Forum: Racing From The Past (go)
Moderators: Racing From The Past

I don't really know how to start this post with my questions but here it goes.I am trying to restore an old sprint car and after spending 2 hrs at the local NAPA store, i'm plenty mixed up. I'm working on the braking system. I never knew there were so many different types of threads to identify, size up and interface. Seems my biggest problem is i'm trying to mix and match some old stuff with new. Let me try to give some examples.The current car I'm working on,and because of the rear birdcages I have to use,(1980's style) I'm using older style Wilwood calipers which I can use the AN style fittings with 1/4" line with no problem. Although old Halibrands would have been more correct,they won't easily mount up without modifications I can't do at this point. I am going to use an old Halibrand on the front,but can't seem to get a fitting that goes into this caliper that will reduce to a AN-4 style for the nuts on the brake line. What kind of fittings and threads would be on this old caliper and can I convert it to AN fitting use? What type of fittings and threads did the cars of the 60's and 70's use? Can you adapt these old parts to the new lines? Also, how do you identify pipe threads and their size? Even the master cylinder seems to have different kind of threads.Its actually from an old towmotor I'm told.What for example is a 7/16-20 fitting and how is it different from all the others mentioned?? How does a banjo fitting work and when would it be used? I'm so frustrated this probably makes very little sense. I know there are some awful good mechanics that frequent this site and I'm hoping maybe can give me some insight.thanks, ron c

Speedway motors has adaptors from npt thread to an fittings for brakes. 1/8 to # 3 an is what I used on old Halibrand's I had.

Curt Grogan

Also ream out the holes that the Halibrand calipers slide on to where they are almost sloppy when mounted. It keeps the caliper from binding up on the mount and makes them work.

Kyle

We have a set of completely machined and rebuilt Halibrand calipers that we would consider selling if you might need more. They have been brass sleeved and all new O rings. They are in better than new condition., and have brand new pucks.