Info needed on disc brake conversions and wheels.

[Tosh Dickenson]

I'm going down the rabbit hole of the front disc brake conversion on my 1964 Deville.

It seems to be a given that the kit I'm looking at by CPP  (and other kits as well) do not fit an original stock drum brake wheel.

If I find a later model wheel from a car that came factory with disc brakes, will my stock hubcaps fit on said wheel?

For those of you who've done this conversion is it an issue of caliper contact?  If so, is the contact so excessive that the caliper couldn't be ground?  I think I've also read about people using wheel spacers which I wouldn't want to do unless it's 1/4" or less.

[Tosh Dickenson]

Edit:  Talked to Caddy Daddy today and they state their kit is specifically designed to work with the original factory drum brake wheel, no modifications, spacers or different rim required.  Now the kicker is their kit is $1,500 as compared to the $700 CPP kit.  

[24ro8f5mbs2jc]

I overhauled my drum brakes three years ago. Changed cylinders, shoes, hoses and the master cylinder/booster. Stopping power is awesome and I don't think the car will stop much shorter/faster with disc brakes. As far as i understand the key to good stopping power is high grade friction linings and that all parts move freely.

Did see a tv-show a few weeks ago about drum brakes on old cars. They replaced the brake lining with a high friction, going from 0,2 μ to 0,4 μ. So the new shoes were having double dynamic friction compared to the original. That could be a cheap solution compared to a conversion.

My guess is if you overhaul the original system. Changing cylinders, oil and putting on brake shoes with high friction linings you would get a lot better breaking capacity than now, maybe as good as converting to disc, for less money and less hassle.

Kanter has a lot of brake parts incl. conversion kits.

[2o93f8rdftyzj]

Anders is on the money. Drum brakes in good condition are pretty friggin good. Biggest downfall, is long mountain range descents when folks can't drive drum brakes and you end up with the dreaded brake fad and of course, a regular de-dust of the drums and linings.

Disc's are much easier to service, just jam in a set of pads and you're off again.  

But hey, I still use a points and condenser ignition, always goes first time and stops just fine.

[1bt7pektvt387]

I did the conversion using the '69 GM equipment. I liked the idea of using GM parts. It does require 5/16" spacers which I would have loved to avoid. I did not check how much interference there was. I figured it would be pretty difficult/ impossible to see and if 5/16" spacers are required, it's pretty signifigant.

The '63-'64 hubcaps will not fit a later wheel without significant modification.

If I had to do it over again, I'd get a kit guaranteed to work without spacers. I'm even considering switching to that at some point. There are threads on here confirming it can be done. 

I'm sure the Caddy Daddy price includes the typical Cadillac markup and that conforming kits can be found in the $700 range.

Having said all that, the conversion definitely delivers an improvement in braking performance. For years my '63 had a properly functioning four wheel drum setup and the disc conversion unquestionably made for better braking. I felt it the first time I went out and tested it.

[Tosh Dickenson]

Thanks for the input, especially to those who actually provided a response to my original question.  I didn't intend for this post to become a referendum on the merits of disc braking. To me, modern and reliable stopping power of disc brakes is preferable in all situations.  Heck, crank starters worked fine maybe we should go back to those?!

I appreciate knowing that a 427 cobra can stop very quickly however I doubt you will find many modern muscle cars featuring drum brakes in the front.  It isn't just of an issue of stopping either, less suspension mass equals less wear and tear on components, tires and more responsive steering.

Soooo, anybody done a front disc conversion on a 63/64 and used their stock wheels?

[30cg3u76xzb0t]

ABS Power Brakes. com Page # 113 Part # 822 you can use your stock rim

[24ro8f5mbs2jc]

They are still on the market? Catalog not being updated for 10 years.

[30cg3u76xzb0t]

I'm pretty sure. Theirs a phone # on the bottom of the add.

[Tosh Dickenson]

Hi Joe,

Thanks for the info Joe.  Have you used this ABS kit?  I actually talked to them and the guy that answered the phone said he didn't know for sure whether they'd fit or not.  Not a real satisfying answer since it's a $1200 system plus freight.  I actually emailed them the same question a week ago and nobody responded.

I'm leaning toward the CaddyDaddy kit since the gals that answered the phone knew exactly what I was talking about and assured me their kit fits stock drum brake rims no problem.  It's only money right?!

[30cg3u76xzb0t]

Yes that's the system I have on my car. ABS power brake part number 822. I actually called there today myself to find out about replacement pads and was told they are part number d215 standard brake pads. He also said if you call a parts store tell them that it's a caliper for a 1988 Chevrolet celebrity.

I enquired because I want to upgrade from standard brake pads to ceramic.

More chair question though, I bought them and I'm able to use my original rims and hubcaps. Not sure what caddy daddy selling, plus I bet they're a lot more expensive

[Tosh Dickenson]

For reference, CaddyDaddy kit is $1,499 plus the ride and an extra $125 for drilled & slotted rotors if that's your thing.  I wouldn't be surprised if they sourced the kit from ABS.

Well at least the Chevy Celebrity is good for something! lol