Q: Correct 1991 brake rotors?

[hancockracing]

First I would like to wish everyone a happy Easter. I had to register over again because I don't have the same email address and forgot my log in information.

I have Saleen car number 91-0088 it is a red convertible and has been in storage since 1998 when I lost my father. He gave me this car as a graduation gift from high school and we worked on it building it up right until the time he passed away. The car only has 36k miles but since being stored, many items need to be replaced. As a tribute to my dad, I am trying to complete the car with the vision he and I had so many years ago and have it back on the road for the anniversary of his passing in June.

The car has never even had the brake pads replaced but during my rebuild, I decided to install new rotors and pads. After talking to quiet a few people, I was told that the brakes on this car were the same ones used on the Mustang svo. I ordered a new set of slotted and vented rotors and pads for the svo. The rear brakes appear that they will work although I haven't been able to get the calipers back on but the front rotors are completely different. I have been racing various Mustangs over the years and have a great relationship with my brake supplier but I honestly don't know what rotors I need to order. The calipers appear to be Ford pieces so I'm assuming there is some Ford vehicle to use in crossing up the rotors. Any help that you can provide will be much appreciated. I am also sure there is an easy solution to getting the rear calipers back on the car but I am to the point of unhooking the e brake cable and the brake lines to make this happen and just bleeding the brake system when everything is complete. The svo pads for the front brakes appear to be the same as factory but the hub on the svo rotor is much longer and uses a smaller od bearing. I'm afraid that if I use these rotors, the front tires and rims are not going to fit properly. I really need the help and advice of someone that has done this before. Thanks in advance and after we eat lunch, I intend to visit the newbie forum and tell the story about this car and how its being built. I hope everyone will read about it because this car has a lot of history and much sentimental value.

Thanks,
Marshall Hancock
91-0088

[COUPEY]

Your car should have Svo Lincholn Mark 7 front and rear rotors.Since you bought aftermarket parts you must be encountering problems because of manufacturing to different specifications.

[hancockracing]

The main concern is on the front. The new rotors have totally different size bearings and the hub is longer. When I put the dust cover on, I'm afraid that I'm not going to be able to use the center caps on my speedline wheels. Is there any type of flush mount dust cover that you know of? I'm sure I can locate the right bearings but I really want to use the wheels I have.

[hancockracing]

Well after a few trips to the parts stores, I think I have chased down the proper bearings to make the svo brake kit I have work. I still have one more trip to make for the dust covers because like the bearings the originals are a little to small but there is plenty of clearance for this cap and I will still be able to use my speedline wheels. Sorry to have taken up the space on this board with a problem that had such a simple solution. All it required was a little leg work and getting the correct bearings. Thanks for the help and I had the right parts and just didn't realize it.

[S281SC]

Just for reference, here's what a 1991 front rotor & caliper look like (these are slotted/painted but still "stock" dimensionally). They use A5 & A12 bearing sets. Not sure exactly what you ended up with...

[S281SC]

On the rear calipers, you need to use an adjusting tool to turn the pistons back in to the caliper, as the are on a screw-type adjuster. The new pads are much thicker than old worn pads would be, so you have to screw the piston back in to allow space. DO NOT use a c-clamp and try to force them in, you'll wreck 'em... Get the proper tool to turn the pistons.

[hancockracing]

Thanks so much on the advice. Those are the same bearings I ended up using. I'm not really sure why the factory bearings were different. I also really appreciate the advice on the rear calipers. I will have to try to source that tool because out of all the many tools I own, that is not one of them. Do the front calipers require the same type of adjustment? I really appreciate you chiming in because I knew there was something I was missing and figured it was something similar to what you described on the back. That's why I posted it here for other Saleen people to help. I guess the only dumb question is the one you don't ask. Thanks so much for the help.