Rick Pridemores Disc Brake Kit

51hornet

On a board that shall remain nameless a year ago someone posted a power steering project using a rack and pinion setup. The explanations sounded so confused and dangerous I thought this is crazy. Who would listen to this crap. But there are those that do.

Dave53-7C

There are so many ancillary systems and cosmetic items on a car to tinker with, I'll never understand why anyone would risk their safety, or that of others, by capriciously modifying critical systems that they know little to nothing about. At least in your country, safeguards exist to limit the extent to which people can tinker and endanger themselves and others.

Maxbound

Any Canadians actually get and install a Pridemore? If so.... how was the inspection? Did you get asked about CSA aproval? Was it looked upon as a good thing?

I just want to help my baby stop.... don't want her hurt.

Dave53-7C

I think Sean has some experiemce with that. He'll chime in soon.

51hornet

Got the system but have not installed it yet.

Maxbound

Do you feel there will be a problem with the inspection? And can you recommend a good body shop around Edmonton? Getting itchy wanting my baby on the road.

51hornet

Not really if the kit is installed correctly it is safe. The kit is top notch engineering.

Don't have any experience with Edmonton body shops but I can ask around.

Dave53-7C

51hornet wrote:

Not really if the kit is installed correctly it is safe. The kit is top notch engineering.

Don't have any experience with Edmonton body shops but I can ask around.

So, it sounds like you guys have to have any driveable vehicle inspected. If so, how often do they inspect and what are they looking for? Do you have to pay for this?

Sean, why would you have experience with a local body shop? After all, there's nothing left of your cars after you wreck them. Laughing

51hornet

Yes we have to have a car inspected that has had major work done or has been off the road for more than 5 years. After that you do not need inspections. And yes we pay its about $200.

Maxbound

Has anyone heard of a power brake conversion? Adding on a 6-8" booster maybe? and changing out the proportioning valve? If so.... what parts and where did you get the kit?

Dave53-7C

Although you guys may see the inspection as a PITA, it makes good sense from the standpoint of public safety. After all, $200.00 is a small price to pay, especially for some kid who buys a clunker. If we had laws like that here, I bet there would be fewer break-downs and accidents caused by old, incorrectly modified or poorly repair vehicles.

Dave53-7C

Maxbound wrote:

Has anyone heard of a power brake conversion? Adding on a 6-8" booster maybe? and changing out the proportioning valve? If so.... what parts and where did you get the kit?

Power brakes are a must if you're going with disc brakes. It takes more force to clamp them down as to opposed to expanding shoes against a drum. I think Sean has knowledge of a good PB system to use.

51hornet

Yes I would look at Wilwood. A bit more money but they are good replacements for old cars. They have a couple of solutions. If you are going hanging pedal you have many choices for Stepdowns. Go with one of their replacement kits. You will need two proportioning valves one for the drums and one for the discs.

If you are trying to maintain the under the floor MC you can use the Wilwood two stage that comes with remote filler. While booster is nice it is not totally necessary if you get a good kit. The selection of the correct proportioning valves will balance the system nicely.

I am in the middle of prepping a Wilwood installation. Instead of putting it in my 51 I am going to install in my 54 Sedan as that car is in pieces and I can work in the best configuration. Once I am happy with that I will add the same setup to my 51 and my 54 Hollywood. Updated brakes are a must in my books. But that must be done so they are unobtrusive to the original look and feel of the car.

Maxbound

So, is the Wilwood kit used in conjunction with the Pridemore? Do you have a Wilwood kit number?

I plan on staying with the original "under floormount" MC configuration. Upgrade to the dual master and Discs on the front....have given some thought to a GM hydro boost....but as a mechanic I hate working on them...and I'd have to configure a PS system as well.

Looking for good solid ideas... that won't modify my baby too much.

51hornet

If you use Wilwood you have to make your own install out of their kits. They have an under floor dual MC that has remote fillers. You will have to modify the ram.

The Pridemore kit is setup for GM calipers. I have no interest in single piston GM calipers so I am working to get a 4 piston setup working. I have been corresponding with Wilwoods engineering department on this and measuring and working out from there. I am not done yet so I have nothing I am willing to share yet.

They have plenty of info on their site you can start from. Wilwood is just the way I am going there are many more options out there.