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All parts are factory '65 and later pieces from Van Steel:
-spindle
-steering knuckle
-caliper bracket
-backing plate
-hub/bearing
-disc
The only exception is the Wilwood D8 calipers which are bolt on replacements for the factory calipers...so in theory, it should be a pretty straight forward install. As you can see in the pics below, the calipers on both sides are offset outboard about 1/8 of an inch too far, causing the disc to be locked up against the inside of the caliper when the mounting bolts are snugged down.
Front right top and bottom:
Front left top and bottom:
Any thoughts as to what might be the issue would be greatly appreciated!
Greg the pictures did not post on my phone; however, in the past I have had a similar issue on another restoration, It was the taper of the bearing not allowing the disc to seat fully.
Greg the pictures did not post on my phone; however, in the past I have had a similar issue on another restoration, It was the taper of the bearing not allowing the disc to seat fully.
Fixed the photos.
I'm relatively sure the disc is completely seated at this point. Even if it isn't, that would move the disc even further inboard, making the interference worse than it is. In any case, what was the eventual solution in your situation?
they changed the spindle in 68/69 can't remember the year. so make sure what you got is right
I used part # FS-36E from Van Steel which is listed as "63-68 Front Spindle w/ Steering Arm". They also have an FS-36L listed for 69-82 cars. That being said, shouldn't the geometry for the calipers be the same given the fact the part number for the caliper mounting bracket covers 63-82 cars and the Wilwood part number is also listed for 65-82 cars?
well I was taught years ago when adding non OEM parts add time to make them work.
Agreed completely, although in this case, 95% of the components are OEM and the calipers are a proven, bolt on factory replacements for the OEM calipers. I guess that's the frustrating part, having tried to make multiple aftermarket parts work together in the past, I specifically tried to limit this project to mostly OEM components....oh well. Hopefully someone running the D8 calipers will chime in.
You look like you are right where I am with my 64 disk brake conversion, although I have the complete Van Steel OEM set up. I have not put the pads in yet, but mine looks pretty centered. Here are a few pics for reference.
This is from the top looking down, pass side. This is from the front looking rearward, pass side.
Last edited by Rob_64-365; 11-27-2018 at 11:12 PM.
You look like you are right where I am with my 64 disk brake conversion, although I have the complete Van Steel OEM set up. I have not put the pads in yet, but mine looks pretty centered. Here are a few pics for reference.
Yea, you're spacing looks a lot better than mine. I've been talking back and forth with Dan at Van Steel (very helpful) and he suggested loosening the bolts on the caliper mounting brackets, then seeing if I can adjust them a bit, and then retighten them to move the caliper slightly. He said that they are susceptible to warping slightly if you over torque the mounting bolts. Torque specs I found were 70 ft/lbs for the bottom two bolts, and 110 ft/lbs for the big one up top....is that what you used?
I'm also going to call Wilwood in the morning and see if they've had any other customers with a similar issue.
interesting I just walked in from the garage after bolting on my d_8 calipers and hooking up brake lines for the final time everything fit perfect .
I do have a 65 and all other parts are original. Not sure how everything stacks together , Do you have the dust shield in place?
interesting I just walked in from the garage after bolting on my d_8 calipers and hooking up brake lines for the final time everything fit perfect .
I do have a 65 and all other parts are original. Not sure how everything stacks together , Do you have the dust shield in place?
Yes, dust shield in place, along with the spindle gasket. I'm sure I'm missing something small or stupid here, but I really can't figure out what it is. Ill get some more pics up tomorrow and hopefully someone can spot something I'm missing.
Torque specs I found were 70 ft/lbs for the bottom two bolts, and 110 ft/lbs for the big one up top....is that what you used?
I just bolted mine up, & tightened them as I would any caliper on any brake job I've ever done, so not to a specific torque. I have to lift the body off & I am replacing all wiring, fuel & brake lines, & changing over to a dual master cyl also, I'll check torques before the body goes back on. Things may come apart again before my final install so I wasnt too concerned on this first fitting.
One offset trailing arm install to go & I'm rolling again!
Last edited by Rob_64-365; 11-27-2018 at 11:26 PM.
A bent spindle will result in that but since you have it on both sides it must be something in the machining of the calipers. You may have to use a hardened washer for a spacer to center it.
Just went through this on my 69. Turned out my caliper bracket was bent. A few blows with the hammer and all is well. Now since you have it on both sides, don’t know. Here is my thread on the subject.
A bent spindle will result in that but since you have it on both sides it must be something in the machining of the calipers. You may have to use a hardened washer for a spacer to center it.
Problem is on the front, the caliper mounts to the outside of the bracket so you can’t move the caliper inward.
Just went through this on my 69. Turned out my caliper bracket was bent. A few blows with the hammer and all is well. Now since you have it on both sides, don’t know.
That is interesting though, because while its the problem is the same on both sides, the interference is definitely greater on the driver side. With the caliper bolts snugged down on the driver side, the disc is completely locked up. On the passenger side, you can still turn the disc by hand with a little effort, but you can hear and see it dragging. I'm half tempted to buy another set of caliper brackets and see where that gets me....
11-27-2018, 05:10 PM
Front brake calipers....what am I missing here???
