Will disc brakes from a 1973 Regal bolt up to my 1965 Skylark

Discussion in 'The whoa and the sway.' started by Jon K., Mar 7, 2024.

  1. Jon K.

    Jon K. New Member

    I think the answer is no, but being both A-body's I'm just hoping they work. I have a running 1973 Regal that will serve as a parts car for my 1965 Skylark and wanna get everything I can from it. At the very least, 350/T350, rallye wheels, brake booster/master (will this work?), and whatever else makes sense.
     
  2. philbquick

    philbquick Founders Club Member

    I have seen people do it but I'm not sure how well it works. The 73 to 77 spindles are taller from ball joint to ball joint, so, the upper control arm will be at a weird angle, not sure what that does to the steering/suspension geometry. You may want to measure the Regals upper control arm to see if it will bolt to the frame, that may make it work properly.
     
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  3. knucklebusted

    knucklebusted Well-Known Member

    Best I remember this was the "hot" swap in the late 70s-early 80s. It required a special upper control arm and equally special ball joints from Global West (maybe others) and you had to swap tie rod ends. It was supposed to improve camber gain. It is less than optimal with all the unique parts. I'd swap in 69-72 A-body spindles and rotors. Not sure if the calipers are the same but are similar and use the same pads.

    You can likely use the master, booster and combination valve, which will be a lot easier to do while the engine is out of both cars. The parts for 69-72 conversions are readily available.
     
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  4. knucklebusted

    knucklebusted Well-Known Member

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  5. newmexguy

    newmexguy Well-Known Member

    There used to be an outfit known as "HO Enterprises" that seemed to be at the forefront of what was called the "tall spindle" swap. Jeff Smith was also likely involved. Believe a heck of a lot shims, were needed, if the stock upper control arm was retained.
     
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  6. Quick Buick

    Quick Buick Arlington Wa

    Don't Quote me. I believe you can use the rear brake Assembly from the 73-77 on early 64-72s....
     
  7. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    An article I wrote for the NE GS/GN club newsletter.
     

    Attached Files:

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  8. Max Damage

    Max Damage I'm working on it!

    Great explanation in the article. Thanks again Larry!
     
  9. 436'd Skylark

    436'd Skylark Sweet Fancy Moses!!!!!

    I have the tall spindle conversion on my 71. I suppose its outdated, but when I did it 20 years ago it was a pretty good upgrade. 2nd gen F-cars were everywhere in the yards. I bought complete spindles with decent rotors for 20 bucks...
     
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  10. Jon K.

    Jon K. New Member

    Anything that requires a heck of a lot of shims is probably not good. Haha
     
  11. Jon K.

    Jon K. New Member

    Thank you. Checked out Global West and looks like they have a kit that'll work.
     
  12. WayneNJ

    WayneNJ Well-Known Member

     

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