Thinner calipers?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 857
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From: York Pa.
Thinner calipers?
I switched from drums to disc brakes on my '63. Problem is that I need a spacer to clear the wheels which causes the tires to be even with the fender. Changing the wheels is not an option. Does anyone make thinner calipers? If not can any metal be removed from the outside of the caliper? If so, how much? I may even have to remove some metal from the inside of the wheel. Any thoughts? Thanks, Classic
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
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From: Washington Michigan
Re: Thinner calipers? (Classicvette63)
You need to change the wheels to the '65 or later types that are designed for caliper clearance. The other three options with your drum-brake wheels(spacers, removing metal from the calipers or the wheels) are all dangerous. :nonod:
Pro
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: azusa,ca.,usa
Re: Thinner calipers? (Classicvette63)
We have run Corvette four puck calipers in road and oval track cars and sometimes encountered rubbing problems. How we handled this depended if we were running spec rules on rims, spacers etc. First thing is where the interference is and how much. We have ground on the caliper and also used spacers with no problems. Most of the grinding fits in the middle of polishing to grinding spectrum. On the top of the caliper the interference was only in limited areas. Interference on the side; we would remove some casting high marks but in total removed very little material. Never removed more that 1/16th of an inch at the max and nowhere near that much from the side.
On spacers we try to set up the package for no spacers but often run 1/8 to 1/4.
My guess is your drum brake rims will not clear w/o major modifications. I think you are outside the safety margins for grinding or spacers. For safety and fit I go with John on this and say get a disc brake rim that works. Why is this not an option?
On spacers we try to set up the package for no spacers but often run 1/8 to 1/4.
My guess is your drum brake rims will not clear w/o major modifications. I think you are outside the safety margins for grinding or spacers. For safety and fit I go with John on this and say get a disc brake rim that works. Why is this not an option?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 857
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From: York Pa.
Re: Thinner calipers? (mel e foye)
I have torq thrust wheels. I was told the wrong back space and didn't realize there was a problem until after I had them powdercoated. Replacing them will be $$$. I wasn't sure if a small amount of material could be removed from both caliper and wheel. Or if some makes of calipers are thinner than others. Thanks, Classic
Pro
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: azusa,ca.,usa
Re: Thinner calipers? (Classicvette63)
Two thoughts Classic. First get a bunch of washers and put them over the studs and stack them till your wheel clears the caliper. Then add some for flex. Be sure each stack is the same height. This will tell you how much you need to gain. Likely to be too much for grinding and or spacers is my guess.
Second go to outlawdiscbrakes.com and check their specs. Check that aftermarket calipers will bolt up to you setup also.
Can get a packet of washers from Lowes or Home Depot and just need enough for 3 studs in a triangle pattern. Don't put weight on with that setup that way.
Whoops third thought look at Vette Brakes to see what spacers they may have. Problem with spacers is the wheel should center off the hub rather than the studs carrying all the weight.
Second go to outlawdiscbrakes.com and check their specs. Check that aftermarket calipers will bolt up to you setup also.
Can get a packet of washers from Lowes or Home Depot and just need enough for 3 studs in a triangle pattern. Don't put weight on with that setup that way.
Whoops third thought look at Vette Brakes to see what spacers they may have. Problem with spacers is the wheel should center off the hub rather than the studs carrying all the weight.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 857
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From: York Pa.
Re: Thinner calipers? (mel e foye)
Mel, I'm sorry I didn't make my post clearer. I already have spacers. Probably put 1,000 miles on the car with them. Problem is the tires rub something fierce unless going straight. It has been a p.i.t.a. and now with the suspension settling in, it isn't getting any better. I was hoping to get rid of the spacers with thinner calipers etc. I would just get two new wheels, but I already spent a bundle and would be left with two wheels I would have to give away. Thanks Classic
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Race Director
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St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
Re: Thinner calipers? (Classicvette63)
You'd probably spend almost as much if not more changing your calipers. If you change your calipers to aftermarket on the rear, you will probably have to get an adjustable proportioning valve to balance them out with the front.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 10,340
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From: Beverly Hills (Pine Ridge) Florida
Re: Thinner calipers? (six-T-six)
Classic,
Need a couple of dimensions to help. 1st, what is the thickness of the spacers you are using. 2nd, how much clearnace do these spacers provide (between the wheel and caliper).
Perhaps you can go to thinner spacers? Above dimensions should give you that answer.
plasticman
Need a couple of dimensions to help. 1st, what is the thickness of the spacers you are using. 2nd, how much clearnace do these spacers provide (between the wheel and caliper).
Perhaps you can go to thinner spacers? Above dimensions should give you that answer.
plasticman
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 62
From: Redondo Beach CA
C2 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: Thinner calipers? (Classicvette63)
Yes, there are thinner calipers, but it all depends on how much you are willing to spend and how much you are willing to modify things. I used adapters and replaced my calipers with Wilwoods that are thinner and lighter. You can see what I have done by going to http://www.caspeed.com/ and clicking on the "C2/C3 Wilwood Brakes" link (left menu).
I think that SSBC and maybe others now have aluminum caliper kits, and these might also be thinner. Contact them to get the answer for sure. http://www.stainlesssteelbrakes.com/products/
I think that SSBC and maybe others now have aluminum caliper kits, and these might also be thinner. Contact them to get the answer for sure. http://www.stainlesssteelbrakes.com/products/