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Posted by: trackbird Jan 17 2006, 03:09 AM

Ok, most of our members here know that I build the trackbrackets C5 conversion brackets for 4th gen F-bodies. This kit was originally the Bob Bishop conversion kit, but I bought the rights from Bob (who is no longer affiliated with this product) and am building them to his standards at the same shop that perfected this manufacturing process. I would like to do a batch of either 11 or 22 sets. I'll make some phone calls to get a firm price on this batch (I have to verify the cost of aluminum). We sold the last batch for $279 on the GP and $299 after that (shipped to your door). I'll post a firm price as soon as I get it. But it should be close to the last batch.

If you're interested, please post in this thread. Once we get enough buyers lined up, I'll start collecting money and hope to deliver them within 6 weeks (depending on my shop schedule) from that time. Just in time for spring mod season.

Thanks!

Kevin

EDIT: 01-25-06

I've verified the prices with my shop and have the final totals. I've managed to work out a deal that allows me to reduce the price slightly (but the materials, hardware and processes are not changing, they will be identical to the batches that were done before these).

If we sell 11 sets = $279 per set (Plus shipping)
If we sell 22 sets = $269 per set (Plus shipping)

I get a slight discount for a larger order and I'll pass the savings along.

Paid:

track at www.fedex.com

John D. 289050110002390
Wassko (Gary) 289050110002352
Street Bad (Tim) 289050110002369
Coldkilla (Brandon) 289050110002383
Kyan 289050110002376
Eric (local sale)
In2protour (tommy) 289050110002406
Torres (marco) 289050110002413
Zane (local sale)
LT4firehawk (evan) 289050110002420

Posted by: in2protour Jan 19 2006, 04:04 AM

I'm in for a pair. Now will the brackets be made from Aluminum 6061?

Thanks for settig this GP up,
Tommy

Posted by: trackbird Jan 19 2006, 04:40 AM

Yes, 6061-T6511

Posted by: trackbird Jan 25 2006, 04:26 PM

I've verified the prices with my shop and have the final totals. I've managed to work out a deal that allows me to reduce the price slightly (but the materials, hardware and processes are not changing, they will be identical to the batches that were done before these).

If we sell 11 sets = $279 per set (Plus shipping)
If we sell 22 sets = $269 per set (Plus shipping)

I get a slight discount for a larger order and I'll pass the savings along.

Posted by: Eugenio_SS Jan 25 2006, 04:41 PM

I know of a local guy that will be interested on them... I'll let him know.

Posted by: trackbird Feb 1 2006, 03:14 AM

I'll go in to buy/keep 2 sets to help get us to 11 sets. Anyone else?

That leaves 8 or 19.

Posted by: JimMueller Feb 1 2006, 04:00 AM

Hmm, tell and/or point me to the details on how it helps the braking performance. I remember reading about it many moons ago, but not the details...

Posted by: trackbird Feb 1 2006, 01:27 PM

The rotors are larger (bigger heat sinks) and directionally veined for better cooling. There are more choices for brake pads (and they are typically cheaper than the LS1 F-body version of the same pad). The calipers are pressure cast and more durable (less prone to spreading). You can buy replacement rotors from GM for $19.99 each and they have worked very well on track for those who have used them. Also, I believe Steve Brueck measured his stopping distance after installing this kit and it was greatly reduced (I'll see if I can find the post).

So:

More thermal capacity
Stronger/more durable calipers
Increased braking performance
Less expensive pads
Less expensive rotors

What's not to like?

Try this one:

http://frrax.com/rrforum/index.php?act=ST&f=2&t=3621&hl=stopping+distance

Posted by: JimMueller Feb 1 2006, 03:19 PM

So what's all included for that price?

Posted by: trackbird Feb 1 2006, 04:02 PM

This price includes the brackets, the hardware to mount the brackets and the hardware to bolt the Corvette PAB's (but not the PAB's) to the brackets. You'll need pads, rotors, calpiers, PAB's and hoses (with hardware). There is a thread with a parts list on here, I'll find it and post a link to it shortly.

