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Rear Brake Conversion [message #122952] Sat, 23 April 2011 21:03 Go to next message
thorndike is currently offline  thorndike   United States
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Registered: January 2011
Location: Conifer, Colorado
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Well, to add more things to my list of stuff to do.

I took my gmc for a ride tonight and was dismayed when I stepped on the brakes and heard the unmistakable grinding noise that I have always associated with worn brakes shoes. I have contacted John Evans in New York for new shoes, but he is out of them.

I started looking at upgrading to disk brakes in the back as the shoes appear to be getting harder to find according to John. Since the only place I have to work on my coach is in the street in front of my house, is this the type of job that could be done over a weekend? I would assume that having a location where the entire backend could be jacked up to work on both sides at the same time would be preferable, but I don't have that here.

Any thoughts? Suggestions? Warnings?

Bob


Robert Peesel 1976 Royale 26' Side Dry Bath Conifer, Colorado
Re: [GMCnet] Rear Brake Conversion [message #122957 is a reply to message #122952] Sat, 23 April 2011 21:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Robin Hood is currently offline  Robin Hood   United States
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Registered: April 2011
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I converted my B-body Pontiac from drums to disks up front in my
mother's carport. It took a year. She never gets tired of giving me
flack about it.

So don't use your mother's carport. :)



On Sat, Apr 23, 2011 at 9:03 PM, Robert Peesel <thorndike@pldsllc.com> wrote:
>
>
> Well, to add more things to my list of stuff to do.
>
> I took my gmc for a ride tonight and was dismayed when I stepped on the brakes and heard the unmistakable grinding noise that I have always associated with worn brakes shoes.  I have contacted John Evans in New York for new shoes, but he is out of them.
>
> I started looking at upgrading to disk brakes in the back as the shoes appear to be getting harder to find according to John.  Since the only place I have to work on my coach is in the street in front of my house, is this the type of job that could be done over a weekend?  I would assume that having a location where the entire backend could be jacked up to work on both sides at the same time would be preferable, but I don't have that here.
>
> Any thoughts? Suggestions? Warnings?
>
> Bob
> --
> Robert Peesel
>
> 1976 Royale 26'
>
> Side Dry Bath
>
> Sterling, Va
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>



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Robin Hood
Jackson, MS
2003 Buick Lesabre
1968 Pontiac Catalina
Possible 1977 Palm Beach?
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Re: [GMCnet] Rear Brake Conversion [message #122958 is a reply to message #122952] Sat, 23 April 2011 21:34 Go to previous messageGo to next message
gmcrv1 is currently offline  gmcrv1   United States
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Registered: August 2007
Location: Memphis
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Bob,

Try these guys. They are first class with fast turn around times. I use to
use them when I lived in NJ. I didn't realize how well known they were when
I lived there. I used them because they were in the next town from me.

Good Luck,

Tom Eckert N2VWN
73 Glacier
Oakland, TN

On Sat, Apr 23, 2011 at 9:03 PM, Robert Peesel <thorndike@pldsllc.com>wrote:

>
>
> Well, to add more things to my list of stuff to do.
>
> I took my gmc for a ride tonight and was dismayed when I stepped on the
> brakes and heard the unmistakable grinding noise that I have always
> associated with worn brakes shoes. I have contacted John Evans in New York
> for new shoes, but he is out of them.
>
> I started looking at upgrading to disk brakes in the back as the shoes
> appear to be getting harder to find according to John. Since the only place
> I have to work on my coach is in the street in front of my house, is this
> the type of job that could be done over a weekend? I would assume that
> having a location where the entire backend could be jacked up to work on
> both sides at the same time would be preferable, but I don't have that here.
>
> Any thoughts? Suggestions? Warnings?
>
> Bob
> --
> Robert Peesel
>
> 1976 Royale 26'
>
> Side Dry Bath
>
> Sterling, Va
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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Re: [GMCnet] Rear Brake Conversion [message #122982 is a reply to message #122958] Sun, 24 April 2011 02:02 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Wayne Newland is currently offline  Wayne Newland   United States
Messages: 75
Registered: February 2004
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Member
Bob

Have you found Leigh Harrison in Woodbridge, Va.? If not, you should. He
can help you.

