Final chance at getting a set of Bob Bishop C5 to F-body Brake Conversion Brackets...
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 317
From: Seattle, WA
Originally posted by SpeedSpecialty
Everyone,
Please keep in mind that Bob would probably very much like to fully retire from this. Let's try to let it rest for a while, just out of respect.
Everyone,
Please keep in mind that Bob would probably very much like to fully retire from this. Let's try to let it rest for a while, just out of respect.
I know everyone wants some of these, but I know that when I am feeling pressured, I would probably quit over agreeing to do another batch if I was getting bombarded with requests when I had already said no..........or even maybe.
Just my humble $.02
Darrin
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 172
This is just an update on current production. The aluminum came in yesterday, and after they cut it up, I went to the shop to watch as they set up the mill. Because I demand (and pay them for) such tight tolerances, after they load the CNC program, they have to make some “test” brackets from scrap stock to zero in on the perfect index location for the blanks. I make them fly cut (clean up) all sides of each billet blank before starting to mill the bracket shape. That way when they index it for the final milling, each one comes out identical to my spec (last batch, within .001”).
When I left the shop (wanting to beat the Atlanta traffic), they still had a little more “zeroing in” to do, but wanted to get it finished before leaving so they could start fabrication first thing today. Tentatively, they will be finished by Friday, and then I will do initial QC, and all that pass will go to my shot peener. The peener just told me that he should be able to have them finished by 4/28. It takes me 2-3 days to do final QC, package the sets individually, and package the master cartons. So, there is a good chance that I will be able to ship them out to Speed Specialty by 4/30.
I fully understand that there are more people who would like brackets. Feel free to keep a list, but I really don’t want to think about it now. Even the hassle of getting the bolts I want is a giant pain. The supplier thinks that all bolts rated at 10.9 or 12.9 are the same. They hate it when I demand bolts from a certain foundry. They say, “they are the same as these bolts we have from Czechoslovakia, and they are IN STOCK”. Then they make me pay additional shipping fees and “special order” fees to get what I want; but overall, they are still less expensive than the other suppliers I have used. They even get me the German lockwashers I prefer. I even spoke with ARP about making the bolts for me, but they said they could not quite reach the 12.9 rating I needed on the 10mm bolts, and I was not pleased with the sample they sent.
When this is finished, I will not want to think about another batch. But, after a month or two, it usually doesn’t seem like it was so much hassle.
Bob
When I left the shop (wanting to beat the Atlanta traffic), they still had a little more “zeroing in” to do, but wanted to get it finished before leaving so they could start fabrication first thing today. Tentatively, they will be finished by Friday, and then I will do initial QC, and all that pass will go to my shot peener. The peener just told me that he should be able to have them finished by 4/28. It takes me 2-3 days to do final QC, package the sets individually, and package the master cartons. So, there is a good chance that I will be able to ship them out to Speed Specialty by 4/30.
I fully understand that there are more people who would like brackets. Feel free to keep a list, but I really don’t want to think about it now. Even the hassle of getting the bolts I want is a giant pain. The supplier thinks that all bolts rated at 10.9 or 12.9 are the same. They hate it when I demand bolts from a certain foundry. They say, “they are the same as these bolts we have from Czechoslovakia, and they are IN STOCK”. Then they make me pay additional shipping fees and “special order” fees to get what I want; but overall, they are still less expensive than the other suppliers I have used. They even get me the German lockwashers I prefer. I even spoke with ARP about making the bolts for me, but they said they could not quite reach the 12.9 rating I needed on the 10mm bolts, and I was not pleased with the sample they sent.
When this is finished, I will not want to think about another batch. But, after a month or two, it usually doesn’t seem like it was so much hassle.
Bob
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 290
From: clifton nj
Hey Bob, do what you feel you have to. Don't let us pressure you into doing something you don't want to do. This list will remain as a "just in case" you decide to do another batch. I appreciate the fact that you're going through all this trouble for only a few individuals, very unheard of in this business. Again I appreciate you're consideration, thanks. James. 
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,574
From: PA
Originally posted by jmzlt1
Hey Bob, do what you feel you have to. Don't let us pressure you into doing something you don't want to do. This list will remain as a "just in case" you decide to do another batch. I appreciate the fact that you're going through all this trouble for only a few individuals, very unheard of in this business. Again I appreciate you're consideration, thanks. James.