There is more information here:

http://frrax.com/rrforum/index.php?act=ST&f=2&t=2619&hl=bob

Parts list:

Alternate low-cost Delco Durastop rotors:
Right front - 88925547 $18.81
Left front - 88925548 $18.81

Here is an updated GM parts list:

GM Part # / # needed / Description

12530682 / 1 / Caliper, Guide pin bolts included (standard gray C5)
12530683 / 1 / Caliper, Guide pin bolts included (standard gray C5)
88895128 / 1 / Caliper, Guide pin bolts included (red Z06) OPTIONAL
88895129 / 1 / Caliper, Guide pin bolts included (red Z06) OPTIONAL
10445856 / 1 / Right Rotor (standard factory fitment)
10445857 / 1 / Left Rotor (standard factory fitment)
88925547 / 1 / Right Delco Durastop rotor, lower cost OPTION
88925548 / 1 / Left Delco Durastop rotor, lower cost OPTION
12455799 / 2 / Pad abutment bracket
10333772 / 2 / Front caliper brake hose
12530697 / 4 / Pad abutment guide pin
12530703 / 4 / Guide pin boot
22163795 / 2 / Banjo bolt
10139097 / 4 / Banjo bolt copper washers

CHOICE OF PADS AVAILABLE THROUGH GM DEALERS:
12480154 / 1 / Hawk HP+ front axle pad set (does NOT include anti-rattle springs or pad abutment shims)
88909667 / 1 / Durastop Ceramic front axle pad set (includes springs & shims)
88952008 / 1 / Z06 front axle pad set - RECOMMENDED - (includes springs & shims)



Contact info:

Gale McGrew
Team Chevrolet,Olds,GMC,Jeep,Nissan
2014 E. 20th Place
Scottsbluff, NE 69361
800-658-4017
Fax 308-632-0974
Email: teamparts@teamchev.com

Posted by: LT4Firehawk Feb 2 2006, 03:28 PM

I'd be in for 1 set.

Posted by: trackbird Feb 2 2006, 03:54 PM

7 or 18 left....

Posted by: coldkilla Feb 8 2006, 06:04 PM

when would you need the money by?

Posted by: wassko268 Feb 8 2006, 06:13 PM

Yes. Count me in. Call me at xxx-xxx-xxxx when you are ready.

Phone number removed by trackbird.

Posted by: trackbird Feb 8 2006, 06:30 PM

Once I get enough orders to do a batch (11 or 22), I'll collect the funds and get my machine shop started. I'm guessing it will still be a couple weeks from now.

Posted by: trackbird Feb 8 2006, 06:31 PM

6 or 17 left (batch of 11 or 22).

Posted by: Chevy053 Feb 8 2006, 10:42 PM

There is no way to get these brackets to work with LS1 calipers on C5 rotors right? or any safe and practical way from what I undersatnd right?

I have a LT1 car and can get a set of LS1 calipers from my friend for free. I wanted to use C5 rotors with these.

Posted by: trackbird Feb 8 2006, 10:57 PM

Since they use the C5 PAB's, you should use the C5 caliper. Since the C5 caliper can be run on LS1 F-body PAB's, you might be able to physically get it to fit, but the kit wasn't designed for those calipers and it's never been tested that way (therefore I'll not swear or admit to anymore than that).

Posted by: coldkilla Feb 9 2006, 12:07 PM

alright, count me in. how do you except payment?
btw, what are PAB's?

Posted by: trackbird Feb 9 2006, 01:11 PM

You can mail a money order (as soon as I start collecting cash, which may be soon as this rate) or you can paypal the total to me (I'll give you my paypal address as soon as I start collecting payment).

PAB's = Pad Abutment Brackets

PAB's are the "bracket" that you put the pads into and then the caliper bolts onto (the slider pins are sliding in the PAB, it's the "frame").

5 (or 16) left.

Posted by: trackbird Feb 9 2006, 01:55 PM

This is to claim a set for Eric (local sale).

4 (or 15) Left.

Posted by: j9_ls1 Feb 10 2006, 06:34 PM

Am I correct in assuming that these still require modification to the steering knuckle? I believe the BB ones did.

Posted by: trackbird Feb 10 2006, 06:41 PM

Yes, you do have to modify the spindle with this kit. It is identical to when Bob sold it, I've made no changes (other than anodizing the insides of the bolt holes, which is a good thing) to the kit. When I purchased the rights from Bob, I agreed that they would be built to his rigid standards and I would not try to find ways to skimp on the construction (and I haven't).

Posted by: John_D. Feb 10 2006, 11:42 PM

Ok, I'm in for one set.

Posted by: trackbird Feb 11 2006, 12:15 AM

3 (or 14) left.

Thanks John.

Posted by: trackbird Feb 13 2006, 02:48 AM

A set for Zane.

2 (or 13) left.

Posted by: z28bryan Feb 15 2006, 06:54 PM

I should pick some up even though I wouldn't buy the other stuff for the kit until later on, but I'll never be able to afford all the other mods I'm doing in a month.

Posted by: trackbird Feb 15 2006, 07:27 PM

Just let me know, you can always gather up the parts later.

Posted by: trackbird Mar 9 2006, 02:26 PM

OK, lets get this thing going. I'll get the shop started as soon as I have most of the money collected and get this rolling.

