfectly on our older rides as well.
And it was as easy as turning a wrench or socket. "POP" and she's done. 

Edit: Here is the link. http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-quarter-inch-forged-ball-joint-separator-99849.html

[CudamanTom]

Well some more major progress in the past few days.

Adjusted the tappets earlier last week.

Installed new shoes on the back drums on Thursday.

Bled the complete brake system Friday. Did it all myself with a nifty little hose attachment with a check valve and attached a bar to the brake pedal to pump from outside the car so I could keep an eye on the fluid level in the MC. Worked perfectly too 

Installed KYB shocks all around.





Took her off jacks.

Smoked over the engine bay (pre-flight inspection  )

And for the first time. Drove her out the shop. 






And a little exhaust action. 

[dfrazz]

One of the most beautiful sounds in the world!

[Chryco Psycho]

 
 calipers can be hung either way by reversing the spindles , you just have to use different calipers with banjo fittings otherwise the hose will not connect up

[CudamanTom]

 calipers can be hung either way by reversing the spindles , you just have to use different calipers with banjo fittings otherwise the hose will not connect up

If you reverse the spindles, you can't connect the tie-rod as it's part of the spindle. That is if I'm thinking correctly.

[anlauto]

If you reverse the spindles, you can't connect the tie-rod as it's part of the spindle. That is if I'm thinking correctly.

I believe there's a lower ball joint that is removable...

[Topcat]

Well some more major progress in the past few days.

Adjusted the tappets earlier last week.

Installed new shoes on the back drums on Thursday.

Bled the complete brake system Friday. Did it all myself with a nifty little hose attachment with a check valve and attached a bar to the brake pedal to pump from outside the car so I could keep an eye on the fluid level in the MC. Worked perfectly too 

Installed KYB shocks all around.


Took her off jacks.

Smoked over the engine bay (pre-flight inspection  )

And for the first time. Drove her out the shop. 



And a little exhaust action. 





  good to hear Tom