front wheel overhaul and replacement

[WmWatt]

My plan is to buy the front wheels (hubs and calipers) off a wreck, overhaul them myself, and use them on my '89 Festiva. That way I get to take my time, have the use of my car, and take photos for the Internet. I will probably have to take the hubs to a shop to have the bearings pressed out and back in, and to a service station to have the wheels replaced. I'm retired in my 60's and limited in what strong arm stuff I can do.

I'm supposed to call the junkyard today to get the price on a set of front wheels off a junked '89 they have. What I'd like to know in order to estimate the total cost is what else I need in the way of parts.

1. Is there such a thing as a caliper rebuild kit? If not would I need anything besides new pads?

2. I assume the only parts I need to rebuild the hubs are rotors and bearings?

I've done the rear bearings, replaced all the brake line, timing belt, rear brake cable, and a few other things so am not a complete novice. When I did the brake line I broke the bleeder nipple off one of the front calipers so they have to be replaced when the bearings or rotors are done. I've read on this forum over the years how others have tackled the infamous front hubs. I saved one of the better threads on my computer. I'd like to take it on.

[mattswabb]

If you're going to do all that work you should do the aspire swap.

[WmWatt]

Mattswabb;
There are a couple of reasons I decided against the Aspire swap.
First, I replacing the whole front suspension system would be heavy work I couldn't do myself.
Second, looking ahead to when the car becomes a classic in a couple years, and later an antique, I want to preserve it as stock. Otherwise the Aapire swap would be good.

[Fordverde]

For your questions:

1-yes there is a kit for the calipers, well at least where I live.
2-Rotors, bearings, seals, pads, and if you want now that you are in there, maybe change the tie rods ends and the lower control arm.
Also don't forget to check the axel's boots, just in case!