Wayne Newland F9300 75 Palm Beach Sebastian, Fl (formerly
Columbia, Md)

-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Tom Eckert
Sent: Saturday, April 23, 2011 10:35 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Rear Brake Conversion

Bob,

Try these guys. They are first class with fast turn around times. I use to
use them when I lived in NJ. I didn't realize how well known they were when
I lived there. I used them because they were in the next town from me.

Good Luck,

Tom Eckert N2VWN
73 Glacier
Oakland, TN

On Sat, Apr 23, 2011 at 9:03 PM, Robert Peesel <thorndike@pldsllc.com>wrote:

>
>
> Well, to add more things to my list of stuff to do.
>
> I took my gmc for a ride tonight and was dismayed when I stepped on the
> brakes and heard the unmistakable grinding noise that I have always
> associated with worn brakes shoes. I have contacted John Evans in New
York
> for new shoes, but he is out of them.
>
> I started looking at upgrading to disk brakes in the back as the shoes
> appear to be getting harder to find according to John. Since the only
place
> I have to work on my coach is in the street in front of my house, is this
> the type of job that could be done over a weekend? I would assume that
> having a location where the entire backend could be jacked up to work on
> both sides at the same time would be preferable, but I don't have that
here.
>
> Any thoughts? Suggestions? Warnings?
>
> Bob
> --
> Robert Peesel
>
> 1976 Royale 26'
>
> Side Dry Bath
>
> Sterling, Va
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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Re: [GMCnet] Rear Brake Conversion [message #123031 is a reply to message #122958] Sun, 24 April 2011 12:29 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jimk is currently offline  jimk   United States
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
We carry the same shoes as John Evans and are in stock.
We also stock our disc brake kit which you can install one side at a time.
Our disc system is not highly modified like some so parts a lot easier
to acquire.





On Sat, Apr 23, 2011 at 7:34 PM, Tom Eckert <gmcrv1@gmail.com> wrote:
> Bob,
>
> Try these guys.  They are first class with fast turn around times.  I use to
> use them when I lived in NJ.  I didn't realize how well known they were when
> I lived there.  I used them because they were in the next town from me.
>
> Good Luck,
>
> Tom Eckert N2VWN
> 73 Glacier
> Oakland, TN
>
> On Sat, Apr 23, 2011 at 9:03 PM, Robert Peesel <thorndike@pldsllc.com>wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> Well, to add more things to my list of stuff to do.
>>
>> I took my gmc for a ride tonight and was dismayed when I stepped on the
>> brakes and heard the unmistakable grinding noise that I have always
>> associated with worn brakes shoes.  I have contacted John Evans in New York
>> for new shoes, but he is out of them.
>>
>> I started looking at upgrading to disk brakes in the back as the shoes
>> appear to be getting harder to find according to John.  Since the only place
>> I have to work on my coach is in the street in front of my house, is this
>> the type of job that could be done over a weekend?  I would assume that
>> having a location where the entire backend could be jacked up to work on
>> both sides at the same time would be preferable, but I don't have that here.
>>
>> Any thoughts? Suggestions? Warnings?
>>
>> Bob
>> --
>> Robert Peesel
>>
>> 1976 Royale 26'
>>
>> Side Dry Bath
>>
>> Sterling, Va
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>



--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
Re: Rear Brake Conversion [message #123065 is a reply to message #122952] Sun, 24 April 2011 18:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mike miller   United States
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Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
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Senior Member
thorndike wrote on Sat, 23 April 2011 19:03

... I took my gmc for a ride tonight and was dismayed when I stepped on the brakes and heard the unmistakable grinding noise that I have always associated with worn brakes shoes. ...

