Gauging interest for the Pridemore Disc Brake kit

[hudson]

A couple weeks back, I had the opportunity to talk with Mr. Pridemore on the phone about his disc brake kit. He will go for another production run if he can get some people to show an interest in the kit. He has a run of 20 hubs(10kits) done at a time, to keep the set-up costs of the machine shop down.

He mentioned a couple of east guys who were interested in the kit. With myself interested, that would make three people looking for a kit. He needs some more people to express an interest, by giving him a call before he goes for another run of hubs. I don't recall the time frame of the kits being delivered, but you should be able to discuss that with him.

Yorgatron put a kit on his brothers stepdown coupe, and from the pictures it looks very well made. Ivan Zaremba also runs the kit on a couple cars from what I understand.

Who else is interested in a kit?

['47HUD]

I'd like a set, what's his contact info. ?
'47HUD

[Hudzilla]

At this time Rick Pridemore is the only guy left making a disc brake setup for Hudsons. The other gent who was making disc brake kits has retired [Labudd] and not making them any more. Rick needs to have a number of folks sign up to make a run or they won't get produced. Its called the economy of scale. If only a few folk sign up for the kits it can't be done at the price where it would be economical. Since he has the machining done by an outside vendor he needs to have more orders. To give you an idea of how popular they are, he has sold over 70 kits with no returns. If you want to go to a disc brake conversion you need to sign up. Outside of Rick, there are no other vendors offering the kit. If he dosen't get enough orders-no more kits. Please think of that if you are considering getting them done. Ordering them in two months may no t work if he can't get the present order produced. Winter is a great time to do brakes since the cars are largely dormant anyway. Consider what you are going to do with the money Santa gave you.:)

[hudson]

I'd like a set, what's his contact info. ?
'47HUD
I sent you a PM with his phone number.

[rambos_ride]

I'll need at least 1 setup.

Sign me up!

Send me his contact information and I'll call this week.

[Pacemaker500]

I wished I could afford to buy a kit just to keep the guy in business (and have as a backup stock on the shelf).

What is the going rate for the kit? If payment can wait until April, I can swing it.

[Hudzilla]

Rick's number is 336-427-4930. he can tell you more about the brakes and pricing.

[thekid1950]

I'll take 3 kits.
Been wanting to convert my cars

[46HudsonPU]

Do these kits work on pre-stepdown Hudsons? If so, what vehicles & years?

BTW - With the other orders already lined up & the interest in the product, it looks like he has at least the 10 orders needed.

Given the response, it would seem that at least double that number of kits could be sold in a reasonable amount of time...

[Ducor Kid]

I would like to get a kit for my 50 Pacemaker. I will call after Christmas.

Larry

Merry Christmas to all.

[SuperDave]

I don't want anyone to think I am throwing a wet blanket on this effort, but. The word "KIT" can be a little misleading. This is not just a box of parts to be bolted on your car and drive away. Several parts need to be purchased after you get the kit, including master cylinder,calipers, rotors , lug nuts, the residual valves and several brake lines.. The rotors will have to be machined by a machine shop. The master cylinder will have to be modified and the master cylinder bracket must be welded to the sub frame.. The important hub assembly is a work of art. The caliper brackets are well made as well. It takes a little more than a passing knowledge of mechanics to finish this project. It works, but don't expect to open a box on Saturday morning, install the parts and drive away Saturday afternoon..
Merry Christmas everyone! Dave W (FL):D

[Hudzilla]

Dave, you are absolutely right. Rick tells me however that since his early efforts things have improved and there have been improvements to the overall package. But the thing is, is that there really are no alternatives at this point. I have heard that the Fat Man kit is a lot more costly and not really geared to Hudsons anyway so at least here's a Hudson guy trying to make a product specifically for us. It's worth a shot if you are looking into disc brakes for your car.

[hudson]

Dave is quite right. I fear that I may have given off the wrong impression with the word "kit"

Here are some pictures of what comes from Mr. Pridemore. Pictures are courtesy of Yorgatron, hosted by me.

http://home.comcast.net/~dehudso/g3.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~dehudso/g4.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~dehudso/g5.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~dehudso/g6.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~dehudso/g7.jpg

[Pacemaker500]

But other directions come as well, correct? For example, caliper and rotor recommendations, etc...............

