i getting the final pieces for my 5 lug swap and I see late model has the plug to do it for $18 or you can get the kit from mm to delet it for $30. These seem like things I could get at the hardware store for a lot cheaper? Has anyone done this?
You have to be able to match the threading and size.
Probably be a headache, i'd just spend the $18.
Back in the day that plug was only $8, so $18 is a lot, but it's still better than driving around looking for the right bolt, the right size and then wondering if it's going to prevent fluid from leaking. You need peace of mind when you work with brakes and that $18 provides it.
I went to NAPA and got all the right parts for only a few dollars. I did a ton of research before hand. I ended up buying all new fittings and making my own brake lines from the master cylinder to the brake lines on the body. If you have never flared brake lines, get a quality flare kit and read, read, read....then practice, practice, practice. It isn't brain surgery, but you do need to get it right.
If I was in your shoes, I would probably just get one of the kits. I had access to a decent flaring kit.
Nobody that I know has ever found a fitting like that solid front plug at any hardware store. Just spend the $18. And don't be tempted to just re-use the factory one.
I wouldn't delete the prop valve on a street car. Inside the valve is also a shuttle valve to help reduce flow if a brake line was to be cut by road debris.