|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 41
Shade Tree Mechanic
|
OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 41 |
Hey guys. Is there a company that sells a front disk brake conversion kit with 6 lug rotors. I tried a search but came up empty with what I'm looking for. I'm trying to keep the original look but the original brakes were horrible. Maybe it's from using power brakes so long and being older. Thanks Cliff
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,689 Likes: 21
ChatMaster - 6,000
|
ChatMaster - 6,000
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,689 Likes: 21 |
I don't know of any but I have confidence some company that will have what you need. Without power the disc brakes may not be a great improvement. The original will do just fine if you do the following: a. Back off a good distance. b. Keep the original stuff in good shape. c. Don't tailgate. d. Drive defensively. e. And avoid heavy traffic. I hope you don't interpret my advice as telling you how to drive. I'm merely saying what works for me and the 41 coupe. Good luck with whatever you want to do. Charlie BTW: The part I like best about disc brakes is the relative ease in replacing the pad as opposed to shoes. With the same amount of pressure applied I doubt the disc brakes will lock up the wheels any quicker than drum brakes. I admit that is not always a good thing. Just saying...
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 41
Shade Tree Mechanic
|
OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 41 |
Thanks Charlie. I know I'm getting older and have been driving a lot of years but nothing compares to occasional good advise. Did you ever consider putting power brakes on your 41? Thanks Cliff
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
|
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
He would rather have a Fulton sun visor 
Gene Schneider
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 822
ChatMaster - 750
|
ChatMaster - 750
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 822 |
Master,
Anything can be done, often with common, inexpensive parts. Here's an example. My street rod is a fiberglass replica '32 Ford roadster. The front brakes are Ford spindles on a Bell dropped beam axle, Mopar Aspen/Volare 11" rotors and hubs, GM "Metric" calipers,good old fashioned ASBESTOS pads and an unboosted 22mm bore 1985 Ford Thunderbird aluminum master cylinder.
Before making your disc brake conversion I'd suggest finding some asbestos friction and trying it. On my street rod, replacing the "organic" friction with asbestos was like adding a booster. Asbestos friction is like R12 refrigerant, illegal to manufacture but not to own and very abundant on ebay for the 1936-50 Huck brakes.
Some restorers look down their noses at street rod builders but it's the street rod guys who apply enginuity to solving problems.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801 Likes: 1
ChatMaster - 3,000
|
ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801 Likes: 1 |
He would rather have a Fulton sun visor  Charlie would run over the Fulton, using the mangled Fulton as the brakes. 
1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 929
ChatMaster - 750
|
ChatMaster - 750
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 929 |
If anyone has an old unwanted Fulton that they can donate to a poor soul, I can use it. Fenders skirts would be appreciated also. Mike A
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,689 Likes: 21
ChatMaster - 6,000
|
ChatMaster - 6,000
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,689 Likes: 21 |
Gene, That right there hurt something awful. Did too! They had to use the paddles on me to get me going again. Brino, you said "Some restorers look down their noses at street rod builders but it's the street rod guys who apply enginuity to solving problems." Well, most of us are awed by and appreciate the street rod builder's ingenuity and ability expressed in their creations. We don't really look down our noses, though, We merely scratch our heads and accept it for what it is. For many of us it is not our "bag of tea", but still marvel at the product and admire the builder. (You started this.) Charlie Brino,
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 323
Backyard Mechanic
|
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 323 |
Did you consider using ahydro-booster in combination with your drum drakes??
Jianis
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64
ChatMaster - 15,000
|
ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64 |
I know that modern vehicles have electric power steering. Other stuff like clutch linkage was once direct mechanical and then hydraulic. Brake boosters were vacuum aided. Is there an electric brake booster? If so I am sure it would be 12 volts.
How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 63
Shade Tree Mechanic
|
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 63 |
try master power brakes in mooresville n.c. 1-800-472 4181 they have been making conversion kits for disc brakes for older cars for years. I googled them and their website still comes up.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801 Likes: 1
ChatMaster - 3,000
|
ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801 Likes: 1 |
With a good, quality, brake lining, along with good hardware and cylinders, I believe brakes from the past are good. Horrible comes to mind when all of the above are neglected. 
