Drilling rotor's - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Andy4639 · 11-07-2012, 03:01 AM

Has any one tried drilling a new set of rotor's?

Just wondering if it could be done and would it have any advantage over just new rotor's.

skorpioskorpio · 11-07-2012, 05:36 AM

Drilled rotors are generally indexed between the vanes, so you better know exactly the path of the vanes before you commit. also the holes should be chamfered to reduce stress crack which will likely happen anyway. Your best bet is to do this on a CNC mill with lot and lots of cooling fluid so you don't disrupt the temper of the rotor.

Personally, while drilled rotors look cool, and they do, slotted rotors I feel accomplish the task better. They scuff the pad to make it grip more aggressively, they don't compromise the integrity of the rotor as much and don't reduce your surface area as much. Oh and they sound cool and let you brake later.

Once you get your brakes working really well, make sure your mirrors are good, having brakes better than the guy behind you isn't all upside.

ChevLoRay · 11-07-2012, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skorpioskorpio

.....Once you get your brakes working really well, make sure your mirrors are good, having brakes better than the guy behind you isn't all upside.

Or, it may make it easier to get some money to finance some additional projects....just sayin'.

GRX · 11-07-2012, 12:34 PM

Drilled rotors are more susceptible to cracking. This can be reduced by rounding the edges of the holes. If you must have swiss cheese, shoot for rotors with cast holes instead.

**lolife99** · 11-07-2012, 12:38 PM

Drilled rotors are over rated if you are going for looks.
Unless they are coated to prevent rust,... they end up looking like this.

**truckster** · 11-07-2012, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolife99

Drilled rotors are over rated if you are going for looks.
Unless they are coated to prevent rust,... they end up looking like this.

A picture truly is worth 1,000 words...

**lolife99** · 11-07-2012, 01:04 PM

Yep.
The outer most part of the rotor and the 1/4" strip next to the hub (where the contact area of the brake pad doesn't touch) will always rust.
But a smooth rotor will look cleaner because it cleans the rust every time you apply the brakes.
But those holes will always show the rust.
They suck.

I gave $135 each for mine,... thinking I was buying quality US made rotors.
But unless you pay a higher price for the coating they will look like this.

This is a picture from the internet,... but mine look just like this on my blazer.

**lolife99** · 11-07-2012, 01:13 PM

Unless you are going with big brakes,... this looks better in my opinion.

CC69Rat · 11-07-2012, 01:19 PM

Are mine gonna rust ?

(are they coated?)

Anything I can do now to prevent it? Ex. Paint the rotors and let the pads wear off that it needs to?

Ackattack · 11-07-2012, 01:37 PM

I painted mine after they rusted initially. Eventually the paint will probably burn off and rust again.

Not really worth it IMO.

**lolife99** · 11-07-2012, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CC69Rat

Are mine gonna rust ?

(are they coated?)

Anything I can do now to prevent it? Ex. Paint the rotors and let the pads wear off that it needs to?

Your's look zinc coated,... maybe.

Here's some pics from member nlped's thread.
These are a McGaughy's big brake kit.
Look at the before and after.
Large rotor,... but not that big of pad area.

CC69Rat · 11-07-2012, 02:04 PM

Same as mine.. McGaughys.
Posted via Mobile Device

**lolife99** · 11-07-2012, 02:12 PM

I brought this old "rotor coatings" thread back to the top.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=441756

CC69Rat · 11-07-2012, 02:16 PM

Mine will rarely see water.. not really worried about it but I might still paint with some kind of preventative. Rustoleum or similar..
Posted via Mobile Device

**lolife99** · 11-07-2012, 02:19 PM

My blazer rotors will rust just setting in the garage from humidity.
I painted the hub and the edge,... but the two non-contact area of the rotor and the holes will rust.
Next time I will paint the entire rotor,... and they wil be smooth rotors.

CC69Rat · 11-07-2012, 02:45 PM

I'm just going to quit using my brakes. Take em off.

