Hoppers Disks

[jesus_is_alright]

Hey guys, firstly apologies if this has been asked before, but has anyone used the hopper stoppers disc conversion, and if so, what are your thoughts. I don't want to waste $1300 in a kit thats no good or doesn't fit

[Kirk]

Im no expert, but i called them a while ago, they said something about it needs to be a 15inch wheel...bare that in mind:) I ended up just having my Drums completly done...total was around 2.5k - 3k via brakes plus, as he said only needed disks for a V8 van, and drums last longer...(as in replacing pads or whatever...so saves me money that way....however ive not really driven the van, so dont know if it was right choice...

[jesus_is_alright]

Hi Kirk, i'm aware they require a 15inch rim and i'm going to buy some 15x8 US Indy's to match my 15x10 Us Indy's that i have for the back.
They also have a diagram showing wheel clearances for their 300mm kit and the dimensions of my wheels are exactly to within a milimeter or two the same as their drawing.
I've emailed them to clarify if this is the required clearance or the size of the disc and caliper because i dont want a disc setup that only clears my wheels by 1mm, thats too close for comfort.
I've hared that at low speed city driving, drums are great, but when braking hard from high speed, (110kph) drums heat up fat to quickly and are not as effective.
Also my gut feeling is that considering almost, if not all cars are now running discs, they must be superior in some way
And a final thought, as far as cost goes, a 300mm kit for the front costs $1250, and an adaptable master cylinder for $220 and you can get a rear bolt on or weld on kit, which cant be more than the front kit as they are smaller discs (280 or 300mm) so cost should be around $2700 for a full disc conversion

[Warren]

Thoreticly drum brakes should be better because they have a greater surface area, drum brakes do heat up if "ridden" and over used, and they lack good heat dispersion compared to discs.

I think the biggest drawback with drums is the need for constant adjustment to keep them working at there best, and the complexity compared to discs.

Ive had quiet a few cars with drums, and well maintained and adjusted they are awsome - they just dont stay that way for long.

Warren

[ShaneJ]

Yep, drum brakes have much better braking performance than disks. However jumping on the brakes at 80kph more than a few times will see some serious fade.

The reason drums don't get fitted to new cars any more is because they are more time consuming to maintain which adds to servicing costs.

Take a look behind the wheels of any prime mover and the trailers, you wont see disks there.

Is brake fade really going to be an issue in a bedford? Are you going to be going to the race track very often?

I'll be fitting some kind of V8 to my bedford and it will be used to tow about 1000kg of boat and fishing gear. Down the back I'll be using drum brakes and up front I'll be fitting disks purely because its easier to put larger disks on than drums.

[Jeff]

Is brake fade really going to be an issue in a bedford?

YES!!!
If you live in NZ and drive an auto down some of our down hill bits.
It can be nothing short of dangerous, unless you are very careful.

[ben]

so cost should be around $2700 for a full disc conversion

oh my you guys have way too much money.

[MaTTe]

jesus, i'm strongly considering the hoppers kit for the front, but i dont want the calipers.. I want the calipers from THIS kit.
I would consider the whole kit, but the hoppers kit is designed for the bedford, where as the other kit isn't.


I was even considering getting the hoppers kit, then taking it to an engineer and having the hub reproduced as it is the key to the kit, then making it available to other members.. but it is a bit of a dog act..

$1200+ is ALOT for a brake kit, but they have had the kit complied to ADRs, i just dont want the kit exactly as they sell it, and they wont split it up.

Maybe we should see if they'll do a better price for multiple purchases?

I dont want the rear kit as Peter told me the drums I have on the rear are far superior to the rear discs they offer.

[jesus_is_alright]

I like the hoppers kit because it contains everything you need, i dont have to source HQ discs and pads, and machine stuff or find unusual bearings to make it all fit, it should just be a diy bolt on job