I just completed a disc brake conversion on my '72 Lark...the car stops perfectly now. I honestly can't believe the difference. The kit I used came from a guy named Mike Garcia through eBay under his store, 'mgchevyparts.' The kit was $275, all brand new stuff, and did not include the mc, booster, or prop valve, but did have everything else. The kit itself was great. It was all OEM or OEM style GM stuff, so that it's a duplicate of the original '72 parts, except its using the later metric calipers (same size, different hose fitting). Everything was top quality and went together great. I would highly recommend his kit. Here's what I learned: Stock 14" steel wheels from a '72 Lark will NOT clear the calipers. I know for a fact these are the original rims, not earlier ones. They were 'JJ' code rims, but didn't clear. The extra rims I had, which were off of an 80's Camaro, 14", and also had the 'JJ' code DID clear with room to spare. Take it how you will. The second thing is that I did not put in a prop valve. I took the car out on a deserted highway after getting everything together, and stopped hard about 20 times starting slow and working up to about 70 mph. Everytime the car stopped in a perfectly straight line and the fronts were engaging harder than the rears just like its supposed to. So, I don't think I'll be putting in a prop valve. YMMV. :3gears:
I got a similar kit on Ebay & had the same results. I think I paid a little more than you but oh well. I did the same thing. The orig prop valve mounted on the frame rail next to the z-bar works fine. Car stops great. Way better than the drum front brakes. The only thing I did not like was the grease caps on the spindle did not fit well, they took a little modifying to make fit. Other than that, A+ quality. I see rolling burnouts in your future. :TU:
You know, I've been told so many different things by so many different people that I don't know. I CAN tell you that the stock 14" steel wheels will not.
The only thing I changed was the flexible hose from the frame to the caliper...the hose is the same size, just with a different fitting for the caliper. I didn't touch any of the rigid lines. The pedal feels just like a disc brake car should. Travel is nice and it has a good feel to it.
I've haven't run into it with a Buick, but I know several other GM lines had different part numbers for drum or disc brakes when it comes to the wheels on A-bodies.
Yah...and some of the old timers I talked to said the same thing...unless they are specifically disc brake wheels, they won't fit.