1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,323 Likes: 6
ChatMaster - 2,000
|
ChatMaster - 2,000
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,323 Likes: 6 |
I think disc brakes take more force or pressure to do their job. They are better with power assist. Personally I have no problems with the way the Chev Huck brakes perform.
My 1951 1 Ton is now on the road! My 38 Master 4 Door is also now on the road .
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,046 Likes: 107
Hall Monitor ChatMaster - 7,000
|
Hall Monitor ChatMaster - 7,000
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,046 Likes: 107 |
I have to problem locking up the OEM brakes on my '38. Having said that if you're set on changing your brakes you may find this thread of interest. It's a long read but may prove fruitful.
VCCA Member 43216 Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet. 1938 HB Business Coupe 1953 210 Sedan
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 41
Shade Tree Mechanic
|
OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 41 |
Thanks for all the info guys. I am not a negative hot rod guy. Most of them in my eyes are amazing. Once in a while I think someone should restore them back to original. Just like the animals, once there gone there gone. Just my humble opinion. Thanks again. Cliff
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,149 Likes: 42
ChatMaster - 6,000
|
ChatMaster - 6,000
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,149 Likes: 42 |
Old216 is right disc brakes require more hydraulic pressure to operate as they do and this is achieved generally with vacuum assistance. Vacuum assistance can be be assisting you oush the pedal or by adding pressure to the hydraulics after the pedal has been pushed. I have seen disc brakes work quite effectively without vacuum assistance but the pedal leverage was very cumbersome. Tony
1938 1/2 ton Hope to drive it before I retire
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 41
Shade Tree Mechanic
|
OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 41 |
Thanks for the info Tony. Just trying to figure out which way to go. Cliff
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,136
ChatMaster - 3,000
|
ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,136 |
Hey guys. Is there a company that sells a front disk brake conversion kit with 6 lug rotors. Thanks Cliff Nope...Another reason I gave up the thought...Can't kept your old wheels...
1947 Fleetmaster Sport Coupe VCCA # 47475
If it's not wearing a Bowtie...It's not properly dressed...!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,136
ChatMaster - 3,000
|
ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,136 |
The original will do just fine if you do the following: a. Back off a good distance. b. Keep the original stuff in good shape. c. Don't tailgate. d. Drive defensively. e. And avoid heavy traffic. Charlie  A great idea even if you do have disc brakes...!
1947 Fleetmaster Sport Coupe VCCA # 47475
If it's not wearing a Bowtie...It's not properly dressed...!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,774 Likes: 4
ChatMaster - 1,500
|
ChatMaster - 1,500
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,774 Likes: 4 |
The original will do just fine if you do the following: a. Back off a good distance. b. Keep the original stuff in good shape. c. Don't tailgate. d. Drive defensively. e. And avoid heavy traffic. Charlie  A great idea even if you do have disc brakes...! 
Ed
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801 Likes: 1
ChatMaster - 3,000
|
ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801 Likes: 1 |
"I am not a negative hot rod guy".
What is a negative hot rod guy ? ? ?
1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 885
ChatMaster - 750
|
ChatMaster - 750
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 885 |
"Negative hot rod guy is a guy that has positive ground instead of negative ground.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 41
Shade Tree Mechanic
|
OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 41 |
I'm glad I asked this question. It's getting comical now. Thanks for making me chuckle. Cliff
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64
ChatMaster - 15,000
|
ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64 |
Does negative ground levitate and positive ground suck? Or does a negative hot rod guy just mean mouth hot rods instead of appreciating them?
How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 822
ChatMaster - 750
|
ChatMaster - 750
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 822 |
Cliff,
Another option you have if you convert to front discs is a "remote booster". It mounts out of sight, like in the trunk. It senses brake application because it is plumbed into the brake lines. It sends boosted pressure to wherever your route its output line to and uses engine vacuum for power.
My wife's Mercedes 190SL has one of those and they were on British cars also. They are relatively common on ebay.
Back to street rodding for a moment, some of them actually hide disc brakes inside dummy drums.
|
|
|
|
|