Baer vs. SSBC???

[Snail50]

I've narrowed my choices of Disc Brake conversions to these two.

Any one of you have have experience with either or both, I'd appreciate your comments.

How do you like them, were they easy to install, was the kit COMPLETE, where did you get them, cost, etc. Also, did you have any fitment problems with larger aftermarket rims?

BAD67FUN: check your PM's, please.

Thanks!

 

[BAD67FUN]

Baer.

No questions asked. The deal breaker actually for me were the conversations I had with both Baer and SSBC. I made numerous calls to both places asking about fit and function. I seemed to get different answers amongst the various guys I talked to at SSBC. When I realized the price difference was hardly nothing.. if at all, done deal.

The install was smooth as silk. My car is unbelievably clean underneath. The lines are in excellant condition. So because I'm lazy... I did not replace them (YET). Summer is just about here... and if you live in a state like Wisconsin, you take advantage of the nice weather when you can. So maybe this fall or early next spring I will re-plumb the entire system... and add a power booster.

Other than that... no bumps.

I'd recommend Baer. Call them and ask for Bill. Super nice guy. Just tell him that Jason recommended him...

Good luck.

 

[Snail50]

Thanks Jason.

So you bought the kit directly from Baer, or through one of their dealers? WHich kit did you get, and how much was it (if you don't mind my asking)? How long did it take you to do the install, and was anything AT ALL needed which did not come with the kit?

I was looking on Baer's website, and it looks like they have several kits for classics. I'm looking to run 17" rims, but want to be able to step down to 16" rims if I think 17" looks too funky.

 

[BAD67FUN]

Yes, directly from Baer.

The 13" front, Track. The 12" rear, Touring.

Both sets slot, drilled, zinc finish. Polished calipers.

Shipped to my door, $2400.

A couple weeks... which if you have kids.. you know what I mean. In hours... total, I'd say 10-12? Remember I completely rebuilt my rear end though too. It's hard to say actual brake kit time.

It really is easy though.

Bill, from Baer, will tell you all you need extra is brake fluid.

I'd go 17" and be done with it. It really depends on wheel style. I went old school style with new school sizes. Best of both worlds in my opinion.

Good luck...

Thanks Jason.

So you bought the kit directly from Baer, or through one of their dealers? WHich kit did you get, and how much was it (if you don't mind my asking)? How long did it take you to do the install, and was anything AT ALL needed which did not come with the kit?

I was looking on Baer's website, and it looks like they have several kits for classics. I'm looking to run 17" rims, but want to be able to step down to 16" rims if I think 17" looks too funky.

 

[Snail50]

LOL. I have a 2 y/o son, so I know exactly what you are saying. After he's in bed tonight, I think I'm going to install my rear sway bar.

Fortunately I have some buddies who are willing to help w/the install, and my wife will take the kid "elsewhere" for a day to give me time to work.

Another question: does the kit come with GOOD instructions?
As far as rims go, I have my heart set on TT II's.

 

[BAD67FUN]

The instructions aren't wonderful. They basically tell you what steps to follow. They are not detailed. Few pictures.

But really, it's no big deal.

Take off old.... put on new.

Trust me... once you do it...you'll know what I'm talking about. Just strip off all the existing brake parts down to the spindle or to the axle flanges. Their aren't any adjustments. Square peg in square hole. Round peg in round hole. The only part you can really adjust is your existing rear lines on the axle housing. You have to carefully bend them to mount to the new disk parts. Like I said before though... I didn't install the new MC yet. My car already had a dual bowl MC that a previous owner must have added. So my need is not urgent.

 

[Snail50]

sounds simple enough. thanks for the info.

by dual-bowl MC, do you mean a MC with front and rear chambers? my MC has two chambers (and my first 67 had two chambers as well), but I think from 67 on up, they all came with two chambers.

If anyone else wants to chime in, please do...

 

[Great68]

Do Baer or SSBC make front brake kits if your car was equipped with factory front disc brakes like mine? I'd imagine that I'd still get a nice increase in braking performance upgrading from the stock discs.

 

[Snail50]

I think both Baer and SSBC make kits to replace existing disks

 

[syberjunkie]

I can attest to SSBC, I put one of their kits only earlier this year on my '66. I went from non-pwr, single M/C, drums to pwr, dual M/C, disks. Their kit was complete, (I had to get wheel bearing grease but that’s it) and aside from them sending the wrong size inner wheel bearings (just one phone call and they sent it, like, next day) it went on smooth as butter. I didn’t have to do any cutting or fabbin, everything just bolted up as easy as you could want it. The instructions are pretty good, but it really is an easy, straight forward install. I am running the 14” GT style rims, with no probs. It is def. a night and day diff. in driving. I don’t worry (nearly) as much now when my (soon to be) wife drives it.. Well worth the money invested.

 

[Route666]

Do Baer or SSBC make front brake kits if your car was equipped with factory front disc brakes like mine? I'd imagine that I'd still get a nice increase in braking performance upgrading from the stock discs.

Good question, I second this, because I've read they're for drum spindles, but how much harder would it be for them to make a disk kit? What would be different?

EDIT: Ok, I've read Baer make them for drum spindles, not both, I would like to know about Baer kits.

 

[Great68]

Good question, I second this, because I've read they're for drum spindles, but how much harder would it be for them to make a disk kit? What would be different?

EDIT: Ok, I've read Baer make them for drum spindles, not both, I would like to know about Baer kits.

I just found out that Wilwood makes a kit for Disc spindles. I'll have to look into it further.