... I started looking at upgrading to disk brakes in the back as the shoes appear to be getting harder to find according to John. Since the only place I have to work on my coach is in the street in front of my house, is this the type of job that could be done over a weekend? ...

... Any thoughts? ...


Thoughts:

1. It isn't just the brake shoes... When I was in a number crunching mood, I figured out that if you needed to replace more than one brake drum, it would be cheaper to convert to discs. If you plan on keeping you coach for a while, this is one of those modifications that is a "no brainer." Like JimK says, be sure to select your kits with replacement parts in mind.

2. You still need to find a solution for the parking brake. I haven't seen a great solution, but I have a few ideas as I get closer to that point...

3. While this SHOULD* be a weekend project, I wouldn't want to do this parked in the street. Is there anyone close enough to you with a driveway big enough? Maybe mini-work-rally?

*Unless you work like me!


Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo' http://m000035.blogspot.com
Re: Rear Brake Conversion [message #123066 is a reply to message #123065] Sun, 24 April 2011 18:35 Go to previous messageGo to next message
thorndike is currently offline  thorndike   United States
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Location: Conifer, Colorado
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Mike,

Thanks for the thoughts. That is the line of thinking am I following.

I have a 10 hour drive (20 if you include the ride back!) ahead of me for the Bean Station Rally. I think I am going to have to find replacement shoes locally and try and get them installed over the next two evenings.

The upgrade to disc brakes are definitely next, or nearly next on the list.

Bob


Robert Peesel 1976 Royale 26' Side Dry Bath Conifer, Colorado
Re: Rear Brake Conversion [message #123067 is a reply to message #123066] Sun, 24 April 2011 18:39 Go to previous messageGo to next message
tphipps is currently offline  tphipps   United States
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Location: Spanish Fort, AL
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Bob, if you want help call me. You have the number on the Dixielander members list. You coul also try e-mail.
Tom phipps
3 weeks until GMC


2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552 KA4CSG

[Updated on: Sun, 24 April 2011 18:39]

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Re: Rear Brake Conversion [message #123068 is a reply to message #122952] Sun, 24 April 2011 19:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
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Bob, only replace the front rear bogie brakes if you plan to go discs soon. That will safely get you to BS and back. I would not replace the rears if I were about to switch to discs.
Like Mike said, rear discs are a good thing if you plan to keep your coach. I figure Teri and I can now do a complete brake job ourselves with no problem. Pads can be bought right here in town.
Dan
mite see u in BS


3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm 355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng. Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
Re: Rear Brake Conversion [message #123083 is a reply to message #123066] Sun, 24 April 2011 21:49 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Hardie Johnson is currently offline  Hardie Johnson   United States
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Location: Raleigh NC
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Doing the shoes and cylinders should not be a big deal; I did mine from Autozone Orielies Etc., it is standard brake work. Now if you have to replace DRUMs that is a big deal and disks become a consideration, but that should not be a concern before 120,000 miles.

Hardie Johnson "Crashj"
1973 26 foot Glacier, White Thing
Raleigh NC
Re: [GMCnet] Rear Brake Conversion [message #123099 is a reply to message #123083] Mon, 25 April 2011 09:42 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jimk is currently offline  jimk   United States
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It is easy to say that there s no real differences for the rear shoes.
We know there is a difference between the off the shelve and the one
John E supplies us.
They are Carbon metallic and do not fade out quickly like the standard.
Now you know why we say it.



On Sun, Apr 24, 2011 at 7:49 PM, Hardie Johnson <hardie.j@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> Doing the shoes and cylinders should not be a big deal; I did mine from Autozone Orielies Etc., it is standard brake work. Now if you have to replace DRUMs that is a big deal and disks become a consideration, but that should not be a concern before 120,000 miles.
> --
> Hardie Johnson "Crashj"
> 1973 26 foot Glacier, White Thing
> Raleigh NC
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http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
Re: [GMCnet] Rear Brake Conversion [message #123101 is a reply to message #123099] Mon, 25 April 2011 10:07 Go to previous messageGo to next message
thorndike is currently offline  thorndike   United States
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Jim,

I have order some shoes locally so I can get to the rally safely. I will talk with you offline about the disc conversion afterward.

