First I want to thank the following people & companies for their help!
Scot at GNS Performance
Baer Brakes
Rodney Austin at Austin Collision & Customs
So I will start off by saying this install was about as tough as they come for me, but I hit just about every snag you could think of. First, although Scot at GNS ordered me the correct brake package Baer accidentally sent me the wrong rear brakes. Then, in their rush to resolve the issue, they sent me the wrong parking brake cables. These two mistakes ate about 4-5 hours of my time which included me sitting, starring, wondering, sizing, realizing the mistake was the part and then getting in touch with Baer to resolve.
The PowerMaster removal and the Vacuum Brake install is a BITCH. I removed the front seat, that made things go easier but you just don't have much room to work so you have to get creative getting to things and putting the 5/8ths bolt on the 11/16" headed nut with tape and patience.
The fittings for the factory line are unique so trying to avoid cutting and flaring the factory lines I searched for hours trying to find fittings that would allow me to adapt everything together. This took some time but finally I found the right combination of parts that allowed me to do just that.
Then there was the factory combination valve, which got stuck in the locked position. No mater what I did, I couldn't get the rear brakes to bleed. After tons of research and lots of phone calls I realized that the combination valve was the problem. Tried a few different methods to resolve the stuck valve such as hammer tapping and brake pedal mashing but eventually I removed it, took it apart, cleaned it and put it back in and the problem was resolved.
Finally! I had working Baer Brakes and let me tell you, just doing the mild break in procedure they REALLY want to stop the car. I'm hoping to have them ready for a full Baer approved bedding process by Saturday. They look GREAT and finally, with the full SC&C suspension, CCW LM20s and E85 conversion the car feels complete and built like the true GT car I really wanted with this Buick.
I've had it back on the road for 3 days and I've had 2 offers on the car and lots of compliments so I'm content with the look of the car it is very sexy!
Now on to some pictures!
Scot at GNS Performance
Baer Brakes
Rodney Austin at Austin Collision & Customs
So I will start off by saying this install was about as tough as they come for me, but I hit just about every snag you could think of. First, although Scot at GNS ordered me the correct brake package Baer accidentally sent me the wrong rear brakes. Then, in their rush to resolve the issue, they sent me the wrong parking brake cables. These two mistakes ate about 4-5 hours of my time which included me sitting, starring, wondering, sizing, realizing the mistake was the part and then getting in touch with Baer to resolve.
The PowerMaster removal and the Vacuum Brake install is a BITCH. I removed the front seat, that made things go easier but you just don't have much room to work so you have to get creative getting to things and putting the 5/8ths bolt on the 11/16" headed nut with tape and patience.
The fittings for the factory line are unique so trying to avoid cutting and flaring the factory lines I searched for hours trying to find fittings that would allow me to adapt everything together. This took some time but finally I found the right combination of parts that allowed me to do just that.
Then there was the factory combination valve, which got stuck in the locked position. No mater what I did, I couldn't get the rear brakes to bleed. After tons of research and lots of phone calls I realized that the combination valve was the problem. Tried a few different methods to resolve the stuck valve such as hammer tapping and brake pedal mashing but eventually I removed it, took it apart, cleaned it and put it back in and the problem was resolved.
Finally! I had working Baer Brakes and let me tell you, just doing the mild break in procedure they REALLY want to stop the car. I'm hoping to have them ready for a full Baer approved bedding process by Saturday. They look GREAT and finally, with the full SC&C suspension, CCW LM20s and E85 conversion the car feels complete and built like the true GT car I really wanted with this Buick.
I've had it back on the road for 3 days and I've had 2 offers on the car and lots of compliments so I'm content with the look of the car it is very sexy!
Now on to some pictures!
