64 GTO questions

[kickw]

So I finally got the GTO I wanted since high school. 389, tri-power, 4-speed, redlines, etc. It just arrived from FL last week. I want to install front discs, beefier sway bars, and power steering. Also, the linkage was recently adjusted but I've heard I should get the Hurst upgrade. Anybody got any thoughts about the above? The Ames front disc kit requires 15" wheels, but Performance Years has a plate that allows me to keep my 14" Rally l wheels. Anybody have experience with that set up? Is it just a spacer?

Also, I could use a hood spring and cup. Apparently, nobody makes a replacement latch assembly for '64's. eBay time? Any other options?

Many thanks in advance for any help and advice!

Kick W.

[MrPbody]

Kick,

Glad you found your Goat!! Awesome cars, to say the least.

Yes, the spacer moves the smaller wheel "out" far enough to clear the caliper. IMO, not the best solution as it alters "track". You MAY find a set of the Kelsey/Hayes 4-piston calipers that DO "clear" the 14" wheel. '65-'68 had them as a rare option. IMO, the best thing to do, since you're not keeping it 100% original, would be to get a set of 15" Rallye Is from Wheel Vintques and use the Delco Morraine system like GM did after '68. I believe most of the "kits" are patterned after that system until you get to "race" brakes. The 15s make the car MUCH more stable on the road (the little 14s weren't "enough" for the big ol' A-body). That was the first mod I did to every GTO I owned over the years. It's amazing how much better the car handles and "tracks" with the taller/wider tires. They should have been "standard" on GTO...

The 1 1/4" front sway bar from a 2nd gen T/A bolts right in with the correct frame bushing hardware (the links are fine). Take the entire rear bar "system" (bar, lower control arms and shims) from a "donor" car. 'ALL 64-'72 GM A and '69-'72 E-bodies will fit. You can also "piece" this together through Ames or Performance Years. Helwig and others make an aftermarket rear bar, but the factory one is MUCH nicer both in looks and ease of installation. It is also very effective.

Jim

[MagicRat]

A couple of other points..... wheel spacers are not a good idea for structural reasons. They give the wheel just a bit more leverage to stress the wheel studs, effectively making the stud arrangement weaker.

The stock 14 inch wheels were intended for use with relatively high-profile '60's era bias-plies. A 15 inch rim with modern tires is a far better choice, yet, with the correct tire size, you can maintain the same overall tire diameter.

Obviously keep all the old parts that you remove from the car, just in case you want to revert back to stock for valuation reasons.