Front Disk Brake Conversion
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 105
Likes: 2
From: West Paterson, NJ
Front Disk Brake Conversion
I'd like to convert my '64 front drums to disk.
What would be the best COMPLETE KIT to accomplish this without completely crippling my wallet?
I prefer a total bolt-on solution that I can do myself. I've looked at the kit from Zip, but wanted opinions here before I start placing orders.
I currently have 4 wheel drums, manual brakes, single-chamber master cylinder.
Thanks!
What would be the best COMPLETE KIT to accomplish this without completely crippling my wallet?
I prefer a total bolt-on solution that I can do myself. I've looked at the kit from Zip, but wanted opinions here before I start placing orders.
I currently have 4 wheel drums, manual brakes, single-chamber master cylinder.
Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8,897
Likes: 1,357
From: Santa Ana CA
Cheapest way is to find a "donor" car and just take everything between the ball joints. (Be sure that the parts aren't bent.) It's a direct bolt-on.
You can get a re-built Corvette manual brake, dual M/C at any auto parts store for about $25. You will also need to plumb in a 10# residual valve and proportioning valve into the rear brake line.
I did what you want to do to my '64 and it is a worthwhile investement, especially if you hit a puddle of water
.
You can get a re-built Corvette manual brake, dual M/C at any auto parts store for about $25. You will also need to plumb in a 10# residual valve and proportioning valve into the rear brake line.
I did what you want to do to my '64 and it is a worthwhile investement, especially if you hit a puddle of water
.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 347
Likes: 1
From: Hattiesburg MS > Houston MS
Cheapest way is to find a "donor" car and just take everything between the ball joints. (Be sure that the parts aren't bent.) It's a direct bolt-on.
You can get a re-built Corvette manual brake, dual M/C at any auto parts store for about $25. You will also need to plumb in a 10# residual valve and proportioning valve into the rear brake line.
I did what you want to do to my '64 and it is a worthwhile investement, especially if you hit a puddle of water .
You can get a re-built Corvette manual brake, dual M/C at any auto parts store for about $25. You will also need to plumb in a 10# residual valve and proportioning valve into the rear brake line.
I did what you want to do to my '64 and it is a worthwhile investement, especially if you hit a puddle of water
.NAPA numbers?
Thanks Andy
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 17,901
Likes: 751
From: Inverness FL
St. Jude Donor '07
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,113
Likes: 4
Easiest way is just to recondition some old units off a 65-80 vette. However, you will need the wheel spacers or 65 up rims regardless of the swap. If you dont plan on reconditioning the unit yourself then you are better off to just drop the 800.00 on one of the conversion kits.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 809
Likes: 1
From: Houston Texas
It is a dilemma for many of us who drive our cars and are nervous about the drum brakes. As long as I am just cruising, the my drums are fine. More than just cruising, I'm worried especially if I get my car back to its original 360 hp.
I noticed the number 06 Blue 1963 ZO6 Corvette that is raced and occasionally appears in this forum has disk brakes. If a ZO6 is running around with disks why shouldn't mine.
It is a dilemma.
I noticed the number 06 Blue 1963 ZO6 Corvette that is raced and occasionally appears in this forum has disk brakes. If a ZO6 is running around with disks why shouldn't mine.
It is a dilemma.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8,897
Likes: 1,357
From: Santa Ana CA
Proportioning and and residual valves are available (and probably cheapest) from places like Summit Racing and Jegs.
I have my proportioning valve mounted under the dash and can adjust it while driving. (Red handle under the dash in picture.)
I also plumbed a Hurst line-lock into the front brakes while I was at it.
Last edited by toddalin; Jun 7, 2007 at 01:04 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 105
Likes: 2
From: West Paterson, NJ
SLWRNU:
I'll check into Wilwood, can you give me a link to what you installed in your car?
James Hufford:
I'll just pretty much echo what Philip964 posted. It's just peace of mind, especially for those of us who drive our cars regularly. The drums work ok for a hard stop or two, then start to fade. I'll keep the drums on the rear for a solid emergency brake, but when it comes to the well being of the car and the safety of me and my family in the car, I want as much reliable stopping power as I can get. Not to mention, all of us GOOD Jersey drivers know how many BAD Jersey drivers there are out there.
Pop Chevy:
Tell me more Doc...
To All:
The wheels I have are stock rims with hubcaps. Will I need 1/8 inch spacers no matter what conversion kit I use?
Toddalin:
I installed the Hurst line lock with the T-Handle thumb button in my '69 GTO years ago, cool little gadget. But for the amount I actually used it, I doubt it'll ever make it into the Vette. Your car is pretty F'n sweet though, even though I miss the lines in your door panels.
Thanks guys
I'll check into Wilwood, can you give me a link to what you installed in your car?
James Hufford:
I'll just pretty much echo what Philip964 posted. It's just peace of mind, especially for those of us who drive our cars regularly. The drums work ok for a hard stop or two, then start to fade. I'll keep the drums on the rear for a solid emergency brake, but when it comes to the well being of the car and the safety of me and my family in the car, I want as much reliable stopping power as I can get. Not to mention, all of us GOOD Jersey drivers know how many BAD Jersey drivers there are out there.
Pop Chevy:
Tell me more Doc...
To All:
The wheels I have are stock rims with hubcaps. Will I need 1/8 inch spacers no matter what conversion kit I use?
Toddalin:
I installed the Hurst line lock with the T-Handle thumb button in my '69 GTO years ago, cool little gadget. But for the amount I actually used it, I doubt it'll ever make it into the Vette. Your car is pretty F'n sweet though, even though I miss the lines in your door panels.
Thanks guys
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 9,556
Likes: 288
From: Granbury Texas
It is a dilemma for many of us who drive our cars and are nervous about the drum brakes. As long as I am just cruising, the my drums are fine. More than just cruising, I'm worried especially if I get my car back to its original 360 hp.
I noticed the number 06 Blue 1963 ZO6 Corvette that is raced and occasionally appears in this forum has disk brakes. If a ZO6 is running around with disks why shouldn't mine.
It is a dilemma.
I noticed the number 06 Blue 1963 ZO6 Corvette that is raced and occasionally appears in this forum has disk brakes. If a ZO6 is running around with disks why shouldn't mine.
It is a dilemma.