[51hornetA]

Yes it comes with instructions and a parts list. Remember this is a disc brake install and it is not a trivial install and if you are in any doubt farm it out to someone you trust. I got this from Rick and its high quality parts. I am not using the recommended parts I am trying to put together a solution using Wilwood parts and these brilliant hubs that Rick produces. I bought mine for the hubs alone the rest of the parts I may end up turfing.

[hudson]

Yes it comes with instructions and a parts list. Remember this is a disc brake install and it is not a trivial install and if you are in any doubt farm it out to someone you trust. I got this from Rick and its high quality parts. I am not using the recommended parts I am trying to put together a solution using Wilwood parts and these brilliant hubs that Rick produces. I bought mine for the hubs alone the rest of the parts I may end up turfing.

I too would like to go the Wilwood route with the hubs. How are you progressing?

[Pacemaker500]

Yes it comes with instructions and a parts list. Remember this is a disc brake install and it is not a trivial install and if you are in any doubt farm it out to someone you trust.

Understood. It is just that I ahve some unexpected funds coming in spring and will use some ot it on the Hudson. I thought this might be a good thing to do to help keep the guy in business and meet the target fo 20 units.

[Jay G]

Put me down for one.

Jay

[jsrail]

Does he only make them for the front?

[hudson]

Does he only make them for the front?

As far as I know, yes.

[46HudsonPU]

Does anyone know - Do these kits work on pre-stepdown Hudsons?

If so, what vehicles & years? ...

[Ol racer]

FYI
I have a Pridemore Disc Kit to install on my '37 Terraplane but have not done so yet because the large Hornet brakes I installed 'before' buying the Kit stop it very well.

The Hornet backing plates/lining bolted right onto the straight axle spindles but I think I had to use the Terraplane inner brg.

I also had to install a Grade 8 Large 1/8" washer behind the spindle nut because the Hornet Hubs were narrower than the Terraplane hubs.

With that said The Stepdown Brakes will fit the older Hudson's so the Pridemore Kit could probably be easily adapted. I plan to install the Discs one day..

['47HUD]

Rick,
I e-mailed you a message regarding brakes. Sent it through your 'little web-site'

'47HUD

[Pridemore]

Having 10 sets of brakes made. People are interested but no orders yet. These will fit any car that will accept Hornet brakes.The problem of having to weld MC bracket has been addressed with new bolt in bracket. All short wheel base cars have a different MC set up that I have not made a bracket for.(standard bracket may fit, don't know). A kit consists of 2 new hubs, 2 brackets to attach brakes to front spindle, bolt in MC bracket, instructions and hardware$410 plus 8.95 shipping. All other parts can be purchased at Auto Zone, Advance, NAPA etc. New kit coming to put disc brakes on Hudsons with Chrysler or Ford wheels. New kit coming to install a new taxi cab police car type drum on Hudson front using all Hudson parts except hub and drum. Cell ph. 336-423-8703 Before 10 PM EST.

[hudsonkid]

Mr. Pridemore,

I am curious as to what the additional parts cost, perhaps a rough ballpark. This is one upgrade I might be considering. Price seems real reasonable, for the hubs, which truly are a work of art.

Thanks!
Rick

[Pridemore]

Other than the parts in my kit you will need: 2 front brake hoses approx 13.50 ea.- 2 rotors 25.00 ea.- 2calipers 25.00 ea.- pads 13.00 - caliper pins 4.50 per set Need 2 sets- MC 18.00- 2 residual pressure valves 17.00 ea- 10 lug nuts ?- And a few other misc. pieces. Total cost with having the rotors trimmed down will be around $600-$630.(My kit included) Pridemore

[rambos_ride]

Having 10 sets of brakes made. People are interested but no orders yet. These will fit any car that will accept Hornet brakes.The problem of having to weld MC bracket has been addressed with new bolt in bracket. All short wheel base cars have a different MC set up that I have not made a bracket for.(standard bracket may fit, don't know). A kit consists of 2 new hubs, 2 brackets to attach brakes to front spindle, bolt in MC bracket, instructions and hardware$410 plus 8.95 shipping. All other parts can be purchased at Auto Zone, Advance, NAPA etc. New kit coming to put disc brakes on Hudsons with Chrysler or Ford wheels. New kit coming to install a new taxi cab police car type drum on Hudson front using all Hudson parts except hub and drum. Cell ph. 336-423-8703 Before 10 PM EST.

Hello,

I have 2 cars, a 49 Commodore, and a 50 Super 6.