GRX · 11-07-2012, 02:46 PM

In the past I have had success coating the rotors (inside and out) with high temp header paint. This was after a cycle in the shop hot tank to remove any oily deposits. Several years in my off road jeep and no rust, except on the pad surfaces after sitting.

edit: they were brand new rotors. Used ones with surface and internal rust present their own challenges.

BarryB · 11-07-2012, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolife99

I brought this old "rotor coatings" thread back to the top.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=441756

Is this on a truck? I noticed the rack and pinion. I was wanting to do this to mine. Looking for ideas.

Andy4639 · 11-07-2012, 06:58 PM

Well the price for coated rotor's drilled are out of my price range. I guess I'll just stay with regular rotor's. Mine seem to be fine was just curious.
Another ? though if I buy new rotors which ones are better for the rust coating? Is there a product that I can use myself?

**lolife99** · 11-07-2012, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarryB

Is this on a truck? I noticed the rack and pinion. I was wanting to do this to mine. Looking for ideas.

Yes that's picture is on a member's truck that is equipped with a Porterbuilt Dropmember.
They use a 79-93 mustang rack for steering.
Look here:
http://www.porterbuiltfabrication.co...p?63-La-Perica

And here:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=354512

BigCountryx · 11-07-2012, 10:32 PM

Check out lowlife's pic. See the tiny cracks that appear starting at the holes? Mine are doing the same. I'll never buy another set of drilled rotors.
Posted via Mobile Device

lpaine · 11-07-2012, 10:39 PM

I've seen slotted rotors that look like they would offer some advantages over drilled (which seem overrated on a street truck) don't remember where I exactly saw them though; easy search I would think to find some....

69GWC · 11-07-2012, 11:03 PM

I have crossed drilled and slotted rotors on the front of my 06, I did this not for looks but to help keep heat down as for some reason the stock rotors kept warping on me around every 10/15,000 miles or so. With these on there I have yet to have a issue even pulling a trailer daily.
Posted via Mobile Device

11-07-2012, 03:01 AM	#1
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Drilling rotor's Has any one tried drilling a new set of rotor's? Just wondering if it could be done and would it have any advantage over just new rotor's. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

11-07-2012, 05:36 AM	#2
skorpioskorpio Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 1,018	Re: Drilling rotor's Drilled rotors are generally indexed between the vanes, so you better know exactly the path of the vanes before you commit. also the holes should be chamfered to reduce stress crack which will likely happen anyway. Your best bet is to do this on a CNC mill with lot and lots of cooling fluid so you don't disrupt the temper of the rotor. Personally, while drilled rotors look cool, and they do, slotted rotors I feel accomplish the task better. They scuff the pad to make it grip more aggressively, they don't compromise the integrity of the rotor as much and don't reduce your surface area as much. Oh and they sound cool and let you brake later. Once you get your brakes working really well, make sure your mirrors are good, having brakes better than the guy behind you isn't all upside.

11-07-2012, 12:34 PM	#4
GRX Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: MD Posts: 1,937	Re: Drilling rotor's Drilled rotors are more susceptible to cracking. This can be reduced by rounding the edges of the holes. If you must have swiss cheese, shoot for rotors with cast holes instead. __________________ 1969 c-10 Step Side Long Bed. I-6 250cid = = 1969 Pontiac GTO hard top. 400, 4-speed.

11-07-2012, 12:38 PM	#5
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: Drilling rotor's Drilled rotors are over rated if you are going for looks. Unless they are coated to prevent rust,... they end up looking like this. Attached Images __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

11-07-2012, 01:04 PM	#7
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: Drilling rotor's Yep. The outer most part of the rotor and the 1/4" strip next to the hub (where the contact area of the brake pad doesn't touch) will always rust. But a smooth rotor will look cleaner because it cleans the rust every time you apply the brakes. But those holes will always show the rust. They suck. I gave $135 each for mine,... thinking I was buying quality US made rotors. But unless you pay a higher price for the coating they will look like this. This is a picture from the internet,... but mine look just like this on my blazer. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

11-07-2012, 01:13 PM	#8
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: Drilling rotor's Unless you are going with big brakes,... this looks better in my opinion. Attached Images __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

