I want to convert to discs eventually, requiring a disc master cylinder. BUT I don't have cash or time right now to gather the parts and swap the discs in. However, my master cylinder is bad, and I was thinking that why not just get a disc master and put it on? I should work, right? Here's my reasoning why it should: From what I've read/discerned, disc brakes require a larger amount of fluid displacement from the master cylinder, and I guess are larger. So with that in mind, it really shouldn't matter if I have a disc master on there instead of a drum, while continuing to use drum brakes (which I have all around.) So come swap time, add a proportioning valve, and the discs of course, and should be good, no? Please help!!!
I think the rod that pushes into the master cylinder is a different size between drum and disc, though I may be wrong. Maybe I'm thinking power versus standard. Someone else will know for sure. The reservoirs will probably be different, and that might be a problem. Do you plan on converting to power brakes (are they already power)?
Hi Romy: Can't help you with the master cylinder issues (though I remember someone telling me that it won't work), but I can help you with the brake swap. Be prepared to look long and hard for a set up to convert your car to disc brakes. I've been looking for years to find a stock disc set up and haven't found one yet. Our cars are really limited in the options available for a disc conversion. To the best of my knowledge, only 69-70 Electra/Wildcat/LeSabre spindles will work. There are other posts on this board where different people have confirmed this. My suggestion is just replace the master cylinder with the correct one for now and change to the disc master at a later date. -Paul
Truzi, Yeah, it has power brakes already. I think I'm going to look at the service manual in detail and hopefully get some more insite, although hopefully someone will know. Paul, I'm not actually going with a stock swap...there are those brackets sold on ebay, or through www.scarebird.com which should make the conversion easier. The ebay/scarebird ones (I think it's the same group) are made for 65-70 rivs, but the rivs have the same spindle as our cars, so it'll work. I still have to email them and discuss it more, but I think it'll work.
