Seriously, compared to the GT-6 and TR-6 with big brakes & servo, the Spit does lack, but I agree, I would first get the rotors turned and fit some street pads, nothing special, but don't forget the rears.
Although they don't do nearly as much work, if they're not up to spec, it will be noticeable.
If the drums are glazed, there won't be any self-servo action.
Also get the shoes arced to the new diameter of the freshly machined drums.
This is VERY important to get the most out of drum brakes.
HTH
Glen
--Previous Message--
: Using the search feature I was surprised
: to only locate a couple of old threads
: on the topic of brake pads.
:
: I am preparing our '72 Spitfire for
: sale. This is the car my older son
: drove through high-school and college.
: I drove it this weekend and found it
: requires much more pedal effort to stop
: than the GT6. I know the GT6 rotors
: are bigger but I also suspect the
: Spitfire pads and rotors are glazed. I
: want to make the brakes on this car a
: bit more effective before passing it
: along to the next owner.
:
: I plan to turn the rotors and want to
: replace the pads with something
: "sticky". This is a street
: car, not a performance car. I just
: want it to stop without excessive pedal
: effort. I've spoken with Ted at TSI
: and he feels I need to try turning the
: rotors first before buying any new
: parts. I would still like some
: material and brand recommendations for
: decent pads. Do you have any
: brand/material recommendations for a
: street car?
:
: The following is provided as
: background:
: All the brake components are newish or
: rebuilt.
: The hoses are stainless braided.
: This car IS running DOT-5 but the pedal
: is firm without being squishy (this is
: not a bleeding or compressibility
: issue).
: There is not excessive pedal travel
: (shoes are adjusted and there are no
: worn clevis holes or pins).
: The shoes and pads have a decent amount
: of material.
: The shoes and pads are whatever the low
: end brakes from BP Northwest are made
: of.
: The PDWA is rebuilt and centered.
:
: I assume the low end pads are basic
: organic material. The next step up
: appears to be ceramic pads with the
: high-end being Kevlar or Kevlar blends.
: Please give me your suggestions for
: grippy pads keeping in mind that I want
: the car safe... but I don't want to
: invest a mint since I am selling the
: car.
:
: Thanks for sharing your experiences and
: advice.
:
: Doug L.
:
:
:
:
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