Ain't it fun??

[swervin ervin]

I just thought I would chime in and let everyone know how my rear disc conversion is coming along. I should be done by now but I keep having setbacks.

First, my park brake cables are not cutting it. They worked fine, but try getting the damn caliper off with it hooked up. It ain't going to happen. Not enough slack in the cable to get them off the brackets. Next, if you take the cable loose, you play hell getting them back on. So, I talked to a custom cable maker today and will be ordering some new cables tommorow.

Then to top this off, I can't get the POS flexible brake lines to quit leaking long enough to bleed the rears. The kits came with 4 crush washers and so did the calipers. I used every washer I've got and they still leak. I plan on buying more washers tomorrow and take the line off and maybe sand the area on the banjo fitting where they go. They are chrome like any stainless line. I don't know if this will work or not but something has to be done.

When I cut my old stock hard lines and double flared it, I flubbed it the first time and they both leaked. So I tried to reflare them and they were too short. Anyway, I bought some new ones today and got that fixed. Just need to get the stainless flexible lines to quit leaking.

I have the worst damn luck when it comes to hydraulic lines. I'll get it fixed, but it sure is pissing me off.

Just a word of warning to anyone thinking of doing this. It ain't all puddin' and pie. There is a lot of crap you need to get figured out. Maybe by me being the guinea pig, I'll have all the bugs worked out for it.

I wish now I would have just went with regular calipers. The Seville calipers are nice, and it will nice to have a park brake, but they are more trouble than they are worth to me, especially for what you have to pay for the things.

Oh well, it felt good to rant a little.

[LOHRTBT]

well keep your head up man! I know it will be perfect and nothing less when your done.

[Low87]

Nice to see I'm not the only one whose projects wind up like that...

[ocbaud]

i have good news!

since i'm interning with my school district, i get to work with people that know about everyone in the district. anyway.... i'm having the metal/welding shop in the votech cut my brackets for me

[Tom]

Originally posted by ocbaud
i'm having the metal/welding shop in the votech cut my brackets for me

You ment to say two pairs of brackets for you AND me right?

[82 Silverado 4X]

Mike,
I've noticed most used crush washers have a swirl pattern when you remove them. Remove the chrome from the surfaces of the fittings as you planned but try using a heavy grit paper or tool to reproduce that round swirl pattern on both faces of the fittings. That should get them to seal.

[PHOENIX]

Mike, if you had to do it over again would you just buy a kit?
Just curious. Rear discs is something I would like to do someday.

[swervin ervin]

No, I would still do it the way I went. Buying a kit is OK I guess, but I think my brackets are way better and stronger. When or if you do buy a kit, it doesn't come with a disc/disc master or combination valve anyway. I found this is the best way to do this. I'm sure there are other less expensive alternatives too. Then you still have the brake cable issue to deal with.

It would be a lot cheaper if you went with calipers without the parking brake. But after thinking about this I'll feel safer having one.

I bought some new copper crush washers today. Haven't had the time to work on it though. I will probably work on the leaking hose tomorrow. I think I know what caused my leak. I painted the calipers. I think I had paint between the washer and caliper. Anyway, I'll find out tomorrow for sure what is causing this.

Buying a kit would be easier as far as the brackets go, but I just couldn't find a kit that looked strong enough to suit me.

[N2TRUX]

Mike it looks like it coming together for you. BTW- Have you seen this thread?
Disc Conversion

[swervin ervin]

Yeah I seen that Ken. His brackets look a lot better than mine. I'm guessing they were lazer cut. Still using 3 bolts to hold it on though.

[raggedjim]

Swerve, They were cnc built. Thanks for the info you have posted, it gives me things to watchout for when I start running lines! Hang in there, Rg