I am returning to the U.S. the end of this month and will install disc brakes on the front of my 62. I have been doing some searches on what is available and prices. Most of the dealers such as Zip have single piston conversions for under $600 but I have found duel piston conversions for as much as $2500. I am about to retire and don't want to break the bank but still want to have a quality product. I need some suggestions on what and where to buy.
While I'm in the process, should I switch to a duel master cylinder? The cost of the Master conversion is equal to the disc conversion, which a bit out of line to me. I have the ability to fabricate the extension and the longer push rod so maybe I could just purchase the master cylinder from a parts house, does anyone know what master they use in the conversions?
I appreciate any input you guys may have.

 

I would concentrate on the dual master cylinder! I modified a '70 road runner master cylinder to fit my '61 (search forum) with basic hand tools, and a die grinder. The best part, of this, is that it bolts directly to the firewall (no extension), and looks like it belongs there. Also Speedway motors offers 1949-54 chevy spindles, made to except disc brakes, for $169.99 a pair. I hope this helps. Larry

 

Here is a thread from a year or so ago on a version of C1 dual master cylinder that has been modified to be used on C1s. It bolts directly to the firewall - no extension tube required, but does require the master cylinder mounting studs to be removed, so that bolts can be used instead. WMF62 has it on his, but I have not added it to mine (still running the original single cylinder, but with the residual pressure valve removed for the disc brakes). The pictures I posted are no longer linked, but I still have them if someone wants to make one of these up.

For my purposes, the conversion to front disc brakes did what I needed. The dual master cylinder is for "what if" safety purposes, and maintain that "most" brake system failures occur with the old rubber lines (replace these often enough, and most failures will not happen). I have had a dual master system fail on me (70 Vette rear brake line rusted), and still had a heck of a time stopping the Vette, so I don't look upon dual master cylinders as the end to be all in safety.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-a...-for-a-c1.html

I will eventually add my dual master cylinder, but I have too many other projects to do before that. In the mean time, it sits on the shelf..........

Plasticman

 

As mentioned, you'll want to use the "Search" feature of the C1/C2 forum for this info since there are several threads across many years offering a goldmine of information on both topics, but here just are a few;

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-a...-for-a-c1.html

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-a...nd-thread.html

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-a...-their-c1.html

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-a...rake-conv.html

As with any search function, you'll want to read from newest to oldest threads to get the most current and accurate info since there's a learning curve to this hobby like any other.

Most of the affordable front disc kits use the 70-77 A-body or F-body rotors (a couple use the 78-81 metric version). This is an 11.00" dia. X 1.00" thick rotor. The caliper brackets in the kits are cut/mfd to fit the rotor. They use a simple and reliable 2.5"-2.9" dia. (depending on the source) single piston caliper. Here's just a couple examples of the many kits available out there;

http://ecihotrodbrakes.com/early_che...nversions.html

http://www.chevsofthe40s.com/shop/se...&searchtype=FT


Another option ..which I'm suprised none of the kit mfrs jumped on years ago.. is to use a C3 front rotor. Its a very nice & beefy 11.75" X 1.25" thick rotor and bolts directly on to both the C1's front drum hub AND rear axle, with no mods or machining rqd whatsoever. With these rotors, you could use a 79-85 C20 pickup front caliper (JD7/JB7 option, 3.1" dia piston) and mid-70's full size Cadillac rear caliper with integral parking brake for some world-class braking. 69 Camaros used these rotors with the C3's 4-pot calipers and called it the JL8 option. The only fabricating required would be to modify the kit brackets to accomodate the 3/4" larger front rotor and use a set of Speedways weld-on brackets for the rear;

http://www.pozziracing.com/cheap_big_brakes.htm

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/GM-Cal...kets,3346.html

 

Likewise....a failure in my '75 Pontiac LeMans (with the infant daughter in the car). A heavy car with a brake failure, at speed, even with dual M/C is too much drama. Maintain the system, keep your following distance and knowing your contingency options is a best practice. (In my case it was creative braking with the emergency brake and judicious shifting into "L" at time in order to get home.)

 

MP brakes makes a great setup for C1s. I would say buy one of the kits which have a low profile brake master cylinder. You can run upto three different lines from the combination valve. I have two set up on mine... One to the front line to the front brakes and one line to the rear brakes. The kit comes with everything you need to do the job except for the blocks and break lines. Corvette Central sells pre bent lines. I ran both lines around the front crossmember.


My decision to go with dual MC was made when I lived in Northern California where the roads are quite steep and dangerous. I really would not think twice to put dual MC on any single MC setup.

BTW... stay away from stainless steel lines. In my opinion it is not worth the effort.

 

Thanks for all the input, there is a lot of good information here and I will take the time to review it all. I looked at the MP brake kits and the prices are close to those at Zip. Does anyone know who makes Zips disc kits?
MP has what looks like a great price on a duel master and valve block, only $200 when purchased with the disc kit, but I do think a dual master that doesn't need the extension would look much better in the car.
Thanks again for the help, I'm sure I will have a few questions after reviewing all the available info.

Garry

 

fyi, currently, C1 disk brake "wheel kits" (reference to the basic kit without master cylinder or booster) are averaging b/n $325-$375 including shipping. I won't provide specifics, but if you search the web for "1949-54" disk or "1953-62" disk you'll find all you need to price match/leverage a supporting vendor.