: 66-67 Disc Brake Venders
Jesse66Original Nov 28th, 05, 9:12 AM I fully realize there are zillions of disc brake post, and I searched forever and still cannot find my question. Please; has anyone with a 66/67 purchased a front wheel disc conversion kit from Right Stuff? I am very close to doing so myself and would like any comments concerning QUALITY and FIT. I have always had excellent service from them in the past. No vender bashing here please, if anyone has any negative comments please send me a private /personal e-mail. Thanks in advance folks.
Jesse
Herb Nov 28th, 05, 3:09 PM No vendor bashing, I just don't know why you would buy the kit from them. It's the same parts you would get from some of the other vendors, including the one that Olle reviewed in this forum.
I like those guys at Right Stuff but Doug is the only person you want to deal with. He knows his stuff. The others are just order takers. In fact, one other individual there admitted he didn't work on cars, just worked there selling their parts. He's the one that shipped me the wrong lines for my 67. They made it good and have been great with other issues but I wouldn't buy a brake conversion kit from them unless they matched the prices others are getting (and they probably would if you asked them to, they're very accomodating). Remember, there's a lot of room in the pricing on those kits.
Jesse66Original Nov 28th, 05, 6:56 PM Hello Herb, Thanks guy for responding, now I am up a tree somewhat, I jumped the gun and ordered from Right Stuff before I got your response. I saw some of Olle's post on his kit while I was searching Sunday, but I don't remember seeing a price on it. Herb I am now concerned that Right Stuff's kit is the same as Olle's, I ask Doug point blank if it was make in China and he said yes but of good quality, How do you know if I may ask that it is the same kit? I would really like to know for sure because like you say I need to pay what Whitesmanford gets for his kits. Can a person get a American made kit reasonable and where please. I might just send this one back, I am a bit angry at myself right now for acting to fast. Please e-mail me if you have time.
Jesse
Herb Nov 29th, 05, 9:47 AM Jesse, I can't tell you it's exactly the same. But think about this, there are only so many sources for this stuff. And I would bet your paycheck that there are probably only 2 for these spindles, one from China and one in N. America MAYBE. There are multiple ways to eat this elephant, I.E. have your factory drum spindles machined for disc brackets and buy the indiviual pieces, buy a kit from ony one of several sources, buy a set of GM '69-72 front disc assys and rebuild them. SO the coices are varied. However, there's a price for everything (NOTHING is free). All of the above methods cost either time, money or both, PLUS aggrivation. So there are trade-offs.
From what you tell me, you've already ordered the R/S kit. Unless the price of the otehr kit is significantly less than the cost to return ship the R/S kit, I'd go with what you have. Remember, you can't go wrong dealing with R/S. They will always (in my experience) make your parts work or replace them. And Doug knows his stuff so you're good there. I understand your frustrations with your own impatience but you really didn't go wrong. Yeah, you may have spent a couple of bucks more but what's your time, energy and frustration of UNDOING it worth??? You'll get a quality product, excellent service, and Doug will help you make everything plug and play together; so relax and enjoy the experience. If it was maybe $200 or $500 difference, I'd think about it. Otherwise, learn from the experience and keep moving forward. Life's too short to waste time fretting over a few bucks.
Hope this helps. But if you need to return the R/S kit to stay sane, (or save a lot of money) do it. BUT, if you do, don't expect R/S to jump thru hoops to help you make the other kit work with their products. Look elsewhere for that help if you need it. (see, everything has a price)
P.S. BTW - I used original GM spindles from a '69 assy and rebuilt them with new Wagner rotors. Guess where they were made.....yup, China.
