for rear disc conversion caused alot of grief. I don't know if anyone got as far as trying to put flex hoses on, cause it's not good! First off, the '85 Camaro calipers use metric banjo bolts. No biggy there. Don't know what the correct flex hoses would be because the '85 Camaro rear hoses did not work without modifying them. The flex hose is also metric, so you'll make a steel line with a metric nut on one end and standard going into the t-block at the diff. The routing of the flex hoses is such that it is necessary to run it on the underside of the axle tubes. I made brackets to weld on the housing to enable securing the flex hoses. Anyone thinking of doing it this way should think twice. I could post detailed pics if anyone wants to see it. Oh ya, no parking brake as of yet, but we all know where we can get that! I'm so glad I didn't go with the Cadillac rear calipers, 'cause that would have been so much more difficult. NOT. Tony A. :rolleyes:

Interesting comments, I am just beginning this swap myself, I had actually ordered and received a set of aftermarket brackets to mount the calipers but was VERY dis-satisfied with the quality and the structural integrity of the bracket, raises some serious safety concerns about unqualified people putting Franskenstein braking systems together, be careful. Returned item for full refund, currently exploring other mounting options. In regards to the flex hose, did you consider using hard line the entire distance, should (technically) reduce pedal effort due to the rubber hose flexing and would also give you more routing options as you would not be limited in term of using the full length of the rubber hose. Not sure how the hard line would work in terms of replacing the banjo bolt? From what I understand, I think that by using the Cadillac calipers you would have run into all the same issues plus the parking brake. On a positive note, even though it might not be the simplest, from what I have seen this set up is still the most inexpensive route to a rear disc conversion.
Would be interested in seeing some pictures and hearing opinions in respect to braking performance.
Also, what master cylinder did you choose?

I'm not sure if there would be a way of running a hard line direct to the caliper because of the type of thread which is in the caliper. It's a course metric thread and the only flare nuts I've seen were a fine thread. Not to say there not out there though. Interesting comments on the mounting brackets. The ones I'm using were kinds cheesy. They were drilled with a dual pattern and the thru hole edge distance is against all that is standard practice. I would like to see a bracket which uses all four mounting holes. You have to take the axles out anyway to take the drum backing plates off. I got my brackets from a fellow on e-bay who seemed a bit stressed out. Right now the rotors are very tight on the pads to turn. New parts not used. Probably end up turning the rotors to gain enough clearance. The rearend is still on the stand. The m/c is a disc/drum. I'm pretty sure I'll end up changing it for a '68 Vette m/c. I have an adjustable proportioning valve at the rear so I was going to try it with the current m/c to see what happens. I figure the cost right now at around $400 Cdn. And don't overlook changing the wheel studs to a longer version! Tony A. graemlins/beers.gif

Tony,
most of the stock rear disk cars had hard lines all the way to the calipers... they used a small fitting that looks like the banjo end on a brake hose, but instead of a hose, they are tapped for a brake line. I used them when I did my rear disks before going to the rubber lines for ease and removability. If you look around and possible check the junk yards, you should be able to locate some of those fittings.

Bill C.

Originally posted by the walrus:
VERY dis-satisfied with the quality and the structural integrity of the bracket, raises some serious safety concerns about unqualified people putting Franskenstein braking systems together, be careful. Amen to that!

I'm not Superman. But do you see me trying to leap tall buildings?

I did stay in a Holiday Inn once :D

Joe

Update: Today I went out to work on the rear discs and try to figure out why the outer pad was dragging so bad. The brackets that I got off e-bay @ steal solution, were not parrell to the rotors. The top was out .110" from the bottom section. Nothing that a 10 lb. sledge can't cure. Ya, put ****ty stuff on a $40k muscle car. More scrap metal for the pile. Buyer beware! graemlins/clonk.gif