Bob


Robert Peesel 1976 Royale 26' Side Dry Bath Conifer, Colorado
Re: [GMCnet] Rear Brake Conversion [message #123102 is a reply to message #123099] Mon, 25 April 2011 10:29 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Hardie Johnson is currently offline  Hardie Johnson   United States
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jimk wrote on Mon, 25 April 2011 10:42

It is easy to say that there s no real differences for the rear shoes. We know there is a difference between the off the shelve and the one John E supplies us. They are Carbon metallic and do not fade out quickly like the standard. Now you know why we say it.

On Sun, Apr 24, 2011 at 7:49 PM, Hardie Johnson <hardie.j@gmail.com> wrote:
> Doing the shoes and cylinders should not be a big deal; I did mine from Autozone Orielies Etc., it is standard brake work.
<>

I did not mean to minimize the importance of proper shoe selection, merely wanted to point out there is no mystery to doing the work using readily available components.


Hardie Johnson "Crashj"
1973 26 foot Glacier, White Thing
Raleigh NC
Re: Rear Brake Conversion [message #123105 is a reply to message #122952] Mon, 25 April 2011 11:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
GeorgeRud is currently offline  GeorgeRud   United States
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I seem to remember that Jim Bounds was also recommending that people only use the rear brake shoes that were rivited, not just bonded on.

It does sound like the disc brake conversion is a nice modification when it's time to replace the drums. Using readily available replacement parts is always a plus with these vintage machines!

Is there a reliable and inexpensive parking brake solution for the disc brake conversion available?


George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
Re: Rear Brake Conversion [message #123109 is a reply to message #123105] Mon, 25 April 2011 12:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
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GeorgeRud wrote on Mon, 25 April 2011 11:28

I seem to remember that Jim Bounds was also recommending that people only use the rear brake shoes that were rivited, not just bonded on.

It does sound like the disc brake conversion is a nice modification when it's time to replace the drums. Using readily available replacement parts is always a plus with these vintage machines!

Is there a reliable and inexpensive parking brake solution for the disc brake conversion available?


Sure George, it is called a wheel chock.
Before I went to the Historic plates I needed an inspection every 2 years. They never checked the parking brake. If they had, I would have failed. With every part in working order I could put coach in drive, with brake on, and it would roll.
Now, I will never need another inspection but I could pass the parking brake test with the line lock. It will lock the things up. I only use it for short stops. If we need a longer term one Teri throws a block under a wheel.
Dan


3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm 355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng. Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
Re: Rear Brake Conversion [message #123145 is a reply to message #122952] Mon, 25 April 2011 17:14 Go to previous messageGo to next message
GeorgeRud is currently offline  GeorgeRud   United States
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Obviously we've come a long way from the old brick I used to carry around in my MGB! Laughing Wheel clocks are an excellent idea in any case! I sometimes shudder to think that I rely on a small tang in the transmission to hold things (but then again, I'm in norther Illinois so we don't have any elevation changes).

George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
Re: [GMCnet] Rear Brake Conversion [message #123147 is a reply to message #123145] Mon, 25 April 2011 17:37 Go to previous message
KRDietz is currently offline  KRDietz   United States
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Senior Member
I relied on that parking pawl one time and I didn't think I was going to
get the the coach out of Park without breaking that pin off. .

Anything less than a slightly unlevel campsite and I set my parking
brake before engaging Park.

Kelvin

> Obviously we've come a long way from the old brick I used to carry around in my MGB! :lol: Wheel clocks are an excellent idea in any case! I sometimes shudder to think that I rely on a small tang in the transmission to hold things (but then again, I'm in norther Illinois so we don't have any elevation changes).

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