Jesse66Original Nov 29th, 05, 1:21 PM Herb,
I must say guy your e-mail was just what the Doctor ordered. Now I do feel better about the whole situation. This may help you understand me, I am an ole USAF retired Jet Engine Guy (64) and I seem to have problems with everything being made in China anymore, but we have to except change and sometimes that is not to easy, I have been messing with Chevy's (mostly SB's) since 57 and like you said so very well, it's only a few bucks, press on with the job. Sometimes one can spend a dollar chasing a quarter. I am bad about chasing quarters, I guess it comes from not having much growing up in South Alabama oh well. Yes I agree ole Doug is ok in my book and that is why I ordered from him. Just want you to know that everything you pointed out to me does Pass The Logic Test in my book. I do appreciate you taking the time to spell it out for me. If I hit a snag with the installation and you don't mind I may shoot you an e-mail but I will not become a pest to you. Say I like your engine, for some reason when the numbers 427 are spoken that speaks to me. I love those engines, they were design for one thing (hauling a**) not for a dump truck or R/V's. I hope I do not offend any larger C.I.D. folks here. Also thanks for sharing Wagner Rotor (made in China) story with me. Take care.
Jesse
Jesse66Original Nov 29th, 05, 1:50 PM Herb,
Am I going nuts or what, your 67 does has a 427 in it Right??? If not I apologize to you. To many disc brake issues running around inside my head I guess. Take care,
Jesse
POWERBRAKEBOB Nov 29th, 05, 11:12 PM Have You Seen The Hydroboost System In The January Super Chevy? Check It Out. Also The Website Is "powerbrakesonline.com"
72SSAbody Nov 30th, 05, 12:48 AM Have You Seen The Hydroboost System In The January Super Chevy? Check It Out. Also The Website Is "powerbrakesonline.com"
While you're checking out "powerbrakesonline.com" you might want to check out Bob's Ebay feedback (http://feedback.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback&userid=powerbrakebob&iid=).
:rolleyes:
We're here to help each other...not spam the message boards. Sheeshh.
Joe
Jesse66Original Nov 30th, 05, 8:36 AM Thanks Joe, I 100% agree with you guy concerning what I our board should not be used for.
Jesse
Herb Nov 30th, 05, 11:45 AM Jesse, no problem. If I can help, I'll be glad to. Us old farts need to stick together ;-). Seriously, there are a bunch of folks here that will help, just ask.
I understand the OCD-like concerns about the money and right decisions. Again, we "life-experienced" folks remember when gas was 29 cents a gal. and buying $1.25 worth so we could cruise all Saturday night. Spending $100 more than we need to can be un-nerving. The China-made issue is a valid concern. But again, there are only so many sources for this stuff. So these things sometimes are hard for us to feel comfortable with. You may not like the source, but at least you know who and what they are, and where they stand. And remember, Taiwan (also refered to as China) has always been a friend to the US.
And no, my current engine is 400SB. I'm considering a 454 in the future, just for the thrill of it :-))
Let us know if we can help or just PM me.
SoCalRat Nov 30th, 05, 12:17 PM Jesse, I bought my spindle and brakes from True Connections. Definitely not the cheapest on the market but it is all american, The calipers are a mid 80's Camaro. I can tell you they perform very well. The Z-bar you recommended last year works very well. Thanks.
Herb,
Oh my gosh, another person that remembers 29 cents a gallon. I recall spending $3 on my VW to fill it and getting change back. :eek: So $3 a gallon is quite a shock these days.
Herb Nov 30th, 05, 8:13 PM I pumped 29 cent gas for 90 cents an hour. Did tune ups and brake jobs between customers.
Jesse66Original Dec 1st, 05, 8:31 AM Herb,
Thanks again guy for the words of encouragement. Yes us ole guys have to support each other, do I ever remember trying to scrape up 2 bucks for premium gas on a Saturday night to feed two 4's on a 292, (high teck right). There are some great folks for sure on this site and I appreciate everyones help.
Gary, I am glad the z-bar worked well for you, they are a good bunch of folks to deal with. Also thanks for the brake info, it was very helpful also.
Jesse
tommy411 Dec 3rd, 05, 5:30 AM I'm with you guys as far as adapting to the R.O.C. parts. I just went through that with some floor pans picture in bodyshop [can you spot the difference post] .Why can't some laid off G.M people get together and stamp some parts as good as Goodmark.Maybe I better Invest my retirement cash in N.O. S..
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