Date: Thu, 10 Jun 2021 09:15:12 -0600
Reply-To: Gil Ngai <eyebawlgil@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Gil Ngai <eyebawlgil@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Big Brake options
In-Reply-To: <2F46CED4-A941-45AB-8F9D-F5C4E3D0C0DC@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
Great input everyone.
I'll definitely consider refreshing the existing brakes now.
Eric, why do you suggest upgrading the back first? Doesn't the front take
the brunt of the braking?
And what is a booster with a dash out?
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
*GIL NGAI* • *I TELL GOOD STORIES - 85 GL Manual*
*cinematographer • **chief storyteller • instructor*
* www.dayonemedia.ca <http://www.dayone-media.com/> *
On Thu, Jun 10, 2021 at 7:46 AM Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
> A few thoughts from a 85 with upgraded brakes.
>
> Getting the front spindles first seemed a challenge but then a friend was
> parting out a 87 and basically handed them to me. There is a supply at a
> local place near me but you have to take them off yourself and he charges
> an ever changing amount depending on how he feels that day.
>
> But, for the rear discs it is much easier.
>
> I’d almost recommend starting with the rear disc upgrade then a refresh on
> the front.
>
> My brakes are better but not as good as other vans with the same big
> brakes.
>
> My next step is to replace the booster this winter with a dash out refresh
> project.
>
> Eric Caron
> 85 GL Auto
> Stopping better for sure, even with more power and speed being used.
>
> Eric Caron
> 85 GL auto
>
> > On Jun 9, 2021, at 10:29 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
> wrote:
> >
> > I think the biggest hurdle for those considering the Big Brake upgrade
> on an '85 like me and Gil, is the need and expense for acquiring those 86+
> Spindles. Not to mention the 16" wheels. For room for all the stuff to
> fit. Not to mention the labor. Ugh...it gets immediately costly. Very.
> You can replace a lot of rotors and pads and stuff for a lot less.
> > Yeah....I got the 16" wheels...so it is possible. Still, my instincts
> and words of wisdom from mechanic: stick with stock. Get them newly
> furnished; pads and rotors and wheel cylinders, those ones that eventually
> leak. Same with rear brakes. They are fine brakes. Even better if you've
> got manual transmission and can utilize engine load to help braking.
> >
> > On Wednesday, June 9, 2021, 7:00:05 PM PDT, Bruce Todd <
> beeceetee@gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > Steep grades with a number of tight corners pretty much have made me
> > consider the upgrade. Overall though I am happy with the stock brakes
> > around town or on the highway but not so much in those relatively rare
> but
> > other instances.
> >
> > Bruce
> >
> >
> > On Wednesday, June 9, 2021, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
> wrote:
> >
> >> My Subie Converter also does Big Brake Conversions. While initially
> test
> >> driving with the mechanic on my new EJ22 conversion, I asked him about
> Big
> >> Brake Conversions. He has done many. He paused, and said, "My Boss
> would
> >> kill me for this....but those Big Brake conversions are not all they are
> >> cracked up to be."
> >> Refreshing your current brakes with all new stuff might be something to
> >> consider. Lots of opinions on this matter.
> >>
> >> On Wednesday, June 9, 2021, 3:08:25 PM PDT, Gil Ngai <
> >> eyebawlgil@gmail.com> wrote:
> >>
> >> Hello All,
> >>
> >> I have a 1985 GL in Alberta, Canada.
> >> To do a Big Brake conversion, I understand I need the spindles and
> caliper
> >> bolts from an '86 and up. Do I need anything else?
> >> And are Burly and GoWesty the only sources to purchase?
> >> Is there a more economical option?
> >> The USD converted to Canadian plus shipping is just deadly.
> >>
> >> •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
> >> *GIL NGAI* • *I TELL GOOD STORIES*
> >> *cinematographer • **chief storyteller • instructor*
> >> * www.dayonemedia.ca <http://www.dayone-media.com/> *
> >>
> >>
> >
>
|