[55delray]

Hi guys, first thread, any help greatly appreciated.

project: I'm converting a 61 Impala bubbletop from front drums to front disc. I'm using mid 80's monte carlo spindles, rotors and calipers combined with 7" dual resevoir brake booster.

concern: When I pulled the tires off, the difference in mounting positions for the upper and lower spindles was at least 4" different. The old drum mounts have appr. 8-10" spread between mounting points compared to the monte carlo spindles that have 4-6" spread.

question: Is the 61 impala frontend the same as a 65-72 A body, or are the A arms a different design? Will the monte carlo spindles work on this frontend?

other: I was told the monte carlo spindles will give me a 2" drop up front on the impala. When I checked different sites for tech info, they always discuss "GM A BODIES 65-72" when talking about this kind of drum to disc changeover.

[Hippie]

'61-'64 Impala front suspensions are different from '65 & up, especially A bodies. I don't think there is a bolt on junkyard swap that will work but there are several companies that make kits with or without spindles and they also offer stock height or dropped spindles. Check out the '61-'64 Forums over at ChevyTalk. A bunch of guys there have done different versions of the disc brake swap and I'm sure they can answer all your questions

[55delray]

Thanks Hippe, As usual I buy the one car that doesn't play well with other children. Thanks for the tip, I'll check it out.

[Hippie]

They're not quite that bad, you just have to be patient with them. I have a '62 SS Hdtp.

[55delray]

Quick update, after speaking with several people, here and chevytalk, I found 2 companies that can offer drum to disk conversion kits. The first, recommended by sturatnc from chevytalk.com, is stainless steel brake co., real nice kit, includes rotors, spindles and calipers for $900 (a bit pricey for me); Second, ECI, found at ecihotrodbrakes.com, offers just the conversion bracket that allows you to use factory monte carlo spindles, calipers and rotors for only $110; I bought this one and will use original GM equipment and custom bend my own lines from the proportioning valve down.