Hey Bob, do what you feel you have to. Don't let us pressure you into doing something you don't want to do. This list will remain as a "just in case" you decide to do another batch. I appreciate the fact that you're going through all this trouble for only a few individuals, very unheard of in this business. Again I appreciate you're consideration, thanks. James.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,082
From: San Juan PR
Originally posted by lateapex
This is just an update on current production. The aluminum came in yesterday, and after they cut it up, I went to the shop to watch as they set up the mill. Because I demand (and pay them for) such tight tolerances, after they load the CNC program, they have to make some “test” brackets from scrap stock to zero in on the perfect index location for the blanks. I make them fly cut (clean up) all sides of each billet blank before starting to mill the bracket shape. That way when they index it for the final milling, each one comes out identical to my spec (last batch, within .001”).
When I left the shop (wanting to beat the Atlanta traffic), they still had a little more “zeroing in” to do, but wanted to get it finished before leaving so they could start fabrication first thing today. Tentatively, they will be finished by Friday, and then I will do initial QC, and all that pass will go to my shot peener. The peener just told me that he should be able to have them finished by 4/28. It takes me 2-3 days to do final QC, package the sets individually, and package the master cartons. So, there is a good chance that I will be able to ship them out to Speed Specialty by 4/30.
I fully understand that there are more people who would like brackets. Feel free to keep a list, but I really don’t want to think about it now. Even the hassle of getting the bolts I want is a giant pain. The supplier thinks that all bolts rated at 10.9 or 12.9 are the same. They hate it when I demand bolts from a certain foundry. They say, “they are the same as these bolts we have from Czechoslovakia, and they are IN STOCK”. Then they make me pay additional shipping fees and “special order” fees to get what I want; but overall, they are still less expensive than the other suppliers I have used. They even get me the German lockwashers I prefer. I even spoke with ARP about making the bolts for me, but they said they could not quite reach the 12.9 rating I needed on the 10mm bolts, and I was not pleased with the sample they sent.
When this is finished, I will not want to think about another batch. But, after a month or two, it usually doesn’t seem like it was so much hassle.
Bob
This is just an update on current production. The aluminum came in yesterday, and after they cut it up, I went to the shop to watch as they set up the mill. Because I demand (and pay them for) such tight tolerances, after they load the CNC program, they have to make some “test” brackets from scrap stock to zero in on the perfect index location for the blanks. I make them fly cut (clean up) all sides of each billet blank before starting to mill the bracket shape. That way when they index it for the final milling, each one comes out identical to my spec (last batch, within .001”).
When I left the shop (wanting to beat the Atlanta traffic), they still had a little more “zeroing in” to do, but wanted to get it finished before leaving so they could start fabrication first thing today. Tentatively, they will be finished by Friday, and then I will do initial QC, and all that pass will go to my shot peener. The peener just told me that he should be able to have them finished by 4/28. It takes me 2-3 days to do final QC, package the sets individually, and package the master cartons. So, there is a good chance that I will be able to ship them out to Speed Specialty by 4/30.
I fully understand that there are more people who would like brackets. Feel free to keep a list, but I really don’t want to think about it now. Even the hassle of getting the bolts I want is a giant pain. The supplier thinks that all bolts rated at 10.9 or 12.9 are the same. They hate it when I demand bolts from a certain foundry. They say, “they are the same as these bolts we have from Czechoslovakia, and they are IN STOCK”. Then they make me pay additional shipping fees and “special order” fees to get what I want; but overall, they are still less expensive than the other suppliers I have used. They even get me the German lockwashers I prefer. I even spoke with ARP about making the bolts for me, but they said they could not quite reach the 12.9 rating I needed on the 10mm bolts, and I was not pleased with the sample they sent.
When this is finished, I will not want to think about another batch. But, after a month or two, it usually doesn’t seem like it was so much hassle.
Bob
Banned
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,604
From: Milton, FL
Originally posted by SSTAT
Maybe he doesnt want people to skimp on the datails then blame his part for a catastrophic failure ... you know they would-
Maybe he doesnt want people to skimp on the datails then blame his part for a catastrophic failure ... you know they would-
brakes are going to be what keeps you out of a bad situation... definantly don't want them to fail when you need them the most
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 24
From: Cinci, OH
Son of a monkey
Please note: not complaining about anyone but me and my indecision.
