bubbletop disc brake conversion - Hot Rod Forum : Hotrodders Bulletin Board
Hotrodders.com -- Hot Rod Forum



Register FAQ Search Today's Posts Unanswered Posts Auto Escrow Insurance Auto Loans
Hot Rod Forum : Hotrodders Bulletin Board > Tech Help> Suspension - Brakes - Steering
User Name
Password
lost password?   |   register now

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools
  #1 (permalink)  
Old 06-22-2003, 10:46 AM
55delray's Avatar
Registered User
 
Last photo:
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Pensacola, FL
Age: 48
Posts: 3
Wiki Edits: 0

Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
bubbletop disc brake conversion

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.
Reply With Quote
  #2 (permalink)  
Old 06-22-2003, 08:42 PM
Hippie's Avatar
Analog man in a digital world.
 

Last journal entry: HEI comparison.
Last photo:
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 2,255
Wiki Edits: 0

Thanks: 3
Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts
'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
Reply With Quote
  #3 (permalink)  
Old 06-22-2003, 10:24 PM
55delray's Avatar
Registered User
 
Last photo:
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Pensacola, FL
Age: 48
Posts: 3
Wiki Edits: 0

Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
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.
Reply With Quote
  #4 (permalink)  
Old 06-24-2003, 01:00 PM
Hippie's Avatar
Analog man in a digital world.
 

Last journal entry: HEI comparison.
Last photo:
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 2,255
Wiki Edits: 0

Thanks: 3
Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts
They're not quite that bad, you just have to be patient with them. I have a '62 SS Hdtp.
Reply With Quote
  #5 (permalink)  
Old 06-24-2003, 01:54 PM
55delray's Avatar
Registered User
 
Last photo:
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Pensacola, FL
Age: 48
Posts: 3
Wiki Edits: 0

Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
UPDATE

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.
Reply With Quote

Recent Suspension - Brakes - Steering posts with photos


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:34 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2013, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2
Copyright Hotrodders.com 1999 - 2012. All Rights Reserved.