Drum to Disc Conversion

Discussion in 'The whoa and the sway.' started by Rivdude, Jul 11, 2014.

  1. Rivdude

    Rivdude Well-Known Member

    Hey folks,

    Just finished the installation of Inline Tube's power front disc brake conversion kit on my '69 Skylark. I bought it initially for a '71, but ended up putting it on the '69 after consulting with Inline Tube that there would be no problems. One of the appealing points was that the disc brake conversion kit would fit under a 14" wheel, according to the website. (yeah, yeah, do you believe EVERYTHING you read on the Internet!?) Well, it ALMOST fits. It rubs/binds about 1/4" at the top of the caliper mounting bracket on my 14" Rallye Wheels. Anyone else encounter this problem? I'm open to suggestions, including buying 15" wheels. The floor is open.
     
  2. black70buick

    black70buick Well-Known Member

    Buy 15" wheels...:confused:
     
  3. Premier 350

    Premier 350 Chris (aka Webby)

    Sounds like you had an easier time than my in progress drum to disc conversion. I went through Pirate Jack & used an MBM kit. Not quite the bolt in in as promised.

    Any other issues apart from the wheel fouling? Mine kit won't clear 14" rim either, so I need a new spare.

    I have read of lightly grinding the caliper for minor fouling, but a 1/4 inch is too much to grind off.

    Other than 15 inchers, I've got nothing to offer. At least 15" rims give a better tyre selection.
     
  4. GS455Coupe

    GS455Coupe Silver Level contributor

    I do not know how much it needs in the way of space but I had the same problem with my '68 Wildcat and I went to a hot rod/4WD shop and bought a 1/4" spacer that puts the wheel out (giving you a 1/2" wider tread) further. Problem solved.
     
  5. Rivdude

    Rivdude Well-Known Member

    The only other issues I've had apart from wheel fouling has been getting pressure to the rear wheel cylinders. It's something to do with the proportioning valve, according to Inline Tube. They sent me a .pdf to address it. I'll take a swing at it this coming Wednesday after work. Apart from that, the only other issues were issues I caused myself. As for going to 15"'s, I really am reluctant for two reasons. One, the 14"'s have GORGEOUS, nearly new (less than 1000 miles) tires on them. The second reason is the expense of going to 15"'s. If I go to 15"'s (which I was planning on doing when I wore out the nearly new 14" tires.), I won't be able to afford the fuel injection conversion I wanted to do. I REALLY want that fuel injection system, it's SO sweet. That's another forum, though.

    Nathan
     
  6. Rivdude

    Rivdude Well-Known Member

    GENIUS!

    Went to the main Napa warehouse store in Kent, WA across from IKEA and bought 5/16" spacers. Took 'em, tried 'em on one side...no bueno. Didn't work. But that was a SUPER "duh" idea, I nearly smacked my own forehead after you suggested it.

    Nathan
     
  7. BrianinStLouis

    BrianinStLouis Silver Level contributor

    I bought my conversion from Pirate Jacks. My 14" rims scraped the calipers ever so slightly. Nothing a flat file couldn't solve.
     
  8. BrianinStLouis

    BrianinStLouis Silver Level contributor

    I bought my conversion from Pirate Jacks. My 14" rims scraped the calipers ever so slightly. Nothing a flat file couldn't solve.




    I can't seem to delete this duplicate post.:Comp:
     
  9. Rivdude

    Rivdude Well-Known Member


    Well. Dremel, itty-bitty sanding/filing attachment...here I come. Thanks, Brian.

    Nathan
     
  10. MARTIN FARMER

    MARTIN FARMER Well-Known Member

    Old.post,but.were.your.14"er's
    Drum.or.Disc...
    I'm.looking.at.Inline.too...
    DBL01.
    Thanks....Mart
    ....sorry.for.the.periods...ph
    is.shot.
     
  11. knucklebusted

    knucklebusted Well-Known Member

    I converted my 71 GS from disc to drum and I was afraid I'd need 15" wheels but the factory later model chrome 14" wheels worked with factory front discs. It makes me wonder what the conversion is doing differently.
     
  12. MARTIN FARMER

    MARTIN FARMER Well-Known Member

  13. Troys69GS

    Troys69GS Well-Known Member

    Its not the conversion, it's the manufacturer process of some specific 14s. I have 4 out of 5 that fit without touching on a 65 I did.
     

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