RE: [Chevelle-list] Quick question - regarding Hotchkis A-arms andbrake conversion

[Dave Studly]

I'm using a Hotchkis front suspension on my '70 -- their A-arms, springs,
tie-rod sleeves.  I'm using the 78-up B-body spindles.  I'm using otherwise
stock GM 12 disc brakes.  The only parts I got from the junkyard were the
spindles themselves.

The Hotchkis upper A-arm should come with the correct ball joint installed.
The lower balljoint needs to match the spindle application (in my case,
78-up B-body).   But, this ball joint is too big to mount in a stock
Chevelle lower control arm.  You can either get the lower balljoint machined
down at your local machine shop, or you can order a pre-machined unit from
Hotchkis.  I chose the latter.  I had my local shop install them when I had
my a-arm bushings installed.  I believe my total bill was $57 for 4 lower
control arm bushings and 2 ball joints.

I have a complete parts list for doing this conversion if you'd like --
rotors, calipers, bolts, bearings, seals, hoses, backing plates(dust
shields), etc.   It's all parts-store stuff, except for the backing
plates -- dealer part.  The braking ability of the 12 brakes on an A-body
is outstanding.  And the handling improvement is equally huge.

Let me know if I can help..

-Dave


-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Graham Wooden
Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2004 1:50 PM
To: The Chevelle Mailing List
Subject: [Chevelle-list] Quick question - regarding Hotchkis A-arms
andbrake conversion



Bah, I was told (from a friend) that I *could* use the stock spindles with
the Hotchkis arms (using Chevelle upper ball joints) - so I jumped the gun
and got the 67-72 A Body Wilwood kit. But now I don't think that's a good
idea.  I just mounted the spindle and it does not want to swivel around
Plus, according to Hotchkis's website it states not to use the stock
spindles.  CRAP.  Lack of judgment and research just kicked me in the butt I
think.

So, now I am back to *almost* square one with my brake conversion.  I want
to use a kit because I don't have time to search through salvage yards - but
which one do I get?  Hotchkis recommends the following spindles to be used:
70-76 F-Body
78+ B-Body

So, if I go with 70-76 F Body spindles - do I get the Wilwood kit to match a
70's Camaro? I know I probably have asked this before, and I do apologize -
but I have to ask again; is anyone using the Hotchkis Arms and if so, what
brake kit are you using?

Thanks in advance.

-Graham

Re: [Chevelle-list] Quick question - regarding Hotchkis A-arms andbrake conversion

[Graham Wooden]

Thanks Chuck; I think I am going to stick with the Wilwood kit and just
revert back to the original upper arms.

I did get a few emails off post about the Hotchkis A arms - the spindles
actually do move; I meant to say in my original post that they don't spin
around freely as I *would* think they should.

-Graham


On 11/14/04 8:34 PM, Chuck Speake [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

 If you want a complete kit try
 stainlesssteelbrakes.com
 The kit comes complete with everything you need, and you can purchase it
 with standard, or 2 drop spindles.
 Hope this helps.
 
 
 Best regards,
 Chuck Speake
 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 
 -Original Message-
 From: Graham Wooden [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
 Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2004 12:50 PM
 To: The Chevelle Mailing List
 Subject: [Chevelle-list] Quick question - regarding Hotchkis A-arms andbrake
 conversion
 
 
 Bah, I was told (from a friend) that I *could* use the stock spindles with
 the Hotchkis arms (using Chevelle upper ball joints) - so I jumped the gun
 and got the 67-72 A Body Wilwood kit. But now I don't think that's a good
 idea.  I just mounted the spindle and it does not want to swivel around
 Plus, according to Hotchkis's website it states not to use the stock
 spindles.  CRAP.  Lack of judgment and research just kicked me in the butt I
 think.
 
 So, now I am back to *almost* square one with my brake conversion.  I want
 to use a kit because I don't have time to search through salvage yards - but
 which one do I get?  Hotchkis recommends the following spindles to be used:
 70-76 F-Body
 78+ B-Body
 
 So, if I go with 70-76 F Body spindles - do I get the Wilwood kit to match a
 70's Camaro? I know I probably have asked this before, and I do apologize -
 but I have to ask again; is anyone using the Hotchkis Arms and if so, what
 brake kit are you using?
 
 Thanks in advance.
 
 -Graham