72 Full disk brake recommendations

72 Riviera.

I would like to convert my rear brakes to disk and go ahead and replace the fronts with similar at the same time. I see a Jamco rear conversion kit and maybe a few random companies out there...can anyone recommend either a full kit for all four wheels or if that’s not really an option then a rear conversion kit and suggested front replacement as well? Anything you trust and/or happy with. Thanks!

 

I replaced the front disks on my 72 Electra with Wilwood D52 calipers and Baer sport rotors. Both were essentially bolt on replacements for stock.

New seals and bearings at the same time and having had to cut out the original brake hoses replaced those with braided stainless. That led to new hardline from side to side and a new proportioning valve... once you start!

The Baer rotors were a tad less expensive than the Wilwoods and come with bearing races already fitted which made the swap a lot easier.

Still running the original drum rears, with new pads, and have no reservations about the cars ability to stop

If I ever get around to fancying up the rear end I'll probably go disk and will follow your progress with interest.

Cheers
Bob



Edited to clarify rotor comes with both bearing races fitted.

 

Thanks Bob! I'll try to document my process as I go. My main reason for disk in the back is i'm getting a set of 853 5x5 Road Wheels which i understand are made for disc brakes. So my assumption is they wont fit in the back with my drums. If that is not the case, then i'll probably go the same route as you...

I believe the rotors you got were these?..

Baer Sport OE Replacement Brake Rotors 05516-020
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/bhi-05516-020

Do you have any idea of which Wilwood D52 calipers you got? I think i need to make sure i get the proper width for the rotor which Baer says is 1.285".

thanks!

 

I got both through Jegs. Your Summit link is the same set of rotors.

Here are the Jegs pages for each:

Calipers: https://www.jegs.com/i/Wilwood/950/140-11290-BK/10002/-1

Rotors: https://www.jegs.com/i/Baer-Brake/136/05516-020/10002/-1

Bob

 

You said you were getting a set of 853 Road Wheels. Just did a quick look, I believe those are mid '67 through '70 wheels for the cars with front disks. As all the cars still had rear drums, those wheels will fit over drums fine. The one thing I am not positive on is if you can actually use those wheels at all as they are not exactly made for '71+ cars. Different backspacing and different hub diameter.

 

Thanks Zach...ugh! That may mean I may have a set of 853 wheels for sale soon. I thought i was good with the 5x5 and thought the backspacing was close, but no consideration for the hub diameter...sigh. Do you know what the 72 hub diameter is?

This is the 853 specs i believe....

Hub diameter- 2 3/4
Backspace- 3 3/8
Center cap hole- 2 1/8

 

Thanks Adam...i'll get them soon and will see if they work, fingers crossed i can figure all this out!

 

Ok, this maybe should be a new thread, but it is my continuing story with this. I have the 853 and they do appear to fit fine over the rear drums. The offset is different but seems to be only .5 to .75" off and still looks like it still fits/looks fine in the wheel well. But i do need to modify them to fit them properly and i'd like to know if this is a really bad idea before i do it. I'll try to explain with pictures...

So the original wheel fits around the axle perfectly like so:

IMG_2467 2 by fullmetaljacket posted Feb 22, 2020 at 4:28 PM

The 853 wheels have this lip that prevents them from sitting flush against the drum:

IMG_2469 2 by fullmetaljacket posted Feb 22, 2020 at 4:28 PM

IMG_2468 2 by fullmetaljacket posted Feb 22, 2020 at 4:28 PM

So at the moment, it wont sit right next to the drum, maybe a quarter inch off.

IMG_2470 2 by fullmetaljacket posted Feb 22, 2020 at 4:28 PM

Question is, if i were to route that lip off just enough to fit over the axle, then the wheel will sit flush against the drum when i tighten down the lug nuts. Is this a horrible, terrible no good idea for any reason?

 

And Adam, I'm looking and believe this is the center ring you suggested may need to be knocked off (instead of routing it around)?

 

Just knock the centering ring out.
On the Jamco kit one of my customers bought a set for his '64 Riv. In my opinion china junk. Took two days to modify things to fit PROPERLY. Used all A-Body stuff, intermediate car/compact. I myself after looking at this JUNK KIT wouldn't buy ANYTHING from Jamco.

 

Ok thanks Tom! Since these rims fit over the drums i'll probably refurbish them (drums) and stick with those. I was also looking at the lowering kits Jamco makes for the 72...guess i should rethink that. It looked like an easy button for a 2 or 3" drop with the springs.

 

There are drum brake replacement shoes out there with Semi-Metalic and Ceramic linings. I put the ceramic shoes on mine in the rear. Up front I have Wilwood D52 with EBC rotors and red stuff pads. Great improvement over stock disc/drum and stock wheels still fit.

 

What metal are the calipers made of
Whats the benefit over stock calipers

 

The wilwoods are aluminum 2 piston.

 

Is it a worthwhile up grade?
I've got stock 45 year old calipers

 

For me it was. It does stop better, but I also replaced rotor and pads at the same time. There’s that old saying two pistons are better than one. Lol Plus my brakes were OLD when I replaced them.