Converting To disk, could use some advice

Discussion in 'The whoa and the sway.' started by 70skylarkcusto, Nov 24, 2014.

  1. 70skylarkcusto

    70skylarkcusto God, Country, Cars

    Hey guys, I recently picked up a 70 skylark custom convertible, still has manual drums, I was able to find an original front stock disk brake set off a 70 GS. As of now i have spindles, backing plates, calipers, and rotors in good condition. The guy I bought them from also threw in the stock master cylinder and brake booster, however the master cylinder is pretty shot and the brake booster is rusted to crap, but according to him still works. My question is since I will have powered disks in the front and drums in the back, is anything special required to be able to run these together off the same master cylinder? I want to make sure that I am getting even braking across the disks and drums at the same time. And is there any advantage to just getting a new booster? or should I just clean up and paint the old rusted one.

    Also If anyone has done this type of conversion before any helpful tips would be much appreciated. Thanks!
     
  2. Mr. Sunset

    Mr. Sunset Platinum Level Contributor

    I am in this position also. im going to get a new booster & master cyclinder just cuz the rebuild kit is 10 bucks less than new.
    do it once, do it right and you wont be disapointed
     
  3. sriley531

    sriley531 Excommunicado

    You will need one of these: (for your correct year mind you, I'm showing you this one as an example)

    http://inlinetube.com/Prop Valves/PR102.htm

    It is the prop valve that meters the fluid pressure correctly for drum disk setups. Steve Caruso (username underdog350) has a good buy going in the parts for sale section right now on the correct boosters and master cylinders at a good price also (I just bought one from him actually). When I swapped mine from manual drum to power disc/drum, I bought some clean original gm spindles and bought everything else new.
     
  4. UNDERDOG350

    UNDERDOG350 350 Buick purestock racer

    70 skylarkcusto.

    If you have a 1970 master cylinder you only need to add the holdoff valve that mounts under the MC. Reuse the distribution block mounted to the frame. You will also need the disc brake style caliper hose to frame brackets or conversion hoses.

    If you change to the combination valve like in Shawns link you need to use the 1971 and newer style MC and all the fluid lines from the distribution block forward will need to be changed.
     
  5. Premier 350

    Premier 350 Chris (aka Webby)


    I did the MBM conversion on my '69 Skylark, and used the '71 & up master Cyl & combination valve. Had to add a check valve to the rear drums & modify the lines as above.
    Turned into a PITA at some points but its well worth it.

    No A bodies in Australian wrecking yards.:pray:
     
  6. 70skylarkcusto

    70skylarkcusto God, Country, Cars

    Thanks for the help,
    lookin forward to getting started when I have some time off during Christmas. Will keep you all updated and see if I have any follow up questions.
     

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