Simple brake advice

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

   Good afternoon everyone,
I wonder if you could help with some simple easy brake advice?

I have searched through many posts on here and while there was lots of great information I have found it confusing.

As I live in the UK and most parts need to come from the US I need to make sure that what I buy is correct as there isn't much room for modification or returns if parts are wrong.

I need to rebuild the brakes on the car, 1969 AMX power front disk, rear drums.

1. I need rear drums. The car should have 10inch by 1 3/4inch drums. Are these a suitable replacement? Centric 123.67024

2. Does the Wilwood kit, http://www.freakride.com/product/wilwood-brakes-amc-stock-replacement-front-rear/ fit with stock AMX 14inch wheels? The text on the page implies not, but I would like to know for definite. Also, can you use teh stock master cylinders with the Wilwood brakes or od you need Wilwood's own.

3. If the Wilwooods don't fit or for reasons of cost are the Bendix four piston disks good enough? I see that Rockauto sell the calipers. Would they be suitable? Also, I assume that Rockauto can supply most of the hoses, fittings, drum brake hardware kits, pads and shoes?

4. Can the solid disks be successfully turned down and if so, is there a maximum cut that should not be exceeded? Alternatively, is there a source for new hubs/disks.

I know there are a few specialised AMC vendors, and I no doubt will be contacting them for more specialised parts but for these 'hard' parts Rockauto would be a first choice. The main reason for this is that Rockauto roll both shipping and duty costs into their prices which effectively gives me a solid cost up front and avoids our revenue folk from thinking of a number then doubling it and holding the parts for ransom before I get them.

Any advice gratefully appreciated.

All the best
Sandy

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic
Scotamx Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Apprentice Joined: Aug/26/2016 Location: Glasgow Status: Offline Points: 33	Post Options Post Reply Quote Scotamx Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Simple brake advice Posted: Sep/25/2016 at 6:56am
	Good afternoon everyone, I wonder if you could help with some simple easy brake advice? I have searched through many posts on here and while there was lots of great information I have found it confusing. As I live in the UK and most parts need to come from the US I need to make sure that what I buy is correct as there isn't much room for modification or returns if parts are wrong. I need to rebuild the brakes on the car, 1969 AMX power front disk, rear drums. 1. I need rear drums. The car should have 10inch by 1 3/4inch drums. Are these a suitable replacement? Centric 123.67024 2. Does the Wilwood kit, http://www.freakride.com/product/wilwood-brakes-amc-stock-replacement-front-rear/ fit with stock AMX 14inch wheels? The text on the page implies not, but I would like to know for definite. Also, can you use teh stock master cylinders with the Wilwood brakes or od you need Wilwood's own. 3. If the Wilwooods don't fit or for reasons of cost are the Bendix four piston disks good enough? I see that Rockauto sell the calipers. Would they be suitable? Also, I assume that Rockauto can supply most of the hoses, fittings, drum brake hardware kits, pads and shoes? 4. Can the solid disks be successfully turned down and if so, is there a maximum cut that should not be exceeded? Alternatively, is there a source for new hubs/disks. I know there are a few specialised AMC vendors, and I no doubt will be contacting them for more specialised parts but for these 'hard' parts Rockauto would be a first choice. The main reason for this is that Rockauto roll both shipping and duty costs into their prices which effectively gives me a solid cost up front and avoids our revenue folk from thinking of a number then doubling it and holding the parts for ransom before I get them. Any advice gratefully appreciated. All the best Sandy

