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Disc Brakes don't fit '66 Mustang Coupe
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gadmire
New User
| Posts: 1
| Joined: 03/08
Posted: 03/06/08
01:30 PM
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I recently decided to convert to front disc brakes on my '66 coupe. Because I am clueless about this kind of thing, I took my car to a local classic Mustang shop.
When they completed the job I found that my front wheels were making strange noises (loud clanking, etc). On one occassion smoke started coming from the front brakes. I took it to a local mechanic to find the source of the problem. The mechanic there found that the Mustang shop had shaved (ground) the two calipers down to fit the existing standard wheel. Also, they did this in a way that when the brakes were hot, the calipers were digging into the wheels. It was necessary to replace most of the existing disc brake installation and to purchase new wheels to accomodate the calipers.
I intend to ask for a refund from the original classic Mustang shop, but before I do so, I need to know whether "shaving" the calipers to fit is an accepted practice in the industry. Does anyone have any comments on this practice?
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Falcon67
Enthusiast
| Posts: 474
| Joined: 12/06
Posted: 03/07/08
08:20 AM
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When you swap "granada" parts onto an early car, the single piston calipers often do not clear 14" wheels. It varies by the caliper - depends on how the parting line was cast. Most of the ones I've used required a little work with a die grinder down the casting line of the caliper. It's never a whole bunch and once the wheel has sufficient clearance it should be fine from then on. If the shop didn't take the time to verify wheel clearance even after shaving the calipers, then they dropped the ball IMHO.
1967 Falcon 4 door 351C-4V
1970 Mustang 351C-2V
http://raceabilene.com/kelly/hotrod
Owner built, owner abused.
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Posted: 03/10/08
06:29 AM
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Agreed...
I've had to carefully grind/trim caliper cooling fins (latemodel PBR style) and casting lines in the past as well. When done right it is not an issue (except maybe one of asthetics)...
I think the Mustang shop failed in their customer service here. They should have informed you that to keep the 14-inch drum brake wheels some minor modifications to the brake kit will be necessary. The brake company would not take back modified calipers so at that point it's either different wheels or grind on the calipers. It sounds like they didn't communicate with you too well...
HTH...
Mark
Mark Houlahan
Editor
Modified Mustangs & Fords Magazine
1965 FFR Roadster 427W/TKO-600
1966 Mustang 289-4V/C4
1968 Mustang 4.6L Three-Valve/5R55S auto
1990 Mustang 347/AOD
1998 Escort 2.0L SOHC/F4E-111 Auto
2002 Explorer Sport Trac 4.0L V-6/5R55 Auto
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