[BluEyesIDFN]

Hi all, just found this forum, and hoping you guys can help me out.

I'm working on swapping front discs onto my '65 Nova. (sorry it's not a Chevelle, but at least it's a Chevy)
I've read all the threads here, and found out about the different sized bolts on the older spindles. Everyone mentions a 1/2" upper bolt, and I think my upper bolt is already that size. But, when I measure the holes on my caliper brackets from Classic Industries, the upper hole measures 5/8", and the lower one is 1/2".

So, what's up here? I really don't want the caliper mount sliding around, and a 1/2" upper bolt would seem to allow 1/8" of movement...
I've thought of making a filler for both holes that would keep things centered, but would the bolts be strong enough? Drilling and tapping the upper hole out to 5/8" seems a bit extreme, and it seems like alot of material to take out of the spindle.

Also, has anyone tried drilling the lower hole oversize for a bigger bolt? It seems pretty easy given enough patience with the drill, but I wonder if there will be enough material left to support things.

[Cam Sweet]

I did a set of early Nova spindles for a buddy. I suspect in some of my previous posts, I have misidentified the bolt sizes. I do most of my TC stuff from work so my information is ALL from memory. Scary, huh!!! Anyhow, I drilled and tapped the smaller, early, brake shoe pivot bolt hole out to the size of the caliper hole (as well as machining it down). The spindles in that area are identical, ealy-vs-late. The steering arm mounts seem to be smaller on hte early spindles so, instead if comprimising their integrity by drilling a bigger hole, I fashioned a shim from some steel tube on the lathe. He's been running htem for a couple of years now and hasn't had any problems. Hope this helps....

Cam

[BluEyesIDFN]

So, drill and tap the upper hole to 5/8", and shim the lower?

I got my rotors yesterday, and they're so pretty Really looking foward to getting the front discs on, then try putting some 10.5" Caddy discs I've got out back!

[John_Muha]

Depending on where you are, later drum spindles aren't that hard to find. Very few people look for them and even less want them for modification.

[BluEyesIDFN]

Yeah, they should be pretty easy to come by, there's a great yard near me.
Trouble is, then I've gotta mess around with seperating the balljoints on my car, and possibly messing them up, or tearing the boots, so I was kinda shooting to do this with the spindles still on the car. Besides, a few bolts and spacers to take up the slop is less than $24 for a new pair or spindles.