Just tonight I go to my saved link of the brackets as previously listed on Speed Specialty to buy a set. WTF.
Then find this thread which I missed. Too much time spent trying to find a 2nd gen and playing with a black Buick
ARRRRRRRRRRGH
For those maintaining a tentative "back-up" list, put me down for a set.
Note for Mr. Bishop
Not that I'm telling you what to do (actually I'm begging), but please consider after a few months to continue production. I need good brakes, just had a 396 LT1 installed
PS. Bolts... I qualified two suppliers for a major OEM (used by several others, subsequently). Complete in-house production after drawing. If you want, PM me with bolt details, they may have sizes at the property class you need, or could do. I can ask my contacts there
Thanks
Ken Brown
Just tonight I go to my saved link of the brackets as previously listed on Speed Specialty to buy a set. WTF.
Then find this thread which I missed. Too much time spent trying to find a 2nd gen and playing with a black Buick
ARRRRRRRRRRGH
For those maintaining a tentative "back-up" list, put me down for a set.
Note for Mr. Bishop
Not that I'm telling you what to do (actually I'm begging), but please consider after a few months to continue production. I need good brakes, just had a 396 LT1 installed
PS. Bolts... I qualified two suppliers for a major OEM (used by several others, subsequently). Complete in-house production after drawing. If you want, PM me with bolt details, they may have sizes at the property class you need, or could do. I can ask my contacts there
Thanks
Ken Brown
Last edited by KenB; Apr 22, 2004 at 12:03 AM.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 368
From: Indianapolis, IN
In case anyone is interested. T-byrne is having a special on Baer brakes right now. The one that caught my eye was the GT+ kit which has 13.15x1.25" 2-piece rotors, PBR/BAER calipers and all hardware needed. This set is $990 but with the 10% discount he is offering it puts it right at $900.
Now, the C5 upgrade (I was one of the original 22 people and got in on the brackets) is $259 for the brackets plus $550 for the other hardware through the link that Speed Specialty provided which comes to around $810 total.
The C5 rotors aren't slotted or crossdrilled and are 12.8" in diameter compared to the 2-piece 13.15" diameter Baer rotors. Am I wrong for thinking that the extra $100 would be worth it for a complete Baer kit over the C5 upgrade since you get nicer looking 2-piece rotors as well as larger diameter. Why aren't more people considering this?
Any thoughts?
Now, the C5 upgrade (I was one of the original 22 people and got in on the brackets) is $259 for the brackets plus $550 for the other hardware through the link that Speed Specialty provided which comes to around $810 total.
The C5 rotors aren't slotted or crossdrilled and are 12.8" in diameter compared to the 2-piece 13.15" diameter Baer rotors. Am I wrong for thinking that the extra $100 would be worth it for a complete Baer kit over the C5 upgrade since you get nicer looking 2-piece rotors as well as larger diameter. Why aren't more people considering this?
Any thoughts?
Registered User
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 195
From: Branchburg, NJ
good point turbo6. those are nice.
but you can lower the price of the bob's bracket kit significantly if you buy used calipers. i just scored two fronts for $50. and you can save more money by buying napa rotors for $26 each. so that leaves the rest of the kit to make this work at $120 plus shipping from gmpartsdirect. so i'm getting the c5 kit for $490.
edit: i don't need the brake hoses either so that saves $35 (my friend gave me his old c5 lines when he switched to stainless ones, but i hope my stainless F body lines will work anyway). so my cost is now $455
but you can lower the price of the bob's bracket kit significantly if you buy used calipers. i just scored two fronts for $50. and you can save more money by buying napa rotors for $26 each. so that leaves the rest of the kit to make this work at $120 plus shipping from gmpartsdirect. so i'm getting the c5 kit for $490.
edit: i don't need the brake hoses either so that saves $35 (my friend gave me his old c5 lines when he switched to stainless ones, but i hope my stainless F body lines will work anyway). so my cost is now $455
Last edited by 2MCHPWR; Apr 22, 2004 at 10:33 AM.
