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Cheapest and easiest to just do the fronts using parts from a '70s model from the spindles out.
Use a '70s model twin cylinder M/C and put a 10# residual valve and proportioning valve to the rears. Use the front distribution block and seal off its rear port. Bend or add a length to the existing rear line to meet the proportioning valve.
Leave the rear drums with new inards and get good linings. Andy Porterfield may still have the same R4 linings that they make for the '70s disk pads so you can get the same linings all the way around.
The rears are where you get into hassles, like parking brake, etc., for little benefit.
Last edited by toddalin; Feb 27, 2018 at 10:07 PM.
I purchased a my kit from Vansteel out of Clearwater, Florida. They have been a great supporter of our classic Corvettes for years and have continued to perform R&D on them, bringing many products to market to improve the handling and performance of our cars. They are also terrific folks to work with. https://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?f...&SubGroup=1889
I purchased the kit I installed on my '63 from them a while back and have been very satisfied with their support. I purchased a 10# residual valve and Wilwood adjustable proportioning valve for the rears from Summit. I did choose to go with the Wilwood, D8 caliper upgrade...
I also stuck with the rear drums for the same reasons toddalin articulated, but also to retain the more than adequate parking/emergency brake of the '63.
I did the conversion from 63 to stock 67 discs last year. I used Vansteel parts.
There are several issues you'll need to deal with:
1) You'l need 65 or later wheels.
2) The parking brake. We put together a mechanical parking brake system that included 65 handle and cable routing. As the car has a custom trans crossmember this required some fabrication. If I had it to do over again, I'd go with an electric actuator, as it's much simpler.
3) the rear suspension bumpers on the 63 frame will hit the 67 rear calipers during driving. Don't ask me how I know. You'll need to trim the frame brackets substantially and put 67 bumpers on. I used a new frame, so trimming it was no big deal.
Last edited by Vettrocious; Feb 28, 2018 at 03:47 AM.
considering the above, and especially if you have original wheels; i'd consider front only discs using a single piston caliper. I THINK your wheels will clear the caliper.
whatever you do, front only will be more than adequate...
Wheels will clear the calipers with the addition of thin wheel spacers. That's what I do in front. This can also aid with carrage bolt rub on a locked left if you have wider wheels. Mine are 7" wide with 225/60/15s and the fender lips are still intact.
Last edited by toddalin; Feb 28, 2018 at 02:15 PM.
Man you gotta really hate drum brakes to pony up $4000 to add discs...Cheaper to sell the car and buy a 65.
Drum brakes are fine, we lived with 'em daily back when these cars were new. They stopped well and had few problems.
I was more interested in the dual plumbing of the 67 system than any performance differences. If you're driving an old car much, a dual master cylinder system is an important safety upgrade.
Disc brakes are an easy conversion on the front of a 64, and no way gonna cost $4k unless you are paying a top end shop. This subject has been hashed many times on the forum. It's a personal preference, I personally think drum brakes SUCK on the front of a Corvette.
The easiest conversion has been pointed out to be the front assembly off a 69 or newer Vette. My 2c's.
