I have been looking at complete front disc brake conversion kits. There are dozens (at least) of people who sell these kits. Stainless Steel Brakes, Tom's Classic, Tamaras and many many more. They all look like the same kit to me in the pictures. Although the prices vary from $520 to $850 for a complete set up with master cylinder and booster. The best prices are from e-bay stores. I just don't know who to choose or even if it matters. I suspect that the kits are probably all the same manufacturer. If that is the case, I guess I should just go with the best price. Anyone have any experience with vendors on these kits?
I bought a 4 wheel disc conversion kit from SSBC for my '64 Skylark. Quality stuff and excellent customer service. Six months after I bought it I was dis-satisfied with the 2 inch drop spindles and they let me exchange for standard height spindles free of charge.
I wouldn't mind doing business with Stainless Steel Brakes but they are $250 more for their kit than most of the places on E-Bay. I am gonna call them and ask them what about their kits is $250 better than the others.
What didnt you like about the drop spindles? I am thinking about purchasing a kit with the drop spindles. My car sits too high in the front right now thanks to a new set of springs.
I think I am going to chose this one: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/64-6...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories They have 5 times as many sales as the others and they offer your choice of booster. Also, their ad just seems like they are more detail oriented and experienced.
The front end sat too low. I couldn't get a floor jack under the front crossmember and the even the skinny stock tires rubbed the fenders when turning. With the stock spindles I can lower it one inch with springs and it shoull sit just right.
Originally I was going to go with a 4 piston caliper system and they are lower priced than some of the other brands. After I realized I needed to upgrade the wheels and tires to use a 4 piston caliper I downgraded to the stock setup and just stayed with them. They manufacture the rotors, spindles and calipers in the US so I know I'm not getting a piece of junk made in China.
Check out then and now prices as well. I'm considering making a conversion a winter project and was going to contact Mark about it.
Well, after a ton of research and questions, I have come to the conclusion that most all of the people on E-Bay and Stainless Steel Brakes sell the exact same budget disc brake conversion kit. They all just basically supply later model a-body disc brake parts. So, knowing that, it all becomes about price. The best combination of price, shipping charges and knowledge of their product was Tom's Classics. Their price was $475 plus $65 shipping so $540 total. I am excited to get them.
I purchased my disc conversion parts RIGHT HERE on the forum from other members and saved a lot of money and grief. Try posting your needs in the parts wanted section.
Saving time and grief is what I think I am doing by buying a kit. I thought about the whole piece meal thing and decided against it. I piece mealed my 64 front discs back in the day when I was younger then and had more time than money. These days I do not have the time to chase stuff around and recondition parts. So, I bought the kit.
Another happy day of UPS deliveries! The brakes came today. :birthday: All nice and clean and brand new. I guess I know what I am doing this weekend.:grin:
So far I have installed the booster, master, proportioning valve and brake lines. Everything has been uneventful and satisfactory except for the drivers side front brake line. I am not sure what they were thinking with that one. It would physically fit......... if there were no upper control arm LOL. So, I am making that one from scratch which is normally no problem except that my double flaring tool mandrel broke off in the line on the second to last step. :rant: Also the kit does not include the necessary line from the proportioning valve to the rear brake line that was previously connected to the junction "T". They tell you this part is not included when you buy the kit. Not sure why it is not included. Perhaps it varies from vehicle to vehicle so they just don't go there to save cost. On the plus side. All the lines that come with the kit are stainless. Unfortunately, none of the parts stores around here carry stainless line, so anything I make is standard line. The last thing is the brake pedal return spring. I cannot remember where it goes. LOL Perhaps it goes in a different place with power brakes? Anyone who can send a picture of where the return spring goes with power brakes would be greatly appreciated.
A Beautiful Thing! After 2 months of both feet on the brake pedal and both hands firmly on the wheel when deploying the brakes, this is a beautiful sight! Now for the right side.
Very nice. Looks like mine except for the drilled and slotted rotors. Does it seem like your wheels are further out then they were with the drums? I wish I measured before the swap but I swear I lost at least a 1/4" maybe 1/2" between the tire and the fender.
The kit says it sets the wheels out 3/8". So you are dead on. I have the right side done now. Just have to bleed the system now.:beers2: That will be for Saturday though. I was tired about 2 hours ago, but I was so close, I had to finish installing all the hard parts.
Is this set up heavier or lighter (than/then?) the drum brakes? Could well be a winter project for me :beer
Definitely heavier. If you want light, you need to look at after-market stuff like Wildwood. I was looking for inexpensive and OEM style so I could get calipers, pads and rotors at any auto parts store.
