I thought I'd try a new post to generate more discussion on these latest developments. I disassembled the brakes further today.

Both spindles (original front disc brakes, 1967 Chevelle)have some scoring at the spot where the outer bearing sits on the spindle. One has fairly light circular scoring around the spindle, while the other spindle looks like something dug in one spot, which caused deeper scoring and a chip. The chip and scratch might be 1/16 inch deep. (I'm speculating that the former owner lost a wheel or had a bearing seize or come apart at some point - a lot of things can happen in 38 years).

The bearings that were on the car until I took it apart were in good condition and the wheels turned smoothly. I'm replacing the wheel bearings anyway, but am wondering about the spindles. I'm getting tired of spending money on this, but if this damage to the spindles could be dangerous, this would be the time to replace the spindles.

One caliper bracket (passenger side, single piston type) also has some damage. It looks as if the outer edge of the bracket had something rub against it for a prolonged period of time, wearing away some of the metal - up to 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch off of the width of the bracket. I've puzzled over this and can't imagine how that wear could have occurred. (Maybe someone ran the car without the caliper and a wheel that was too tight and rubbed on the bracket???) The damage appears to have happened before the latest reassembly of the brake parts. Otherwise, the bracket looks fine. Does that outer edge perform any function, or is it OK to reuse it with part of the edge missing?

Any thoughts or advice? Thanks again.

sounds like if you have single piston calipers that the system is from a 69-72 a-body
the spindles are still relatively easy to find
I would just replace them and then there will be no worries in the back of your head as to weather the wheels are going to fall off (they probably won't but you never know)

How about posting a photo? A picture is worth a thousand words.

I took a few pictures of the parts, but they didn't have good enough resolution to see the scoring and the chip/gouge.

So I took the spindle and showed it to three people - a NAPA parts person with lots of experience, a wrecking yard owner, and a mechanic. All said they would reuse it. So unless I manage to find a better spindle (if anyone knows of one, please let me know) I suppose I'll reuse it.
Thanks for your help!!

I have 1 that is scored up some too,it has worked fine the last 17 years with no problem.