REFLECTOR: Re: Brakes

[NMFlyer1 at aol.com]

I called Matco today and talked with George Happ. Here is what I found out: 


Before they bought the company, and back about the time my brakes were made 
(1996) there was a design that had 1.5" pistons. At that time, the 4-bolts that 
held the calipers together were 1/4" bolts and they were not strong enough 
for the assembly. They would flex, cause uneven wear and lose some of the 
braking power due to the flex. 


They then "fixed" the problem by going to 5/16" bolts, and dropping the 
piston size to 1-1/4"
That did fix the problem, but does not have the braking ability of the larger 
1.5" pistons. 

George also said that there were a few built with 1.25" pistons and 1/4" 
bolts. but not too many of those were delivered. 

The smaller pistons (according to George) reduce the braking ability by 
almost 40%. 

So, IF you have the calipers that have the 5/16" bolts (not the floating 
bolts, but the ones that hold the fixed lining to the caliper housing) and 1.25" 
pistons, they can be upgraded. The cost is a little over $104.00 per side. You 
can also get the upgraded semi-metalic linings at the same time at 20% off and 
free installation. 

I decided to make this upgrade, and am on my way to mail out my calipers now. 
He said turnaround time was a day or so. 

Hope this helps. 

Kurt Winker
173FGE
Aluminum Chevy V-6






In a message dated 1/14/2006 3:41:15 PM Mountain Standard Time, 
scott at tnstaafl.net writes:
Here's what I have..

Mr. Derrick,
The modification requires you to send your brake calipers to us (the entire
brake assembly) so that we can modify the caliper housing to accept 1.50
inch diameter pistons.  There are a few components in the brake that also
get changed.  The conversion is just over $100 per caliper.  We can also
upgrade the linings at the same time for $41.40 for both calipers (Normally
51.75 for the reline kit and we install for no charge).

We do not need the brake plate (the plate attached to the axle that the
caliper floats on) when you send them back.  We will provide you with a
Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number if you opt to send them back
for the conversion.

George R. Happ
MATCO mfg
801-486-7574    801-486-7581 (F)
www.matcomfg.com

NMFlyer1 at aol.com wrote:

> Scott,
>  
> Have you talked with Matco yet? I have not. I was wondering if you 
> have any additional info on the "upgrade". If so, care to share?  If 
> not.. Ill send the info your way once I get it.
>  
> Thanks,   Kurt

_______________________________________________
To change your email address, visit 
http://www.tvbf.org/mailman/listinfo/reflector

Visit the gallery!  www.tvbf.org/gallery
user:pw = tvbf:jamaicangoose
Check new archives: www.tvbf.org/pipermail
Check old archives: http://
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://www.tvbf.org/mailman/private/reflector/attachments/20060118/712b8972/attachment.html