Commodore Brakes

[JB]

I can't remember who it was that asked me about the brakes that I am planning on using on the van, but have located a company that might be of use.
EBC brakes in Thomastown VIC have commodore brake conversion hubs that fit VT/VX Brakes to HQ-WB stubs, including calipers and Rotors. There is also provision for ABS for those who are keen.
The telephone number is (03) 9462 3210.

Jason  

[Ed]

Hey Jason,

The only problem with HQ-Z stubs on a HR front is the incorrect  KPIA.  I think CRS would probably make a kit which uses a HR drum brake stub, modified to suit a commodore rotor?
just some thoughts anyway  
Ed

[mcl1959]

Jason, The pioneer of Commodore big brake conversions was Hoppers Stoppers in Victoria (ph 03 9748 6950).  They use a modified drum brake stub axle, custom made caliper mount and CNC machined custom hub made of high tensile steel.  These are bolted up to the standard Commodore rotor and caliper.

The good news is that the conversion is available for HD-HR front ends, HK/T/G front ends, HQ-HZ front ends as well as the early Commodore front ends.

Be VERY wary of any company offering cheaper conversions as the proprieter of Hoppers Stoppers has seen some done with plates welded to disc brake stub axles and hubs also machined from mild steel (neither of these practises are recommended). The price is not cheap and is dependant on what car you are fitting them to, but in this case you REALLY do get what you pay for.

Hoppers Stoppers is run by car enthusiasts who specialise in not only brakes as there stock in trade, but also Left to Right conversions for Classic American muscle cars, restorations and Hot Rod construction.

I have no hesitation in recommending them for any work on your pride and joy, as they will treat it with the respect that you expect from a workshop, but so rarely find.  Give them a call.

Ken

[sgo]

On looking at brakes for my car one comment I got was that HQ-Z brakes where thicker than  Commodore ones, so that might be another factor to think about, if thicker is better??
PS. this might only apply to pre VT models??

[air-chief]

G'day Jason,

HQ/HZ stubs will assembly straight onto a HR ball joint front end. Technically this will give you a slight bump steer problem because there is a 15mm height difference of the steering arm bolt holes. Also if you use  these stubs they will lower your car about 15mm.

I know Hadfield make a 2inch drop stub axle to suit HR front which will accept the commodore brakes, or you can use Hadfield modifed drum brake stubs which don't lower the car but accept the commodore brakes. I think from memory the drop stubs are about $450 the pair and the drum brake stubs are $250 c/o.
Just keep in mind if you intend to drop the van on its guts you might be better off with drop stub axles as you still need to retain 3/4 of the cars suspension travel to make it legal, but check this with your states road authority as each states different.

Regards
air-chief

[JB]

Thanks guys for your help.
I have the hadfield rack and pinion front end, but don't plan on dropping the car to the ground, just to the top of the tyres. Sounds like the Hoppers Stoppers way of doing things will suit what I am after because when I get the Commodore wreck I will already have most of the components.
Thanks
Jason.