Best way to get E-brakes?

[68Rumblebird]

Hi guys,

I've got a 10 bolt 8.5" rear axle with disc brakes from a '79-80 Trans Am. The built in e-brakes have seized on me AGAIN! I'm sick and tired of replacing calipers just to pass inspection.

What are my options?
If I replace the complete rear brake setup to say Wilwood dynalites I will probably have to do changes to my master cylinder and distribution block before I get everything tuned and working. Might be a lot of $$$ in the end for just an e-brake...

I'm leaning towards the small spot calipers instead. But they look kinda small, will they be adequate for my car ('68 Firebird)? Is there a bracket available that works together with my current brakes? Is anyone running this setup?


/Niklas
Gothenburg, Sweden

[MarkM66]

Have you considered using a 93-97 LT1 camaro rear set up?

[68Rumblebird]

Do they work with 15" wheels?
I would like to keep the original appearance with my 15x7" Rallye II wheels.

[vintageracer]

If your calipers continue to seize on a yearly basis that tells me that you are not using the emergency brake every time you park the car. This caliper design requires that you use the emergency brakes everytime you park the car. Using the E brake everytime properly adjusts the brake pads in the rear caliper as the brake pads wear out. This also ensures that the pistons do not sieze in the calipers as you have experienced.

The most simple solution is to again replace your siezed calipers and use your emergency brake EVERYTIME you park in the future. This is the easiest solution to your problem. There is nothing wrong with the Trans Am rear rear brakes you currently have installed on your Bird other than you are not properly using the E brake as designed.

[68Rumblebird]

Is there any way to free up the ratchet function in seized pistons. I'm thinking boil them in oil or rinse them in some solvent?

I guess I should give the T/A brakes another chance but after dying on me again after the last winter storage (in a warm and dry garage) I got fed up. That's why I'm looking for other options.

/Niklas

[ProdigyCustoms]

Like Mike says, use it or lose it!

[gmachinz]

We have assembled the parts to duplicate the later model S-10 rear rotors with integrated e-brake shoes-that should work for you! We don't have it totally mocked on our '87 SS just yet, but at a glance, it should clear 15" wheels. -Jabin

[ProTouring442]

I believe that Stainless Steel Brakes makes a caliper that will bolt in place of the Trans Am caliper. Check out their web site or give them a call.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill
'72 442 "Inamorata"

[DAK]

We have assembled the parts to duplicate the later model S-10 rear rotors with integrated e-brake shoes-that should work for you! We don't have it totally mocked on our '87 SS just yet, but at a glance, it should clear 15" wheels. -Jabin

I have 98 and newer Blazer rear disks on my 84 Cutlass. My axle is an early A-body 8.5 though. These brakes clear a 14x6 olds rim. http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a129/dwkohout/100_0224.jpg
The Z28 guys have figured out this swap too. http://www.nastyz28.com/forum/showthread.php?t=49459

[boodlefoof]

Could swap in a pinion mount E-brake. I really like that option myself.

[68Rumblebird]

Thanks for your replies guys.

The Stainless steel caliper sounds interesting, I will check that one out.

I've thought about going with a pinion mounted disc brake but haven't found a kit that bolt to the 8,5" 10-bolt axle that I've got.

So what about the Wilwood mechanical spot calipers I was thinking about anyone got first hand experience with thoose?

/Niklas

[BonzoHansen]

The Z28 guys have figured out this swap too. http://www.nastyz28.com/forum/showthread.php?t=49459
Not entirely. That thread never got updated with final results. There was an article in Pontiac High Performance (or something like that) that spelled this swap out, w/GM part numbers. But the article did not specifically show an f-body. I think the old shock location problem reared its ugly head again on this. I was very anxious to see how this played out. IIRC, the rotor on the S10 is around 12”. Can any of you magazine guys get us a copy of that article?? :secret:

And everyone is right – you must regularly exercise that e-brake or those old iron calipers die fast.

[DAK]

Not entirely. That thread never got updated with final results. IIRC, the rotor on the S10 is around 12”.

I didn't know that. There seem to be a ton of confusion between if 2 lefts or 2 rights were needed. Both sides are right. 4x4 blazers had the rear calipers on the front of the axle and the 2wd had them mounted on the back.
The disks are 11.6in.

[BonzoHansen]

I am still waiting to see pics of a functioning setup on an fbody.