View Full Version : Disc brakes from a 1979 Malibu Wagon


Halldor ragnarsson
Sep 30th, 99, 9:19 AM
Does this set fit on my 1971 Malibu,or is it a better solution to convert from a drum?

H5O
Sep 30th, 99, 10:21 AM
They should fit like a glove, but the steering arms are a little longer that stock. You will need the Camaro ball joints, and Moog ES427R tie rod ends.

http://www.angelfire.com/tx/lonestarclassics/chassis.html

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The Emissary
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DG
Sep 30th, 99, 1:53 PM
H5O, are you speaking from experience, or just 2nd hand? I have seen in the past you seem to know alot about disc swaps.

Reason I'm asking is that I have a set of 73+ disc spindles from maybe a 74 Monte. They were on the car when I bought it.

The lower ball joint does not stick up past the lower mount of the spindle enuff to use a cotter pin, just the castle nut holds it on.

There is the HO kit (from Malibu Performance assuming I have 70-81 Camaro spindles) for $175, but once I buy it, I'm out $175 if there is a problem http://www.chevelles.com/forum/frown.gif. Course I can get those spindles locally for $60.

Thinking about matching a ball joint to the spindle and getting it machined to fit the lower arm. Thats where my problem is. I haven't checked for anything other than cotter pins on the other joints.

So, Halldor ragnarsson, I would get the discs on the condition it bolts up, or if the price is low. Nothing I do ever seems to be easy bolt on. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif



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DG
Springfield, Ohio
70 Chevelle Malibu

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Bob Tiley
Oct 4th, 99, 10:57 AM
I do not believe that the 79 malibu spindles will fit without some expensive machining. The spindles are much taller and would need a specially machined ball joint to bolt up. Look for brakes from any 69 to 72 A body car like a Cutlass, Skylark, Tempest, Lemans or Chevelle, Monte Carlo, Grand Prix.

H5O
Oct 4th, 99, 4:57 PM
The 1979 Malibu spindles are common with GM G-bodies, as well as 1978-81 A-bodies. The similar spindle can be found on 1982-present Chevrolet S10/GMC S15 pickups. The steering arm is a little longer, but some are skeptical about the longer steering arm and tie rod adjustment.

I have seen a 1966 Tempest 2-door sedan with the G-body brakes, which fit like a glove.

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The Emissary
descendant of a former Chevelle owner
http://www.angelfire.com/tx/lonestarclassics/acar.html

Tales From The Crypt -- A-Cars
http://members.tripod.com/~seributra_d/TFTC2.htm

1969 Chevelle Memories Page
http://members.tripod.com/~seributra_d/time_and_memories.htm

Chevelles (and A-cars) On Screen
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/5196/a_car.html

Disco-Era Classics
http://homepages.go.com/~55498/hooptie.htm

Philip
Oct 5th, 99, 10:19 PM
sorry, now I know how people do the double post.

[This message has been edited by 64elcamino (edited 10-05-99).]

Philip
Oct 5th, 99, 10:19 PM
I have a set of G body spindles and the height is within a 1/2" of the drum spindles on my 64, but I have been driving the parts people nuts looking at their stock of ball joints to figure out what to use, they all run and hide when I walk in now. I have determined that the upper 79 ball joint will bolt into the earlier arms and the lower ball joint will fit by machining it down. I just couldn't come up with the tie rod end. Now I have a number. thanks.

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Philip Valentine
Lakeside, AZ
Team Chevelle Member #42 GOLD
philip@chevelles.com

Scooter
Oct 12th, 99, 6:47 PM
I have done this swap that H5O has mentioned. I used the setup from a 78 Cutlass Supreme (G-body) on a 70 Chevelle that I ran in circle track for a couple of years. The upper ball joints from the donor car will bolt into the 70 Chevelle upper control arms, but the lowers need to be turned down. I also used the 78 Cutlass tie rod ends, but never had it aligned due to running circle track. The car handled very good, and when I measured the spindles compared to the original drum spindles, the overall height was exactly the same.

This took place several years ago, and I had posted on here about it, but got ganged up on severely by everyone saying that it would not work - no matter what, and was asked why
I would try something so unsafe. Anyway, the only person who gave me a glimmer of hope was H50, who at that time went by a different name on here, but I still know who he is. Anyway, there were sceptics back then, and I guess there still are, but I know it will work. I tried and tested it under extreme conditions, and it all held up perfectly, till I smacked a wall, and wrecked the car, but that's another story.

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70 & 1/2 RS Camaro
SB406 & M20 4spd
9" Rear
70 Malibu
SB350 & TH400

Gold Member # 103