I want to go with newer steel rims for both - either Chrysler or Ford, should I wait until the newer kits come out to contact you to make an order?

Thanks for your help.

Dan

[Pridemore]

The kit that you want is the same kit but with the caliper moved futher out on mounting bracket allowing use of unaltered rotors.(For use with Chrysler or Ford wheels only). In order to use stock Hudson wheels parts must be tucked in tighter with standard kit.

[464Saloon]

I had my original centers put into a custom 6.5 inch safety rim. Started out as a 7 but wouldn't clear the tie rods with the stock center. Will the current kit fit or will I have to wait. I Have a 54 Hornet Special.

[Pridemore]

I feel that the standard kit will fit, not knowing what your custom wheel looks like it's hard to say. If you want to try the Ford wheel kit first, I'll exchange backing plates if the brakes don't clear. The kits for drums are on hold for now but the other 2 kits are being made. Expected delivery time 7-8 weeks. If you want a set call and place your order as it will be first come first severed.

[464Saloon]

The wheel looks completely stock. I just got rid of the original outers as they were not safety rims and I wanted a wider rim and tire.

[rambos_ride]

Alright folks, I just got off the phone with Mr. Pridemore - great guy to talk with btw :cool:

I put myself in for 2 sets that fit the Chrysler/Ford Wheels and am sending the deposit, he's got 2 others committed for a total of 4 out of 10.

If you want to put some front disc brakes on your Hudson equipped front end - you might want to think about calling his number instead of waiting...just a thought...;)

[JasonNC]

Rick,
What time do you go to bed at night? I need to call after 9:00 PM when my cell phone minutes are free (you like to talk too much). I'm thinking about finally ordering the kit if it will fit my '48 (I don't have Hornet brakes on the front). Tell everyone in the Dogwood Chapter hello for me. I hope to rejoin once I get the kid through college and can again attend meets more regularly.
Jason

[Pridemore]

Hi Jason, You can call my cell ph. up to 10:00-10:30 PM EST. 336-423-8703. Yes I can talk to much when it concerns Hudsons. Glad you still have the 49. Hope to see you and Elizabeth at a meet soon. That short enough? Rick

[54 HSWH]

Here is a front disc brake conversion kit for 48-54 Hudson (that I purchased from Mr Pridemore and it is brand new...still! ZERO miles)

It also has the new calipers, disc pads & pins, rotors (Hudson, Ford & Chrysler pattern), support brackets, new hubs, i.e., everything in the photo.

Kit was installed and without any driving of the car I decided to put an
after-market stub on the front of the car; so, this kit is available for sale.

If you go to this website you will see the current status of the car, & the work began in December. The new frame has been installed and in a few days it will be rolling on the floor again.

http://www.bridgeracing.com/1954_hudson_hollywood.htm

If any of you have any interest please send me a "concrete" offer by e-mail, because by Monday or Tuesday, if NOT sold, I will list it on ebay. I package very well and do not charge for packing and delivery to Fed-Ex; you pay only actual shpg cost to your location.

The Pridemore kit was $ 350
calipers 169.23 (Lane Automotive, MI; 1/29/07)
pads say ~ 30
rotors say ~ 50
hoses say ~ 40
___
~ Total 640

Please make offer => $ ___

Thanks

John G Williams (I'm in the Hudson Club Roaster)

HETjgw262@earthlink.net (to e-mail, remove the HET)

Germantown, Tn 38138

PS: ALSO, 4-sale the original '54 complete rear end (DANA 44) w/DISC BRAKES (brand new) installed; 47K miles on differential, with new seals. Excellent condition. Please make offer. $ ____

questions => 901 753 1130

Photos of the differential will soon be available after it is removed from the car-see URL above; will put on a pallet, tied down securely, delivered to the shpg terminal, & to be delivered to your location.

Be ready for the hills and valleys & mountains (BE SAFE in your Hudson)!

[DaveFury]

Hi Rick,

E-mail and PM send regarding ordering a kit.

Thanks,

[baronvonrolps]

OOOOooooh I am definately interested in these!!!! Do you have any sets left???

[DaveFury]

OOOOooooh I am definately interested in these!!!! Do you have any sets left???


When I talked to Rick on Saturday, May 3rd to place an order, he said he had a few kits left. Give him a call.

[baronvonrolps]

Got a hold of him today and sending my money off in the morning:D