Aspire Brake Conversion

[Aphelion79]

Just a quick double check before I spend the bucks on new calipers etc for this project...

will the Festiva brake lines will fit into the aspire calipers? I don't need to change those do I?

Same question for the rear, will the Festiva Brake lines for the rear drums work as well?

[25Horseplay]

Read this http://www.fordfestiva.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4033

[Aphelion79]

So I do need to spend another 100 dollars at the auto store for brake lines, right? He mentions the steel ones for the front only once is that necessary or no?

[muscle_Car1]

You can use the festy lines with aspire calipers if you cut off the little nub on the line. Or you can use the aspire lines that screw into the festy hardline

[Aphelion79]

Thanks!

[Aphelion79]

UPDATE: Got the brake lines (not to mention I gave AutoZone my Banjo Bolts!) banjo bolts, and the thingy to hold the brake pins in etc. Picked them up from the Junkyard... the guy's gave 'em to me for free, lol. Free vs. $70.00 at the parts stores!

[Aphelion79]

UPDATE 2: I also noticed when reassembling the front knuckles the brake caliper pins that hold the brake shoes in do NOT have little holes in them. I don't see how they would stay in there on their own so should I drill the holes manually, or is it needed? Perhaps I should return to the junkyard and steal the pins from the other vehicle?

[skeeters_keeper]

they should have holes in them!


if you go to atuzone you get get a "brake hardware kit" for < $5 i think, it has the pins, retainer springs, etc. I used some that were left over from a friends escort, you may want to see which ones are cheaper (escort or aspire), and just check when you buy them to make sure they are the same size (i used pins from a manual escort on an auto aspire, though i'm not sure if it will make a difference).

[Aphelion79]

Ah sweet! Ok thanks... probably should get a brake hardware kit for the rear end too, lol... I'll keep you all posted on progress!

[Damkid]

whenever i replace pads (front or rear) i usually get the hardware kit

[Aphelion79]

Got drivers side front knuckle completely replaced yesterday. Going to work on passenger's side knuckle swap today. Question: Stock aspire rims with stock tires on those = okay for strut clearance etc, right?

[skeeters_keeper]

yea, stock aspire rims+tires= good all around.

[Aphelion79]

Last big question with the front end at least, lol...:

When attaching the brakelines to the calipers, they provide two copper washers to use as gaskets. I'm assuming these go in the order of:

1. Caliper
2. Washer
3. Brake Line
4. Washer
5. Banjo Bolt

Is that correct? I.E. Sandwiching the brake line fitting on each side with the copper washers?

[25Horseplay]

^Yes.

[Aphelion79]

Sweet... thanks! Currently rebuilding the rear axle, have it sitting out in my shop. And of course I get sick now and am trying to keep myself from going out in the cold to work on it... lol. New drums, brake cylinders, shoes, hardware, bearings etc etc etc... then all i've gotta do is drop out 4 bolts two brake lines and an E-brake cable - reverse the procedure and I'll be done! lol