11-07-2012, 01:19 PM	#9
CC69Rat Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,212	Re: Drilling rotor's Are mine gonna rust ? (are they coated?) Anything I can do now to prevent it? Ex. Paint the rotors and let the pads wear off that it needs to? Attached Images __________________ Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 Currently underway 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet Sold 1985 Silverado Short Fleet Sold 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride)

11-07-2012, 01:37 PM	#10
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,525	Re: Drilling rotor's I painted mine after they rusted initially. Eventually the paint will probably burn off and rust again. Not really worth it IMO. __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

11-07-2012, 02:04 PM	#12
CC69Rat Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,212	Re: Drilling rotor's Same as mine.. McGaughys. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 Currently underway 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet Sold 1985 Silverado Short Fleet Sold 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride)

11-07-2012, 02:12 PM	#13
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: Drilling rotor's I brought this old "rotor coatings" thread back to the top. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=441756 Attached Images __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

11-07-2012, 02:16 PM	#14
CC69Rat Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,212	Re: Drilling rotor's Mine will rarely see water.. not really worried about it but I might still paint with some kind of preventative. Rustoleum or similar.. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 Currently underway 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet Sold 1985 Silverado Short Fleet Sold 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride)

11-07-2012, 02:19 PM	#15
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: Drilling rotor's My blazer rotors will rust just setting in the garage from humidity. I painted the hub and the edge,... but the two non-contact area of the rotor and the holes will rust. Next time I will paint the entire rotor,... and they wil be smooth rotors. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

11-07-2012, 02:45 PM	#16
CC69Rat Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,212	Re: Drilling rotor's I'm just going to quit using my brakes. Take em off. __________________ Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 Currently underway 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet Sold 1985 Silverado Short Fleet Sold 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride)

11-07-2012, 02:46 PM	#17
GRX Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: MD Posts: 1,937	Re: Drilling rotor's In the past I have had success coating the rotors (inside and out) with high temp header paint. This was after a cycle in the shop hot tank to remove any oily deposits. Several years in my off road jeep and no rust, except on the pad surfaces after sitting. edit: they were brand new rotors. Used ones with surface and internal rust present their own challenges. __________________ 1969 c-10 Step Side Long Bed. I-6 250cid = = 1969 Pontiac GTO hard top. 400, 4-speed. Last edited by GRX; 11-07-2012 at 02:55 PM. Reason: edit

11-07-2012, 06:58 PM	#19
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Drilling rotor's Well the price for coated rotor's drilled are out of my price range. I guess I'll just stay with regular rotor's. Mine seem to be fine was just curious. Another ? though if I buy new rotors which ones are better for the rust coating? Is there a product that I can use myself? __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.



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11-07-2012, 10:32 PM	#21
BigCountryx Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Gonzales, LA Posts: 779	Re: Drilling rotor's Check out lowlife's pic. See the tiny cracks that appear starting at the holes? Mine are doing the same. I'll never buy another set of drilled rotors. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1972 Pale Yella 2WD Blazer ..... 350HO/700R4.... '68 Clipped 1970 Original Paint SWB Farm Truck ..... 5.3/4L80.... 2x HRPT Participant

11-07-2012, 10:39 PM	#22
lpaine Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Parksville, B.C. Canada Posts: 637	Re: Drilling rotor's I've seen slotted rotors that look like they would offer some advantages over drilled (which seem overrated on a street truck) don't remember where I exactly saw them though; easy search I would think to find some.... __________________ 1969 G.M.C 3/4 Ton 920 (Canadian Version) 307 3 speed, currently apart 1998 Chevy 1/2 ton ex cab V-6 5 speed 1967 Chevy SWB - project truck; not started just yet

11-07-2012, 11:03 PM	#23
69GWC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,089	Re: Drilling rotor's I have crossed drilled and slotted rotors on the front of my 06, I did this not for looks but to help keep heat down as for some reason the stock rotors kept warping on me around every 10/15,000 miles or so. With these on there I have yet to have a issue even pulling a trailer daily. Posted via Mobile Device

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