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Disc conversion

Posted: Fri Sep 16, 16 6:16 am
by cadboy
I am thinking about converting my front drum to disc, on my 68 Barracuda.

Looking around there are many makes.

I want to keep my 14" rally wheels so what should I go for.

Any advise will be appreciated.

Cheers
Ali

Posted: Fri Sep 16, 16 7:40 am
by Dart Vader
Having done this on my Dart I would suggest the following

Buy a kit.......

I did it the other way with putting together the bits and bobs as I found them. With hindsight it would have been quicker and easier to just buy a kit online.

As for keeping the wheels it shouldn't make any difference but best check first.

Posted: Fri Sep 16, 16 8:25 am
by Pete
Some Conversions do not fit under 14" wheels due to Caliper clearance so caution is needed. Also if you keep the car on a 4" PCD there may be a more limited supply of kits as you will be replacing the hubs.

I still agree that biting the bullet and buying a specific kit is the way to go.

Posted: Fri Sep 16, 16 8:59 am
by Blue
Have a look at Wilwood, pretty sure they have a kit that is large and small stud pattern that works with your drum spindles, but you need to check if it will work with a 14" wheel.

Posted: Fri Sep 16, 16 9:15 am
by RobTwin
We fitted an SSBC kit on our Polara as their calipers fit inside a 14" wheel, whereas the popular alternative at the time, MP Brakes, didn't (theirs only fit inside 15" and larger)

Not sure if they do small & large stud patterns tho... :-k

Posted: Fri Sep 16, 16 4:23 pm
by Blue
Looks like this kit for 10" drum spindles will work with 14" wheels.

http://www.wilwood.com/BrakeKits/BrakeK ... ke+Spindle

Posted: Fri Sep 16, 16 5:21 pm
by Pete
Another good point - Have you currently got 9" or 10" drum brakes - the knuckles are different. I imagine you have 10" but you never know on an old car.

Posted: Fri Sep 16, 16 5:50 pm
by Blue
Easy to tell the difference between a 9" and a 10" drum spindle. Look at the top of the spindle where the top ball joint is, the 9" is almost S shaped, the 10" is straight.

Posted: Sat Sep 17, 16 10:57 am
by cadboy
Thank you all for the advice.

It is 9" drum as it used to be slant 6, so I think with 340 have to change for better stopping, ;)

Drum has PT9.090 stamped on it.

I'll check the for the S as well Blue, thanks.

Have seen the wilwood range and would like just a bolt on conversion without the need for changing any other.

What about the master cylinder, would I have to up grade that too?

Posted: Sat Sep 17, 16 12:06 pm
by Pete
You can use the existing M/C if you pull out the taper in the Port and remove the 1 way valve and spring associated with Drum brakes.

Posted: Sat Sep 17, 16 1:06 pm
by Blue
If the existing master cyl. looks like it's been on there a good few years I just buy a new factory style disc brake M/C and you're good to go.

Posted: Mon Sep 19, 16 6:13 am
by cadboy
Thanks guys :thumbright:

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 16 6:40 am
by cadboy
Well after many weeks of looking and considering the options :shock:
and there are many, I am still not sure which way to go.

seems like most conversion are for 15" wheels with 5x4.5 PCD and not 5x4 like it is on my car.
And as my front drums are 9" it make it more difficult.

Question:
if i change to 5x4.5 PCD front and back any idea of cost for changing back half shafts on my 8.75 and what else has to be replaced.

Any advise.

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 16 7:29 am
by MilesnMiles

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 16 11:56 am
by Dave999
Aussie disk brake spindles would fit

and will take an Aussie 4 inch or 4.5 inch PCD hub and rotor

you would then need VG/VH or VJ callipers




Dave