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Hi guys it’s been a while since I’ve been here. I’m putting together a 68 and am currently attempting to remove the front wheel bearings so that I can replace the rotors. I have searched everywhere for information but it is pretty lean. I have a twenty ton press and have tried to press it out a have had little success. I guess I would like to hear any suggestions that you guy may have. Thanks in advance…Mark
Are they 1968 factory 4 piston caliper disc brake assemblies? If so, just curious where did you find rotors. As far as I know, no replacements are currently being made. As far as removing the wheel bearings, there is a special tool used to pull the brearing out of the back side of the hub. You can still find them as they are also used for the FWD GMC motor homes that used the Toro drive trains. They are expensive though at about $500.
Also, I was told that the entire splined part that the bearing is attached to can be removed with a press. Is this true? Any help is greatly appreciated…Mark
Yes, the rotor is a 2 part design with a hub/ bearing and a rotor that is bolted to that. The rotors and bearings on my car are in good shape so I have not had a set apart myself. I have seen those rotors on ebay. I hope they work out for you, but from the pic I am not sure they will accept the studs that hold the rotor to the hub. If you get a set and they work out please post the results on here as i am sure others would like to know as well. Here is a link to a company that sells the tools. I am not sure if you can rent them anywhere: https://www.gmcrvparts.com/product-p/ap48.htm
If you buy one from them, be sure to call them first because there is another part needed that is not shown in the photos.
Last edited by Loaded68W34; Sep 19, 2022 at 08:53 AM.
Hey, thanks a million for that link, I bought one and it has to be made. I actually met the guy that milled those El Dorado rotors told me that many times the threads of the bolts that hold the rotor will strip when removed. He then will drill and tap the holes for the next larger size hole. He also mills out a steel ring with a bezel that is inserted into the rotor to compensate for some slack. He really seems to know this stuff. He only lives about 20 miles from me, coincidentally. I called and asked about the extra piece that you mentioned and they said that it is coming complete. I already have the hub off of the passenger side so I should get it done and move on to the other side when the tool gets here. I will post up some pics when it happens. Again, thanks for that link… Mark
By the way, I turned the rotor around and placed it on the lug studs and they were perfect. The bolt holes that hold the disk to the hub also lined up perfectly…Mark
Last edited by Maybe368; Sep 19, 2022 at 01:03 PM.
I have 2 NOS bearing/hub assemblies, #389089, replaced by #907770, which interestingly is earlier number of the bearing by itself ???? I know these work with drum brakes, but the parts books' info leaves it unclear if they also work with disc brakes
Yeah, I don’t know if the disk and drums have the same hub, but I know one thing about the ‘68 Toro, Oldsmobile was willing to go where no one else has gone before, like Star Trek. It is interesting that on the suspension stuff that there is only one way to get it off. No other way will work not like other brands that can have several different ways to do things. It is truly a one off car, which can be a pain in the butt…Mark
It is really a nearly complete car with 67000 original miles on it. I looked at it twice and walked away from it and on the third time I gave them three grand and took it. I’ve been working on it for about a year and a half…Mark
When I get it mobile again, I only have a few things to do before it goes to paint. I’m sending it to paint completely de chromed (yes I know it’s stainless). It has been a cool project for me, I really enjoy it…Mark
They are neat cars no doubt about it. If you are looking for a place to get the bumpers done, look up Tri-City Plating. I had them do mine and they look good. Not sure what their current prices are since that was in 2018 but they will almost certainly beat the price of any other shop. When I had mine done they were about $700 each. Everyone else quoted $1000 - $1500 each.
-Tom
Finished I put in an hei distributor and it interfaced with the air cleaner. This is one from a 442 with a 455 (I think) and I modified it. I had to move the hose to the valve cover from the other side of the horn. I didn’t modify anything original to the car, all of the original stuff can be put back in and I have saved all of it.
Last edited by Maybe368; Sep 19, 2022 at 06:35 PM.
Very cool. Here are some shots of mine. It was a one family owned car and in storage from 1986 - 2017 when I bought it.
It had 82555 original miles when I bought it (about 40K put on from 68-72 and the rest put on from 72-86 according to the receipts I found in the car). Close to 84K now. I did not take many before pics but these shots of the dash should give you some idea of the condition of the car when I bought it.
When I got the car:
After I restored/ reinstalled the dash
Last edited by Loaded68W34; Sep 19, 2022 at 08:16 PM.
Nice work! I will post some more pics tomorrow. Don’t you just love fixing things that don’t seem fixable? My car looked like a rust bucket and a losing proposition until I took a closer look at it. I hope to have it done by January… Mark
One other thing, I have all four hubcaps and just three of the trim rings. I know that they are unobtanium but if anyone happens to have one laying around, I’d love to buy it from you. Just a shot in the dark guys and gals…Mark
Well, I already posted this in another thread, but that tool from the California GM RV outfit is too small by about a half inch.
I don’t remember exactly what he said, but it works for 1972 to 1974 or something like that. I’ll ask when I talk to them tomorrow…Mark