Thanks guys!

PM me for payment info (if you didn't get my PM with that info).

Posted by: Eugenio_SS Mar 13 2006, 03:08 AM

does that make it 2 (or 13) left ?

Posted by: trackbird Mar 13 2006, 05:45 AM

Yes, but I'm just going to buy the rest if needed.

Posted by: streetbad Mar 14 2006, 08:51 PM

Not needed I'm in.

Posted by: trackbird Mar 14 2006, 09:06 PM

Great and welcome. I'll PM you payment information.

Thanks,

Kevin

There are still some (either one or two sets) available. If you look at the beginning of the thread, I put myself down for 2 sets and I'll probably keep at least one of those, so there is at least a set left, possibly two (if I don't keep any for myself).

Either way, we are going ahead with this batch and things are under way.

Thanks guys!

Posted by: trackbird Mar 15 2006, 03:30 AM

I've started a paid list at the bottom of the first post so you can see if your payment has arrived.

Thanks!

Posted by: Grimes Mar 17 2006, 12:31 AM

Hi guys...long time no see! Is this gp still active? There seem to be only 2 names on the 1st post (new order start up, or still original one?) Thanks.

Posted by: trackbird Mar 17 2006, 01:33 AM

It's still active. I just started collecting money so most of it is likely in the mail right now (hence the only two names) and two buyers are local to me and have no need to be listed.

We still have at least one set left at this time.

Thanks,

Kevin

Posted by: Kyan Mar 20 2006, 10:10 PM

Kevin,
Am I too late for this GP?
I got some questions but I wait for your reply first.

Kyan.

Posted by: LT4Firehawk Mar 20 2006, 10:35 PM

Kyan, if you want you can take my set. We just got done with a surgery for one of our daughters and I hadn't had time to send the money in yet. Let me know, because otherwise I need to go ahead and send my payment in to Kevin.

Posted by: Kyan Mar 20 2006, 11:15 PM

Thanks Evan.

Kevin then please count me in if someone can tell if the Z06 setup will fit inside my 17" 97 SS stock rims.

Oh by the way, all I need after this to make the change over are following parts from Team Chevrolet:

=====================
Here is an updated GM parts list:
GM Part # / # needed / Description
88895128 / 1 / Caliper, Guide pin bolts included (red Z06) OPTIONAL
88895129 / 1 / Caliper, Guide pin bolts included (red Z06) OPTIONAL
88925547 / 1 / Right Delco Durastop rotor, lower cost OPTION
88925548 / 1 / Left Delco Durastop rotor, lower cost OPTION
12455799 / 2 / Pad abutment bracket
10333772 / 2 / Front caliper brake hose
12530697 / 4 / Pad abutment guide pin
12530703 / 4 / Guide pin boot
22163795 / 2 / Banjo bolt
10139097 / 4 / Banjo bolt copper washers

CHOICE OF PADS AVAILABLE THROUGH GM DEALERS:
88952008 / 1 / Z06 front axle pad set - RECOMMENDED - (includes springs & shims)
===========

Does anyone know how much total convertion $$ will be?

I did some searchs and followed links to other posts but got more confused at the end .....

Kyan.

Posted by: trackbird Mar 21 2006, 03:12 AM

Evan,

I've got enough for both of you. So if you want a set, it's no problem, just toss it in the mail when you get a chance.

How's your daughter doing? Nothing serious I hope.



The kit will fit your wheels. One of our members recently completed (all of the other GM parts) his kit for just over $400 (plus the conversion kit from this gp). Here's what he said (about 3 months ago, so it should be pretty current):



Thanks!

Kevin

Posted by: tekprodave Mar 27 2006, 10:09 PM

Do you have any pics of the stuff? (That would proabably help to sell the items.)

I'm looking to upgrade the brake system in my 95 Z28. Does this include everything I need?

Posted by: LT4Firehawk Mar 27 2006, 10:20 PM

She's doing pretty good, it was to correct some birth defect issues with the intestinal tract, so we had it planned for a while. At this point everything's done, she just has to heel up and learn how to pass solid waste.

If you've got enough for both of us, then I'll go ahead and take a set. It'll be Friday before I can send you a Paypal though.

Posted by: trackbird Mar 27 2006, 11:00 PM

You will need the brackets from this GP and the list of parts on the previous page. One of my customers recently ordered all of it from Dal Slabaugh (spelling?) and paid just over $400 for the rest of the kit.

I can e-mail you pics of the brackets if you'd like (just PM me an e-mail address). I still have a set available if you are interested.

And, Evan, I've still got a set for you as well.

