I have a 71 skylark custom with all drum brakes. Before next spring I would like to do a front disc brake conversion to my car. I was wondering if it is something I could do myself without any complications or if I should have a mechanic do it for me. Any tips? I'm also looking for any good conversion kits and new brake lines.
Howdy, it is not too complicated of an installs, but there are some gotchas for sure. You will probably want to replace your rubber and hardlines if they are old and worn, which can be messy and kind of a pain. You will also need to either install a proper disc/drum oem combination valve or go with an aftermarket proportion valve and residual pressure valve on the rear line. This might require some custom line work which is not terribly difficult, but can be a bit frustrating and messy as well. As far as kits, there are plenty of options to chose from. You can go with a big brake system from Wilwood, or go with Corvette parts if you have 17"+ rims. For 15" rims you could go with a stock style setup, or something like the Baer SS4+ kit. Some kits come with absolutely everything you need, others like the SS4+, Wilwoods, or Vette setups will require you to source some parts individually, which is not difficult to do. If you go with one of the all-in-one kits, you might not get exactly what you want, or might find some less than desirable parts. Check out the pro-touring section here, as well as pro-touring.com to get some more info and setup examples. I did the Baer SS4+ kit, but have been having some big issues with the OEM combination valve I bought, which has been nothing but trouble. I cannot vouch for performance until I iron out the combination valve/drum brake kinks.
Here's one source: https://scarebird.com/ Also has instructions and OEM parts lists to keep you from needing custom stuff that might be pricey.
I have the stock 14'' rally rims on right now and I'm planning to keep them or maybe get 15'' but nothing bigger. Would a kit such as this work? http://www.opgi.com/skylark/1971/brake-systems/disc-brakes/CH28690/ Or any other complete kits. Also I don't have to much experience with brakes and haven't touched the ones on this car if that changes experience levels.
IMO this is a great kit for the money, especially for a beginner who does not know what interchanges with what. http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performance-Products/555/630010/10002/-1?parentProductId=
This looks like a good kit but it requires 15'' wheels. Are there any kits that would work with 14'' or is it worth it to just upgrade to 15'' wheels? Anything I need that is not included in this kit??
That kit includes everything right down to hardware. About the only thing it does not include that i would change while it is that far apart are new ball joints. Price has gone up though, it was only like $649 or so this past spring. What i like about the kit is you know they are the correct and compatible parts, they are all new and will look good and perform well. As far as 15" wheels, i found those off 69-72 Buicks and probably a better upgrade anyway for handling. I just picked up 6 and hope to be getting 4 more. If so i am going to save the best 5 for cleaning up "polishing the chrome and repainting the black" and the other 5 i will take to a friend and have them sand blasted and powder coated silver with black centers.
It seems like a nice set but I am un-sure about doing it myself. It seems that there is a bit of work that must be done by someone who has experience.
Up to you, most of it is just nuts and bolts. Adjusting the proportioning valve may be tricky to a novice but it does come with directions. Your budget may determine how much you want to do or are willing to pay someone else. If you were closer i would give you a hand with it, this could be done easily in a day.
I had good luck with Right Stuff Detailing 1-800-405-2000 or just Google Right stuff Detailing. All GM replacement parts and very good customer/Tech service. I think you're going to need 15" wheels for any Disc setup.
Have you thought about buying a used set of factory original disc parts. I know 14" wheels will fit. I would bet somone here has a set.
I'm with Chuck on this One. I bought a Jegs generic set and it's lasted 7 Years now. They only fit 15" wheels tho. The bolt that holds the shoes has to be pulled out and enlarged to 1/2' from 7/16". I went to my car parts store for all of my brake lines. You can figure out how long the links should be and buy the different sizes. It wasn't hard to do really. Spoke to God a few times. I used the adjustable Prop Valve tho...Good Luck. PONCH
I also sell used front disc brake kits. They go for 250-350 plus shipping most sets come with booster master proportioning valve hard lines complete spindles with rotors calipers all hard ware even the little frame brackets that hold the hose that are for disc cars only. All gm used parts so finding replacement is as easy as going to your local parts store. Parts are all sold as is and need to be inspected and cleaned before installation. If you get the right wheel code you can use 14 inch rims I run a set of factory 14 in buick rally wheels on mine. I sell about 80 sets a year. free advice all day long 626 488 5472 Hector
Just for the record, the kits I sell do fit with stock Buick chrome rally 14" wheels. After market aluminum wheels are up to you to determine they fit. All the components of the kits are stock replacement compatable, replacement parts are easy to find.
This is what I used. Kit worked out great, I ended up replacing front lines and put a union in the rear line to go to the proportioning valve which in this kit is easiest to mount to the brake booster. While I did this I replaced all suspension components. Only thing I didnt change were control arm bushings. The difference between power disk and manual drum is night and day. Stops like a modern car
Conversion from factory drum to factory disk. Step 1. Check with scarebird.com for cheap fastest route. Step 1 alternative. Mill spindle arms upper boss down at credible machine shop but only after you get factory brackets. They need the brackets in order to indicate how much the upper boss needs to be cut. Order buick parts. Use buick big car brake hoses.