401MATCOUPE Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: May/20/2010 Location: Salisbury, MD Status: Offline Points: 5367	Post Options Post Reply Quote 401MATCOUPE Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Sep/25/2016 at 7:11am
	Sandy, 1. The Centric Drums are a perfect fit, they don't look the same, but fit and function are right on. Just put them on a customer 67 Ambassador, which are the same as 69 AMX. 2. I only do stock cars....so I am not sure on the Wilwood's, but I believe will not fit under a 14" stock wheel.......other Forum members have done this conversion. 3.The Rockauto 4 piston calipers are new production and I personally stick with the stock set up for ease since you are out of this continent. I am not sure if Rockauto sells the hoses and pads....but they are easy from other AMC vendors. 4. The solid discs can be cut, minimum diameter is .450, however, Rockauto did/does sell new rotors and you have to use the old hub over and should use new studs. You may have to buy the studs from AMC vendor too...so that would only be two vendors. Ross
	Ross K. Peterson 68X,GoPac,343,AT,52A(1stCar) 68X,GoPac,390,4sp,52A 69X,GoPac,390,4sp,64A 70X,GoPac,390,4sp,87A,8 70X,GoPac,390,4sp,BBO,8 70 Jav SST,390,AT,BSO 74MatX,401,AT,Prototype 74MatX,401,AT

74gremx Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Jan/18/2009 Location: Adelaide, Aust Status: Offline Points: 949	Post Options Post Reply Quote 74gremx Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Sep/25/2016 at 7:13am
	Here in australia we find the kelsey hayes brake set up from 1971 onwards is a suitable upgrade from the bendix 4 piston as those parts are almost obsolete. In the US the later single piston bendix seems a good upgrade but they weren't available here. The solid disc should be 0.45 inch minimum. I think that number is cast into the hub. As you say, rock auto is a good source and I have used them successfully
	1970 Javelin 360/727 1974 Levis Gremlin X 304/904 1964 American Convertible 1974 Matador wagon (parts) 2016 Holden Cruze Equipe 2014 Holden Colorado "Don't mistake activity for achievement".

uncljohn Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Jan/03/2013 Location: Peoria AZ Status: Offline Points: 5394	Post Options Post Reply Quote uncljohn Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Sep/25/2016 at 9:25am
	There is nothing wrong with the above advice, being in England or out of the country just makes things a bit harder to deal with. MOPAR vehicles about the same year or earlier than your AMX also used those Front Disc brakes and members of the Finnish AMC club have reported that those brake parts have also been compatible with the AMC application AMC club in Finland
	70 390 5spd Donohue 74 Hornet In restoration 76 Hornet, 5.7L Mercury Marine Power 80 Fuel Injected I6 Spirit 74 232 I-6, 4bbl, 270HL Isky Cam

401MATCOUPE Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: May/20/2010 Location: Salisbury, MD Status: Offline Points: 5367	Post Options Post Reply Quote 401MATCOUPE Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Sep/25/2016 at 10:29am
	Front hoses for 4 piston calipers are available from Rockauto...... FYI, MOPAR used Bendix and Kelsey Hayes Calipers are neither are NOT the same as used on AMC, they look the same but are not the same and will not mount to AMC brackets. The Kelsey Hayes brackets on 71-74 AMC Disc are all made by AMC, with AMC casting numbers and made in the casting department in Kenosha. I have no idea if some other MOPAR will work, but my past experience with MOT in Europe is they are very picky about brake modifications (anything to do with safety). The caliper repair kits are the same between MOPAR 4 Piston Bendix and Single Piston Kelsey/Hayes....but that is about it. Since your car is a disc, the easy route is to fix your existing system, you will be happy and the MOT will be happy.
	Ross K. Peterson 68X,GoPac,343,AT,52A(1stCar) 68X,GoPac,390,4sp,52A 69X,GoPac,390,4sp,64A 70X,GoPac,390,4sp,87A,8 70X,GoPac,390,4sp,BBO,8 70 Jav SST,390,AT,BSO 74MatX,401,AT,Prototype 74MatX,401,AT

