X-body disc swap onto '66 Lark

Hi guys,

After doing much searching on here, I found a link to Master Power Brakes site and they list a disc spindle kit that is for '64 to '72 A-body, 68-79 X-body, and '67-69 Camaro/Firebird.

There are many of these later model Novas and Omega's around at the yards, and I want to do this swap on the cheap. Can anybody confirm this will work? Any of the A-body stuff out there is like gold!

Thanks,

Brian

 

Well I can't completely confirm it,,but the spindles I bought at a swap meet where supposedly out of a 73 Omega I think the fellow had said. He claimed they would work,,,and so far everything "looks" fine, and bolted up fine, I held them up to the drum spindles that came off of my '65 and the geometry looked the same by eye balling it!!!

 

http://www.scarebird.com/6928.html

They have mounting plates for the calipers, and they can tell you what parts fit your application. My Riv didn't need a spindle swap, so there is a chance your 'lark won't.

Call then and talk with them. They are excellent!

 

To preface this, would 1st note that I've personally been putting factory A-body, early F-body, & '68- '74 & Nova disc swaps together for nearly 20 years. There are some slight differences, but nothing that can't be worked around.

-'68-74 Nova disc spindles are the same as '67-72 disc A-body spindles. Double ck them in bare condition, as many are chewed up under the outer bearing.
-Caliper brackets will work, though there are several different part numbers on these.
-Original single piston calipers were actually different between '69-72 A-body-GrandPrix-Monte, & '69 F & '69-74 "X" body. The difference is in the machining of where the brake hose attached. Most parts stores today carry mid 70's rebuilt calipers. Some will even sell a new (non GM) casting. Something to think about if you're picky about what you're using on a high point restoration.
-As the 1st Gen F-body & early "X" body steering arms are thicker on one side where they mount to the bare spindle, one of the two fine threaded bolts attaching the spindle to the A-body steering arms is longer on the the F-"X" body assembled spindles... need correct length A-body disc bolts, may have some to swap.
-Other steering arm issue.
Original '64-66 A-body steering arms have smaller diam holes than those on '67 & later spindles. Usually easiast to substitute '67-70 A-body steering arms when converting to factory disc brakes on a '64-66 A-body. Alternative is to ream your '64-66 A-body steering arms out slightly.
-New "repro" spindles
So far have examined 3 of the new Chinese disc spindles that the lower two holes would not line up with good used '67-70 A-body steering arms, not good.
-New dust shields are made by at least two different manufacturers.

Got Posi
:3gears:
Roger

 

Thanks to all.

I was just wondering about the '75-'79 Nova/Omega deal. There are very few earlier ones around and none have disc brakes that I have come across. There seems to be an abundance of the newer cars in the yards, and although I haven't looked at any of them, I would assume a higher percentage would have discs.

I was considering buying the new spindles from OPGI. I assume they are made off shore, but there is no info offered on the web site.

I have located a complete set up from a Monte Carlo, but he wants $450 for it. New set ups from the speed shop are around $950 and are complete with all hardware, booster, etc. I'm leaning this way.

But if the newer Nova cars will work, it would be much cheaper.

Thanks,
Brian

 

OPH, good dissertation on the whole 64-72 A/F/X spindle issue. According to Hollander, there are 8 different variations of the same casting (bastards!) and 65 is especially bad as 6 of the variants in that year alone...

I always wondered how those repop spindles worked... may be better to mill down your existing bosses down 0.300"(?) and use them, or our stuff.