cocacolakidd

iTrader: (6)

After a long exhaustive search for Dropped Spindles for our 82-92 Third Gens I have found that they are no longer available - because of past lack of interest. With this in mind we need to get a group together to make a batch purchase. I have found a source that may produce them with a batch of 10 or more to be ordered (this number of 10 orders is still under negotiation at this time).

Negations are under way at this time with an outsource company to produce them if enough of us order them. I will post all information required when it is available. Superior Machine and Foundry has made them before for Bell Tech so it is not new to them. If their are enough orders for the company to re-start with a batch run we may wind up with Dropped Spindles where they were not available before. I was told by them that the spindles are labor intensive to produce and they would not do them as single run pairs.

After all is set, I’m thinking that if we each called the company and ordered our sets, then when their was enough calls for them they will run the batch…we will see…Also consider that the more sets we order the cheaper they may be (more negotiations here).

Let me know, and sign up for Dropped Spindles (We can keep a running list) then we will order them.

Pass it on…

Thanks, Cocacolakidd (Ed).

acescarrsRS

I might be interested so keep us updated when more info is available. Ex.-price, estimated time span for production, etc.
Thanks

nolanr0413

i would have bought a set a while a ago , but then i dont think i could use my z06 brakes. Since the spindle is moved up that means everything else is moved, rotor and then caliper would need a different bracket right . That was the only thing that stopped me when i saw a set on ebay a few months ago.

CaysE

I thought drop spindles were for trucks... :shrug: Is there enough room to run drop spindles without planting your tires through the wheel wells on full compression?

CrazyHawaiian

Yeah I'm running them, works great. Are you guys sure about only needing 10 though? Because before I found my used set, I also wanted to do a group purchase. And I was told we needed 100 orders, not 10. But hey, if it is only 10, I'd be down to get another set.

cocacolakidd

iTrader: (6)

I'm running 3 1/2" down, with springs, now and all fits. The front air dam scrapes often enough but that's the worst for me...Ed.

cocacolakidd

iTrader: (6)

The final number for a batch run has not been defined yet. It has been discussed as a batch run is what it would take to produce them...We will know more Monday (Nov 1st.) I'm hoping it will be as small as 10 pairs or so, but we will see. Thanks for the support, Ed.

cocacolakidd

iTrader: (6)

With the Dropped Spindles how hard would it be to make a flat plate bracket to move the brakes up by 2". I was out looking at my brakes and it seems rather straight forward. Ed.

cocacolakidd

iTrader: (6)

Actually the above post may be wrong. If the spindles are dropped, and for the brakes to fit them they must move up the bracket locators or caliper mounts with the spindle - so all braking systems should fit the same. If one had to modify their OEM spindles to fit a braking system then the Dropped Spindles should be modified accordingly. Is there any one who has dropped spindles that can verify this?? thanks, Ed.

acescarrsRS

Pm CrazyHawaiian for info on dropped spindles. He just put a pair on his Z.

firedawg225

I'd be interested. If you give me a price or time frame that would put me over the edge. I'm deployed now and moving to Japan in Apr so if it can be done by then i'm in.

cocacolakidd

iTrader: (6)

Well, so far I have contacted three different foundries capable of running the blanks for the spindles, and they all want a run of 100 pair. It's not looking good for this project unless we can get 100 or more that want them. In the past the spindles were discontinued because of lack of interest, and this may be the case today, we will see. If we can get 100 members/people to sign up for dropped spindles we could have a go-ahead. Thanks for all, Ed.

MrDude_1

for 100 spindles, whats the cost per spindle?

is this 100 sets, or is this 50 sets?

cocacolakidd

iTrader: (6)

100 sets @ $19,500.00 Min...This was a quote from Superior Machine & Foundry. Wade foundry would issue a quote on price after reviewing CAD Drawings and Production Sheets supplied by me/us. They did state that it would probably be around $20,000.00 (ball park) as a minimum for start-up. Bell Tech would not quote a price without a solid conformation on an order of 100 set/pair minimum. So this is where we are so far. ED.

Kandied91z

iTrader: (7)

alright so let me get this straight. they had the design and destroyed it. they want $20,000 to bring it back from the dead. they want you to confirm 100 orders at 200 a set correct?

well the 200 price tag is decent for the set to be made but the 100 orders is a little out of question. with all the shops in the country/world there has to be someone whom can put it together with less orders. a mass order of 100 would be a headache and difficult situation.

50 is even unheard of but a little more reasonable. i'd tell them 25-30 and if they won't do it move on... the chances of you getting 100 will be a long while. what about just getting the concept from them? i do not know how they are made but someone here has to know of a shop that is capable with the design down.

cocacolakidd

iTrader: (6)

I have not given up yet. If I/we can find someone willing to produce them with a lesser quantity - say 20 to 25 sets, then we can go about procuring the CAD Drawings and Production Sheets for the spindles. The CAD Drawings and Production Sheets may be a cost to get copies of - this we will see. To a production manufacturer it would be a cost and a consideration on the final amount. Onwards and upwards, ED.

