We've got a Hillman Husky and found out that Chevy S10 rotors mount right up on the stock drum brake spindles like they were made for the car.
Looks like S10 rotors are going for pocket change fully loaded and ready to bolt on.
Good for us ! BAD for us is that the stock spindles have no room or mounting holes for the universal mounting brackets from Speedway. We'll have to weld the brackets on instead, but I don't know if this is possible. Can you ordinarily weld mild steel brackets to spindles? Are the metals compatible? Would it need to be arc, mig, or tig welded?
I know nothing, need so me info badly as this is the next thing to be done on the project before final welding in the engine bay and engine installation.
Thanks !
got any pics of the spindles and the rotors/brackets that you want to use?
Depends on the metal used in the spindle.
File or saw it and see if the shavings is black dust or shiny slivers. Shiny slivers = it's steel and you can MIG it no problem. Black dust indicates that it is iron. (I believe that it is graphite that causes the black)
I welded up a bunch on some Mazda uprights before and the world failed to end. Had to saw off the lower mounting tabs where they attached to the steering arm, and weld on a bunch of new steel and tap it. The threaded hole was right in the middle of the parent metal and all the welding I did. Then I rallycrossed it a bunch.
I have never seen a cast iron spindle. It is just not the material for the job. If it were used spindles would break instead of bend in impacts. Spindles tend to be cast or forged steel, both of which weld very nicely.
"got any pics of the spindles and the rotors/brackets that you want to use?"
The spindles and rotors are mounted on the Hillman already, I can get some pics on Friday, but it looks like I'm all set judging by what the others are posting.
I don't trust myself for a finish weld on something this important, but I can tack then in place and have a pro Mig/Tig them up, Easy Peasy.
Thanks guys, one more "problem" solved !
Ditchdigger wrote:
I have never seen a cast iron spindle. It is just not the material for the job. If it were used spindles would break instead of bend in impacts. Spindles tend to be cast or forged steel, both of which weld very nicely.
Most all GM spindles are cast iron from about 69-97. Cast iron on my 73 Impala, 96 SS, 86 Elky, 87 Elky, 87 Cutlass, 78 3/4 ton pickup. Only forged/steel spindles I have are on my 66 Bonneville.
I have welded stuff to cast iron spindles before, but it takes a pretty crazy set of procedures; pre-heat, lime bath, etc.
But good advice on the filing test. Cast steel still needs care when welding, but its a lot better than cast iron.