Dan390 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Mar/20/2012 Location: MN Status: Offline Points: 606	Post Options Post Reply Quote Dan390 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Sep/25/2016 at 1:43pm
	Back in the 80's we sent our front disc calipers to be stainless steel sleeved, and they have been like new all these years since, well worth the cost (I forget what it cost, but we were poor then so it wasn't too bad!) I don't even know if they are still in business but here's the info I had from that time, a great way to keep your factory parts and they shouldn't go bad again. Remember the following info is in my records from the 80's, so it's possible NONE of it currently applies today, but just in case: Stainless Steel Brakes corporation 11470 Main road Clarence, New York 14031 1-800-448-7722 order line (716) 759-8669 tech line They performed the following: --bored and resleeved all 4 piston cylinders on the 2 calipers --new rubber seals and dust boots --computer pressure decay tested --stainless steel bleeder screws and internal piston springs --front hose outlets resurfaced with 2 new copper washers added --new housing bolts with mounting threads cleaned and chased --painted black with epoxy black

maximus7001 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Supporter of TheAMCForum Joined: Jun/27/2011 Location: Winnipeg,Canada Status: Offline Points: 1086	Post Options Post Reply Quote maximus7001 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Sep/26/2016 at 5:05am
	If your car came with the 2 piece welded steel rear drums then you might not have enough stud length left after putting cast iron drums on. The wheel mating surface is thicker on the cast drums by 3x. On my 68 Javelin I had to continue using the original 2 piece welded drums until I can get longer studs for the rear wheels. The new drums are just sitting in the trunk until spring time.
	1968 Javelin SST 1997 GMC Safari AWD 2001 Daewoo Nubira SX (Winnipeg only model) 1997 Honda Accord EX (Canadian Model) Winnipeg, home of the Jets.

Scotamx Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Apprentice Joined: Aug/26/2016 Location: Glasgow Status: Offline Points: 33	Post Options Post Reply Quote Scotamx Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Sep/26/2016 at 8:50am
	Thanks for everyone's replies. I have ordered the Centric drums. Just as a further 'simple' question, is there any where a listing of what size (Thread) brake line nuts go in all locations on a '69 AMX. For example, master cylinder, rear drum cylinders, axle flexi hose joint, front calipers, proportioning valve, etc (in case I have missed any). I am going to make up new lines and knowing what nuts to use would be a great help. All the best

401MATCOUPE Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: May/20/2010 Location: Salisbury, MD Status: Offline Points: 5367	Post Options Post Reply Quote 401MATCOUPE Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Sep/26/2016 at 10:34am
	All the lines are 3/16" for the brakes, the master cylinder uses a 1/2"-20 nut, a few places use 7/16"-20 and all the rest use 3/8"-24 short, except the brake caliper used 3/8"-24 long nuts.
	Ross K. Peterson 68X,GoPac,343,AT,52A(1stCar) 68X,GoPac,390,4sp,52A 69X,GoPac,390,4sp,64A 70X,GoPac,390,4sp,87A,8 70X,GoPac,390,4sp,BBO,8 70 Jav SST,390,AT,BSO 74MatX,401,AT,Prototype 74MatX,401,AT

maximus7001 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Supporter of TheAMCForum Joined: Jun/27/2011 Location: Winnipeg,Canada Status: Offline Points: 1086	Post Options Post Reply Quote maximus7001 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Sep/26/2016 at 3:36pm
	Don't forget about the rear hose. It is almost always overlooked and not considered important. It is what failed on mine in July leaving the car with no brakes at all. I used what I already had on hand. A roll of 1/4" line and a rear hose from a 1997 Safari van fits well and is the same length for 68-69. However the line size to the front of the car with this hose is 1/4" and needs an adapter to fit the pressure differential valve which uses a 3/16" line. The flare on the 1/4" line does not mate with the valve even if the nut threads in. The lines going to the wheel cylinders are the same as stock (3/16"). Edited by maximus7001 - Sep/26/2016 at 3:39pm
	1968 Javelin SST 1997 GMC Safari AWD 2001 Daewoo Nubira SX (Winnipeg only model) 1997 Honda Accord EX (Canadian Model) Winnipeg, home of the Jets.