Everything about disc conversion. Input pls

There is a recent article that explains EXACTLY what Troys69gs has been explaining here ... yes, he is right as you can convert your own (most years) drum spindles to disc spindles and still use your local auto parts store (if you want instead of the junkyard) to get the rest of your parts for this conversion. The key issues are understanding what years' spindles can be converted this way and then taking great care to cut the material off the spindles properly ... measure twice & cut once.

See this thread and post #8 in that thread for the detailed article and detailed instructions:
http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=151679

 

ok ok now let me see if i get this right before i start on my 66 skylark. i can order the parts including going from single mc to dual, (it already has power
booster) and then just cut the upper bolt hole on the drum spindle. will the instructions scarebird or others say how much? thanks jim

 

Hold on now. The critical issue at the heart of this thread is the fact that SOME spindles can be modified relatively easily. It appears that GM:
1) in around '69 & later for sure (and maybe earlier in some other models);
2) on some models that had std. drum brakes and optional disc front brakes;
3) used the same spindle castings; and
4) modified the same spindle for disc brake applications at the factory by cutting off a small portion of the casting boss for the disc brake backing plate boss (where the bolt attaches the plate to the spindle boss).

If the above conditions are met, then it is pretty easy and much less expensive to complete a disc brake conversion using your existing spindles and your local auto parts store (rotors, lines, prop. valve & booster/master cylinder) instead of scrounging for a needle in a haystack at the junk yard since you do not have to find the disc spindles OR having to worry about the issues reported w/ the made in China spindles in a lot of kits available now.

The question is really for what years did GM used essentially the same spindle? The article referenced a few posts earlier (by me) summarizes (and gives detailed instrucions and explanations of) what Troys69gs has been explaining earlier. The spindle question has to be resolved first. Take a close look at the article ... you can save each image to your desktop and reprint it if you have a problem reading it.

See the thread below and post #8 in that thread for the detailed article and detailed instructions:
http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=151679

 

hawk i will have to look closely. i just do not want to mess with the springs.
i would probably be better off finding some one with expertise and have them do the switch. thanks jim

 

I can get you a set of original disc spindles, not cut original ready to bolt on for 100 bucks. If I were you there are plenty of guys in Ohio that have discs and you can compare your spindle. It was my understanding that 64 through 72 were the same and then switched to the Apollo body to 74. The same caliper is used on trucks and cars into the late 80s. 67 used the dual piston until the single piston was improved and found better. The bracket I used it for the single piston 68 and up.

 

I agree with you 100% and I mentioned this on a post in here, however I won't agree with the linked article on how to modify the non disc spindle.The article goes on to say to cut the top boss with a hacksaw or grinder,PLEASE,have a machine shop mill that boss so your caliper bracket sits on the same plane with the rotor,it will assure the best brake performance and longevity of your pads.Remember,safety is #1.

 

Amen.

 

Machined boss looks really good too. Im glad I didnt use a die grinder either. I have a machinist here and I can ask what he would charge everyone else to do them. Mine was freebie for bartering sooo.. cant pass that on.

 

1964-72 abodys had all the same front suspension parts

 

You cut the boss 3/4 of an inch using the machined surface behind the bearing seat at the benchmark. Look further back in this post about how a cheby guy explained it and posted a pic.

 

bump

 

I forgot to post actual pictures of installation years ago. Guess Ill do it tomorrow.

 

Posting pictures

 

more pic of while in use.