Hey all, I was wondering if there is a 4 lug front disc option out there for me to swap to if I so wanted to. I have a very clean and all original 71 that I would like to keep as such with the exception of a possible brake upgrade. I'm sure as time goes by and when funds allow that will change but for now, (and considering I just bought new shoes for her) I was thinking a safer option in braking would be the top of the list. So, any idea's... Thanks in advance, Jay.....
I seem to recall a Mustang place selling them to do what you want to do...keep it original looking. It seems that it all bolts on to your existing spindle.
A swap like this will not affect the original look of your Mav unless you make it common practice to cruise without hubcaps... Even then, most folks would be hard pressed to know what the heck you are driving, much less how many lugs it was supposed to have in 71. The swap to 5 lugs using rebuilt salvage parts is likely same money, or less, than getting an aftermarket setup to keep 4 lugs. Someone correct me if I am wrong, but that 'engineered' stuff for drum spindles seems pretty spendy. Just my .02 Dave
I have a nice set of 4 lug Cragar rims (Got the tip from a fellow board member thanks for the Ebay tip) that I just outfitted on my 71. What I didn't want is to have is 5 lug disc in front a the stock 4 lug drum out back. Now you can see my dilema...
I'm just thinking out loud - what about having a machine shop drill and press in the 4 lug studs into the Granada rotor? The 5 lug studs could be cut off flush, and the old studs left in place in the hub for strength. I would think it would be plenty strong yet.
I was thinking the same thing about the drilling Granada rotors. I couldn't understand where keeping it original kept him from running 5 lugs. Now that he says he wants to retain 4 lug non-original rims, I understand better. Drill the Granada rotors like he says. Dave
Thanks for the suggestion on drilling the Granada rotor. I would not have thought of that even being a possibility. I didn't mean for it to sound like I wanted to keep everything bone stock. I just don't want to and, at this point, have the extra funds to replace the rear end to a 5 lug as well. I'll post some pics as soon as I get the new rims installed. Thanks again!:Handshake Jay.....
Looking at a Granada rotor - I would think there is plenty of hub to change it. The 4 lug pattern is a 4x4.5 (I think). If that is true then 1 of the 5 studs could stay. 4 would be cut off flush and 3 new holes drilled and studs pressed in. If you take it to a good machine shop, they will be able to tell you if it can be done. I don't see why it couldn't. The only problem that might come up would be the old studs having to be completely removed so they don't work there way out and get jammed into the rotor and caliper. In that case a better idea may be to remove the studs and tap the hole for a threaded bolt or allen stud that could be lock-tited into place. Cast iron does not weld well do the the expansion and contraction properties while the weld cools. Again, just thinking out loud. Machine shop will tell you. Take a rotor into them if you have one around. At least a picture like this one.
I wouldn't worry about plugging the holes after a little thought... Round holes don't have any stress points to cause a loss in strength. No corners for a crack to develop or anything... Just a thought, but a machine shop will tell you for sure, unless they are trying to sell you something. Dave
