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I am in the middle of a resto mod build for my 91 Z28 and I don't have spindles or brakes.
OEM spindles are basically non-existent. Used on eBay look like they have been under water for 10 years...
No one seems to make cast aftermarket ones like the OEM units.
I am considering Bear brakes that come with modified stock spindles, in part just so I have a turn key solution and they ensure the OEM donors are OK when they assemble the brake kits.
Clicking around I found that Hawks sells what appear to be brand new stock like spindles that accept 1LE like brakes. This makes me think that they would work with all the aftermarket brake brackets.
Basically what I have been looking for!
Anyone have these? I asked Hawks a couple weeks ago if they know if these spindles will work with aftermarket brakes (since all brakes need the dust boot ear cut off and holes tapped).
Radio silence and I don't expect a reply. Will give them a call at some point to as directly.
OK, just got off the phone with customer service at Hawks.
They are in fact brand new. They will mount 1LE brakes. No guarantee to fit anything else like C5/C6/C7 brackets like those from Bigbrakeupgrade.com.
Guessing they would work since modifications to fit 1LE=modifications to fit vette calipers.
One big difference from OEM is the lack of a steering lock out. That small ear that comes down off the spindle that hits the stop on the A-arm.
That is missing.
Not sure what else I would do to easily make a steering lock out and prevent wheel rub with wide fronts.
Might just stick with Bear brakes and pay for the convenience. Expensive.
If could get spindles, and buy C7 calipers, would be a fraction of the cost of new Bear stuff...
Luckily I don't need any of this stuff anytime soon. Will keep researching.
Interesting, didn't know they were doing this. did they tell you there was a lack of a steering lock out? Or are you going on what you see in the photos?
I saw in the photos and then asked about the lockout missing. They confirmed there isn't one.
Seems strange to me to go thru all the effort to make new casting, machine the spindle itself and assemble just to leave out a major feature like that.
Good to know they are available.
But we need to find out who makes the spindles for Hawks though. If it's a post covid China casting, I'd stay far far away.
Honestly, I'd just buy some used spindles and have a shop blast and power coat them. OEM spindles are strong. Very strong.
My old spindles were trashed, but after blasting they looked brand new.
Painted with FAST Black and used with OEM brakes way back when I started.
Believe me. I WANT OEM spindles and am cautious about new castings.
The offerings on eBay look like they were pulled from the titanic. I know the arms will be fine even in that condition, but I dont trust the bearing surfaces, the actual spindle itself when the units are that far gone.
