Kelsey-Hayes Brakes
While researching disc brake upgrades for KH disc brakes, I came across the following article: That’s The Brakes: Restoring and tweaking 4-piston disc brakes. Near the bottom of the page (Parts is Parts section), the author mentions Goodmark Industries as a source of unicast replacement rotors for Kelsey Hayes disc brakes. However, Goodmark never actually made this part but instead bought them from a supplier who has since discontinued production.
At some time, some companies may have carried a unicast B-Body rotor for 1966-1969 vehicles. According to Tom Condran, the rotor used on the 4-piston, 1966-1969 Kelsey-Hayes disc brakes are a bolt-on (but expensive) 4.5" replacement rotor for 1965-1972 A-Body vehicles. This possibility is completely wrong as the A-Body spindle is too short for this B-Body rotor. Furthermore, the B-body caliper does not fit the A-Body spindle. Only try this if you already have this rotor in your possession.
The only available option at this time is a direct replacement part for the 2-piece hub and rotor. There are no options for a bolt-on hub & rotor in a 4.5" BC unless you have it done for yourself at a machine shop. Replacement rotors and calipers are still available but do not include the hubs:
- Aimco 5384 (rotor)
- Bendix 141054
- NAPA 86739 / (caliper kit 518)
- Raybestos 76739
- Wagner BD60257
- Cardone 18-4406/18-4407 (R&L reman. calipers)
Replacement wheel studs are different than those found on drum brakes. The overall length of these studs is 2" and the shoulder length is 1-1/16". with a 7/16"-20 thread size.
- Dorman 610-130 (RH thread, use with 611-014 nut)
- Dorman 610-131 (LH thread, use with 611-015 nut)
- NAPA BK6413148 (RH thread, and head stamped 130)
- NAPA BK6414089 (LH thread, and head stamped 131).
Kelsey-Hayes 4-piston calipers are available either as rebuilds or brand new. Stainless Steel Brakes Corporation has brand new Kelsey-Hayes 4-piston calipers available as well as their own line of high performance aluminum calipers. However, this caliper did not interchange with Bendix-style 4-piston calipers.
Early Mustang (1965-1968) disc brakes are almost identical to Mopar K-H disc brakes but have a 4½" BC. As a last resort, you may consider modifying the rotors to suit the Mopar hub. Early Mustang calipers are similar to Mopar K-H calipers as well but may need some modification to fit properly. See Early Mustang Disc Brakes on Mopar K-H Spindles and Using mustang rotors for 4.5" bc.
Repairing Kelsey-Hayes 4-piston braking systems:
Because of the growing obsolescence of 14" tires, you might want to consider upgrading to 15" wheels or larger, which will allow you to upgrade to larger rotor disc brakes.