Thanks!

Kevin

Posted by: tekprodave Mar 28 2006, 12:54 AM

Oh OK I get it. You are selling the brackets and the other parts listed finish off the parts needed for conversion. So we are looking at $700+ for the whole shebang. I thought it was $400 for everything. I'll have to rethink this.

Posted by: trackbird Mar 28 2006, 01:44 AM

Sorry I didn't explain that better. The entire kit will run about $700 (give or take), that's correct.

Kevin

Posted by: trackbird Apr 1 2006, 03:50 PM

Ok, I'm waiting on the last 3 payments to arrive (and I'm keeping two sets for myself, one for possible personal use and one for a gift to a friend). So, once I get the last 3 payments (one is local and two from this list), this batch will be sold out (unless I decide to part with one of my sets).

Thanks everyone!

Posted by: torres Apr 4 2006, 11:44 PM

hi i kinda got in late on this one but if your ever interested in selling ur extra set please let me know.
or if you get another batch going id like to be in on it.

thanks

marco

Posted by: trackbird Apr 5 2006, 12:00 AM

I should know something by tomorrow. I suspect that I do have a set for you but I'd like to confirm that first.

Thanks,

Kevin

Posted by: trackbird Apr 6 2006, 12:49 PM

Ok, I have a set for you if you're interested. I sent you a PM.

Posted by: 95 Z/28 LT1 Apr 12 2006, 01:31 AM

I really need a set of these brackets, are there any available? I've got money ready to go.

I wish I had noticed this thread earlier...

Posted by: trackbird Apr 12 2006, 01:59 AM

I'm debating if I'm going to part with my personal set at this time. I was going to keep one set for me (I sold my last set that I had in stock from a previous batch). Hmm. Let me get back to you tomorrow on that one. I'll know by then.

Thanks,

Kevin

Posted by: 95 Z/28 LT1 Apr 12 2006, 09:29 PM

Thanks. I had a set of these brackes back when Bob made them out of steel, but had to let them go with the car when I sold it. I have another car now and want to bring it up to snuff with the C5 upgrade. I am usually on camaroz28.com, but it seems that not many people seem to post in the autocross forum there anymore.

Thanks,

Jacob

Posted by: trackbird Apr 12 2006, 11:27 PM

Ok, I'll send you payment information and we'll get you in on this batch.

Thanks!

Kevin

Posted by: trackbird Apr 13 2006, 10:16 PM

Update:

I spoke to the machine shop yesterday and was advised that the "large" CNC machine (which seems to hold better tolerances for this product, they had some issues with that until they switched to using the higher powered machine) has been down for a week (or a bit longer) and "should" be fixed by this weekend. The anodizer will pick them up from there, anodize them and ship them to me (probably within a week). Sorry for the delays, but I wanted to make give a status update.

Thanks,

Kevin

Posted by: trackbird May 5 2006, 01:39 PM

Latest update.

The anodizers should get the brackets early next week, anodize them and get them on the way to me. So, I hope to have them by the end of next week (12th) or shortly after and I'll be shipping them ASAP.

Sorry for the delays.

Posted by: streetbad May 6 2006, 11:34 PM

Fun

Posted by: bruecksteve May 24 2006, 09:59 PM

Yes Kevin.... (I finally read this... ) After installing the brakes and new steel braided lines, I measured (using a G-Tech Pro) a 60-0 of 114 feet. That is also using 315's on 11" wheels all the way around. I made repeated stops with no increase in distance.
I use the the GM rotors from http://www.gmpartsdirect.com They are slotted and cross-drilled, http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results.cfm?singlepart=1&partnumber=88926732, and http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results.cfm?singlepart=1&partnumber=88926731, and are only $53 each.

I highly recommend larger wheels and tires if you use these brakes. I had 275's on 9" SS wheels and the brakes would overpower the tires. With larger (315's vs 275's) tires, the car just stops, no, drama, not even much ABS until you get less than 20-30 mph. On top of that they are VERY easy to modulate and "feel". It's like your foot is curled around the rotor. I would also recommend that you replace the hoses with a good quality brake hose. Part of the "feel" has to do with the brake lines NOT expanding when the pedal is pressed, a mushy pedal. Good firm lines go a long way toward changing how the brakes feel and respond.

And..... I know it's been discussed many times, but I feel the slots and "holes" allow for much better wet braking than solid rotors. IMHO. If you don't drive in the wet very much then get the solid rotors if you'd prefer, I don't there is much if any difference between the two in the dry.

Posted by: trackbird May 24 2006, 10:32 PM

That's about what I was seeing out of my Wilwood kit when I tested it with an accelerometer based system (Bel FX).

