What do yall recommend?

K-H rotors used to cost $100, but that changed a few years ago. I bought some for ~$22 (rockauto, recall). I don't even have K-H, but working on a custom idea for my 10" drum hubs & spindles. Racing pads might not be best for you since I read they don't grab well until they get hot.

My understanding is that the spiral wire on brake lines near the frame was not for protection, but rather so the tubes could be bent by hand without kinking. They just left it on. Might be the same for the calipers. If true, they must have had some big chimp-handed guys on the line, or they soon left w/ carpal tunnel problems.