VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Trucks and Vans Modifications for Preservation??

I believe there are bolt-on disc brake kits for the straight axles, which could be reversed.

Ding-ding!

The disk brakes do need a dual master, but it bolts on with a bracket. So front disk brakes *are* reverable. (And besides, safety upgrades are OK. Seatbelts are reversable too - but why?)

Brake Vendors:
http://www.mpbrakes.com/
http://www.classicperform.com/
http://www.ecihotrodbrakes.com/

12V is reversable. Just need a different battery, light bulbs, and coil. Wiring is same as 6V.

Stainless Steel Brakes sells an improved king pin:
http://www.stainlesssteelbrakes.com/

Kevlar brake shoes might wear your drums out faster.

Radial tires make a great improvement.
http://www.widewhitewalltires.com/

Tappered front roller bearings are recommended.

Jim

Thanks for the clarification and links, Jim. I was just throwing the idea out there, since I can only say I've read about them for straight axle trucks, but haven't used them.

Anything that makes it safe should be OK. ECI also sells a disc brake kit 860-872-7046. Have had some problems with the "kits" speedway sells latly. Rule of thumb if you dont cut it it can always be turned around to original. 12 volts electric wipers and good brakes should not get anybody real upset. What ever you do if you change something save the parts......you will become good friends with a restorer that otherwise would not give the the time of day. I happen to like both as long as it can be driven safely.

Hey Phat, Who has a good 12v wiper motor for the AD trucks?

Truck shop in Cal best price and is a bolt in. 47-04701 is the part# It costs 128. complete bolt in 1-800-chevy-47 or rain-X LOL

I grew up driving old chevy and GMC trucks.HWen my brother and I wer hauling wood,it would make the engine work harder and wipers would work even less.We learned to use a mild soapy solution to make the water sheet on the windshield,easier to see through that droplets of water all over the window.Kind of like using a potato and rubbing it in the window.We later learned that we could knock out the plate where the radio would fit and operate the wipers by hand,just reach in and move the trans-arm by hand.One time on our 51 chevy ,we were driving back home in the snow going slow and safe(luckily) as a chevy 4x4 was coming the opposite direction with his left tire running in the snow build-up in the middle of the road.WHen he went by,a wall of dirty snow literally blacked out our windshield for about 4 or 5 seconds before the snow slid off enough to see again! :eek:
.
Thanks for the lead on the wiper motor.

The worst thing a person can do to a vintage car is install a thick tilt steering column and small modern steering wheel.It looks so out of place on a modified car trying to look original or vintage.The tilt steering column also means a V-8 Chevy engine and the automatic transmission because apparantly these fellows cannot drive a standard shift.The second worst thing is putting a vintage body on a modern frame . And doing a poor engineering job , the frame is too wide allowing the wheels to stick out. In my opinion its fine to modify a car for safety and its also fine to turn an otherwise useless car into a tasteful hot rod.

"turn an otherwise useless car into a tasteful hot rod."

Preferably a f**d.

The modern frame deal is one of my pet peves. I have no idea were people thinks its easier or looks correct. You can do so much with the stuff that came with truck. Heck most rodders are now using the top half of the steering mast even if it has latemodel power steering. There is a reason and old chevy truck is so popular now...there are one of the most simple things to drive you can own.Heck a hammer and screw driver will pretty much get you around the country. Seat belts are a good thing cause you know you want to take the kid for a ride. Signal lights are also something that i think should be overlooked when judging.They just might save your butt someday.

I was originally planning to rod my 38 1/2 ton but over the last 20 odd years I have mellowed and now basically doing a restore. There will be a few safety mods but will be bolt on type.
I also agree with the comment of displying the Bow Tie even though mine is not on the road yet.
Happy Chev Motoring
Tony

I have very good luck with high friction brake linings. If you can lock up 4 wheels with drums, discs can't get you any faster stopping.

Yes, the high friction brake linings work quite well. The best part of disc brakes is the point of lock up is easier to control in a panic stop situation, so your stopping distance is shorter with better control. .Disc brakes can be added to older vehicles without butchering anything inside or out.And can be a benefit on some trucks where replacement drums cannot be found.However drum brakes in good repair are adequate on stock trucks with their limited road speeds.