DuronClocker

iTrader: (1)

I'd be down for a set that would allow me to bolt on some C4HD rotors with no other modifications to the spindle/hub

cocacolakidd

iTrader: (6)

To mount the C-4's you would probably have to cut the 3rdGen dropped spindle at the backing plate mountings and re-drill and tap two holes for them to fit. This has been done by others frequently.

I just re-worked in this way my 84 OEM spindles to use the larger LS1 brake caliper and rotor set-up.

Ed.

oil pan 4

iTrader: (1)

I think I like what I here.
So there $100 each and will work with bigger breaks.
I'll take 2 pair.
Can you give us a date now?

cocacolakidd

iTrader: (6)

No, there is no firm date....The only confirmation we have so far is 100PR @ $19,500.00. There does not seem to be a foundry/forge that will produce them for any smaller amounts. Bell Tech will do them at 100 pair/sets, and they have all of the data (CAD and work sheets), so they are so far the cheapest. Superior Foundry has hemmed and hawed around saying that if we give them a firm order of 100 sets they will then give a price quote (who knows where that may be). I would love to see them again, but I have not found a way yet. Ed.

Kandied91z

iTrader: (7)

don't give up... get the info needed for the specs.

cocacolakidd

iTrader: (6)

I will call Jim Fairweather at Bell Tech back tomorrow and see if I can get the production CAD Drawings and worksheets for them. Maybe if they are thinking they will never produce them again, the technical information to produce them may not cost to much - we will see. Ed.

DuronClocker

iTrader: (1)

Yeah man if you can get these drilled so they are compatible with some bigger brakes (LS1/C4HD/C5, etc.), then I'm up for it. It'd be nice to eliminate the hub-in-rotor like I said above, but I realize that would make this a bit harder and not everyone would be interested then.

cocacolakidd

iTrader: (6)

Every one at Bell Tech is out untill Monday. Hopefully we may know more then. Ed.

89 Iroc Z

Drop spindles will work with bigger brakes. Here is some pics of someone who has drop spindles and baer brakes:
http://home.san.rr.com/iroc/Baer/
http://home.san.rr.com/iroc/Baer/f-inside2.JPG
http://home.san.rr.com/iroc/Baer/f-inside3.JPG
http://home.san.rr.com/iroc/Baer/rim01.JPG

MrDude_1

you know, for $200 a set, you MAY be able to get someone to CNC mill them.

because you dont have to setup a mold and such, they may be willing to make a smaller number... or maybe even a on-order basis...

it wont look close to stock, but it'll work.

cocacolakidd

iTrader: (6)

Just got off the phone with Alvin Rocha of Bell Tech. In our conversation he stated that they would never release the production sheets/Cad material for production of the spindles. So we have drawn a blank with this. We did talk further on the subject of the spindles; why's and wherefores of the discontinuance of the spindles. Seems as if in the last of their production period of eighteen months (end of 2001) they only had three orders for our spindles. Therefore they discontinued production of the dropped spindles for third gens.
All of the above is the not so good news. The good news is - Mr. Rocha is going to look around and see if there is a possibility of producing a run of only 20 - 25 dropped spindles. He then will get back with me and let us know. We may then have to get on the stick and spread the word/twist some arms , etc. to order these sets. So with fingers crossed, I'm hoping that this is the possibility, and that we can pull it off. We shall see - Remember though, that the above was just a “I’ll check on it, and get back with you” statement. Ed.

cocacolakidd

iTrader: (6)

Just got off the phone with Alvin Rocha, of Bell Tech. He tells me in the past there was a machining problem with the dropped spindles, that and the lack of orders is what caused their discontinuance. He stated he is going to get back into the machining problem once more, and if this can be solved they may just run some more of the spindles. He said it may take another couple of weeks to iron it all out, if it's possible to iron out the problem. Then he will get back with me, and let us know the status of whether we may get a small batch run of them (20 or so). Well, we will see...Ed.

vejatabul

well if you can find some one to make them you can count me in. id pay $200-$250 for the set. it would be nice to have proper suspension geometery and still keep my car very low. i would then consider lowering my car even more. the only problem is then rear lca's point slightly down right now,and i really want to find a solution. i have relocation brackets, and there set on the lowest setting. my brother keeps telling me to buy a set from some company ive never heard of cause they have an even lower mounting point, witch is what it looks like i will have to do.

MikeB85TA

I am interested in this purchase if the price is fair.

cocacolakidd

iTrader: (6)

I'm hoping to hear back from Alvin Rocha, of Bell Tech, sometime this next week. Hoping to hear some good news for a long awaited part being back into production… As to the cost of them, this is what we also do not know. Mr. Rocha is trying now to trim down the machining time, which would trim the cost on them. We will see, Ed.

firedawg225

Count me in. The only problem i have is i'm leaving for Japan in Apr so if they aren't done by then then sorry i can't get them. Thanks for the updates

SeeYa

It would be nice if they made a set that could accept any brake package and change the offset to 4th gen specs. $200 is a good deal when you consider spacers cost $300.