UPDATE:

The anodizers picked up the brackets on Tuesday this week. The machine shops CNC machine issue put us way behind and I apologize for that. I hope to have them in my hands shortly and I'll be working overtime to get them headed out to everyone. Thanks for your patience and sorry for the delays.

Kevin

Posted by: trackbird May 31 2006, 11:52 PM

Now shipping!!!!

Tracking info is in the first post.

Posted by: Wayno Jun 1 2006, 06:28 AM

Kevin,I have a set of Trackbrackets that are new,never used that I will not need.Let me know if anyone else needs some and I will let them go at the current price .Thanks,Wayno.

Posted by: trackbird Jun 1 2006, 12:19 PM

Thanks Wayno! I'll pass it along if I hear from anyone else. You might stick them in the classifieds too.

I also wound up with an extra set after all, so I still have a set in stock (not sure if I'm keeping them or not yet).

Posted by: sgarnett Jun 1 2006, 01:07 PM

Dang it, it's not nice to dangle carrots like that while I'm still trying to stop the bleeding! However, I think my rotors are telling me that my new calipers are spreading again. I need to tuck a set of these brackets away for the next brake job.

I would like to get the black anodized parts with the anodized bolt holes. If that describes both the latest batch and Wayno's brackets I don't care which set I buy; otherwise I'd prefer to take your extra set if it's for sale, Kevin.

Posted by: trackbird Jun 1 2006, 01:53 PM

I'm not sure which set Wayno has (I forget when he got them). The batch before this was black anodized, before that they were clear anodized ("silver" appearance). The new ones are a "military grey", not black, but not the clear (I was supposed to get clear this time again, but I really like the new color, it has a purposeful look).

Posted by: sgarnett Jun 1 2006, 02:59 PM

Grey is fine. Which batches got the anodized bolt holes?

Posted by: trackbird Jun 1 2006, 03:19 PM

The last ones and the current batch. It was the last change Bob and I made to the design when I took over production. We opened up the bolt holes a couple thousandths (to allow for the anodizing to build up the surface) and anodized through the holes instead of masking them off. So, black or grey will have the anodized bolt holes.

Posted by: Wayno Jun 2 2006, 06:12 AM

I can't remember the color but I believe they are gray.I got mine from the last GP from Bob

Posted by: trackbird Jun 2 2006, 11:30 AM

That was the last batch before the change. Not to worry, Bob built "tons" of them that way and they work just fine. It was just a change we considered when I took over (it also saves a bit of money for anodizing since they don't have to mask anything off, so everyone wins).

Posted by: coldkilla Jun 8 2006, 04:25 PM

Hey I just got my brackets in the mail. These are nice, man. I like the color too, theyre pretty solid. Awesome instructions and hardware to boot. I gotta say this was money well spent. Thanks Trackbird! Hopefully I'll be able to get these on before the end of the summer!

Posted by: trackbird Jun 8 2006, 05:13 PM

Thanks. I wasn't happy (myself) with the black color we used (not the anodizers fault, just too dark) and was going to go back to clear anodizing. Somehow the wires got crossed and they came in that new color (I'm not sure how to describe it, industrial metallic?) and I really like it. It was a mistake that I can't take credit for, but I was very pleased with the results.

Glad you're happy with them. Wait until you get them on.

Once again, I'm sorry this batch took so long. My machine shop got behind (never happened before) and then a CNC machine went down, so they lost a couple more weeks. Anyway, I hope it was worth the wait, sorry for the delays.

Also, we used to pack them with the hardware between the brackets in the bag. A few sets got damaged in shipping. That's why these were taped to the outside of the box and shipped in other boxes (I got a bunch of those boxes, so I used them this time).

If anyone has any questions, let me know.

Posted by: sgarnett Jun 8 2006, 05:55 PM

I like the new color too. It's sort of anti-pimp, and discrete, which is what I generally prefer on my street-driven car.

Posted by: trackbird Jun 8 2006, 06:00 PM

Yea, the black was glossy. If I'd have known they could do that color, we would have used it last time. Subtle is fine with me.

Posted by: torres Jun 9 2006, 02:12 AM

Yep! got mine also! Very pleased cant wait to put them on! they were well worth the wait,
Thanks again Kevin for hooking me up

Posted by: trackbird Jun 9 2006, 04:10 AM

No problem at all!

Posted by: LT4Firehawk Jun 9 2006, 02:09 PM

Got mine too. They're so pretty it's almost a shame to put them on the car.

Now I just have to wait for all the brake parts to come in.

Posted by: trackbird Jun 9 2006, 02:16 PM

I was considering making myself a set of book ends......