TomP

I'd be up for a set. Now I've lowered my f-body an inch and it drives me NUTS- too damn low- and yes I lowered it properly with springs meant for my car (Suspension Techniques)- but spindles are sexy!

How low of a drop would these spindles be? 1 inch (hopefully)? Or are we talking some severe drop that I couldn't drive with?

TomP

What about modifying another car's spindles? My buddy says S10 spindles might fit my car- I'm pretty sure S10's have an upper ball joint, and yes they use shocks, but we share the same balljoint ... could we make a strut bracket to tie into the S10's upper balljoint mount?

Then we're just buying S10 (or Monte or etc) spindles, and paying someone to make a schnazzy bracket.

cocacolakidd

iTrader: (6)

The dropped Spindles are all 2" drop. Basically they move up the tire into the wheel well and do not affect the suspension geometry at all. In other words same ride and steering as stock, but car is lowered 2".

As far as modifying S-10 Spindles for a Camaro one would have to cut off the upper portions (i.e. Ball joint mount and shock mount) of the S-10 spindle and re-weld the McPherson Strut Mount to the spindle. I do not know if this has ever been done, and then how safe is it when done? It may be possible though, has any one ever done it? -Ed-

TomP

Yep, I know that; that's exactly why I would've preferred spindles instead of springs. But a 2 inch drop? I have enough trouble getting around with a 1 inch drop... that's too bad. Well i guess let me know if you guys get 'em, maybe I'll hop in on it. 2" would be unstreetable around here.

And I'd definately be against welding on the spindle; a bolt-on bracket would be my choice. Like I said, i've never seen an S10 spindle, or held one in my hands, just an idea to throw out.

TexasLT1

If it goes, and the price is comparable to what they originally sold for, I'm in. I've wanted to go lower than the Pro-Kit I've got right now for some time, sounds like the best way.

Lumberjack

I had a pair of Bell Tech drop spindles on my '84 Bird. I beleive it was a 1.5" drop. They do not change anything except the travel of the shocks. The shocks will travel 1.5" less than before so the only thing you should consider changing is the stock shocks to drop shocks that take into account the 1.5' loss of travel. The grate thing about drop shocks compare to drop springs is it does not affect the angle of tires. If I remember right the Bell Techs were worth about $250 - 300 new when I got mine. About 10 years ago. I didn't have any ground affects on my car and only scraped the front crossmember a few times going fast into a dip in the road.

Getting some made on CNC machine would affect the structual integrity of the spindles. Forged is the way to go. Metal is much like wood and has "grain" in it. Cutting the metal down would affect the strength of spindle.

88IROCZZ4

I may be interested in a set , if the price is right. wont have a lot of spare cash for a while , but i should be able to swing $200 or less.

OneBadZ4U

I would be in for at least one set if, and only if, my LS1 brake upgrade will work on the new spindles without having to buy any other brackets or parts. And if they were about $200. If I really liked the way the car rides with them on, I might want another set.

mightymaro94

im sure if someone peolple on here already got em we could come up with our own CAD data i mean come on, it cant be that hard, all you gotta do is look at the stockers, then the drops and use your head

mightymaro94

im not tryin to make anyone mad so dont take that last post the wrong way, im just sayin we should have enough brains and fabricating talent that we can do this with out the crap that bell tech wants to give us lol

TexasLT1

do you want something made in someones garage that is a critical component of the car that directly affects your safety?

92droptop

So i'm not positive that they're still making this kit, but this site has a kit that includes 2" drop spindles, so i don't see why you wouldn't be able to purchase them seperately. I don't have time to contact them right now, but will try on monday. If anyone gets in touch with them first let everyone know.

here's the link
1982-92 Camaro 2" Drop Spindle Disc Conversion Brake Kit

cocacolakidd

iTrader: (6)

UPDATE!!!

I have been trading voicemails with Alvin Rocha with Bell Tech (He is very hard to get in contact with - very busy). This update is great news so far. At Bell Tech the Spindles are not in production as of yet, but they have refined the manufacturing/machining process to make them more cost productive for production. So at least they are back into engineering, and we may yet see the almost extinct dropped spindles for 3rd Gens. on the market (I hope soon). See ya, Ed.

Scorpner

iTrader: (4)

Scorpner

iTrader: (4)

Let me know how it goes. I may be interested if it becomes a reality. Let me know by email link below.


Just asking: How would the spindles relate to coil overs? Would it compliment them or make it more complicated? Could they be incorperated into the spindles?

OneBadZ4U

If Bell Tech does indeed make them and they're at a reasonable price(around $200 Like most of us have said), we as a group must put are money where are mouths are. And, We must buy them as soon as they're offered. I think it is a must. We all want as many options for parts as we can have.

ebmiller88

iTrader: (7)

I've been asked to help on the brake mods for the dropped spindles and I'm glad to help you guys out. Personally I won't be buying a set of them but I'm more than happy to work on getting LS1s, C4s, and C5s fit up on dropped spindles...I would just need one to work with.


Ed