[nvr2fst]

Has anyone done a front disc brake conversion to a 55, 56 Buick Special. I see Master Powers Kit but it seems a bit pricey.

[chuk0823]

I have checked all dimensions but try this at your own risk. I have purchased new wilwood disk brake "hats" and disks from speedwaymotors.com I had a set of 78 GMC caliper lying around. All you need to do is make a 1/2" steel 5 7/8" circle with the same rectangular hole in the center with another "L" bracket bolted behind the Circular one that positions the caliper at a 45 degree angle behind the wheel. Hats=$140 Disks=$20 + cost of steel and a torch ( or access to a friends), fittings to convert your brake lines. *****Cheap*******

[chuk0823]

I ordered the 2" brake hat and test fit everything again. I had to grind the hub itself doen to fit inside the hat. I have to make the holes in the hat bigger for the wheel bolts. My original theory was to make a two piece bracket. Upon further inspection only one piece is necessary. If you take apart your front drum brake assembly you will find a metal/rubber dust seal that is attatched to the same bolt holes that holds on the backing plate. Remove this and you have a template for the spindle portion of the bracket. I used a thin piece of plywood to make my template. I cut out the spindle side of the template and then left room to wittle a location for the caliper. I cut too much away the first time so I made another, the second try was much better. Now all I have left is to borrow a torch and cut out the metal and then grind the edges. I'll update this again when I get it done along with a pictorial. I can duplicate the template for you if you wish and give you part numbers for the other stuff. I hope this helps!

[nvr2fst]

Hi:
Thanks for the update. Yes, I would very much be interested in pictures, part numbers and the template. Thanks Again, from Jack.
Attached is a picture of my 56 Buick Wagon.

[chuk0823]

Hey I guess your from LA somewhere judging by the picture. Where are you from?

Maybe we could hit some cruise nights.

Later Charles

[chuk0823]

Here's a teaser. I have to get a patent now.

[nvr2fst]

Hey thats looking very good. I cant wait to get all the particulars. I live in San Bernardino, CA. I am a member of the Over the Hill Gang car club. However my Buick dont qualify as its a club for pre-48 cars. But I have had a number of thosein the past, most notably a 32 2dr sedan, 32 Hiboy roadster, 41 Willys Pickup and etc.

[chuk0823]

Ok, I called ISC Invention submissions corperation. They say that I have to take time off of work to meet with this guy in Irvine and let him decide if this piece is patentable. To me that sound kinda shady. Should I even bother with it and just start selling these things or should I go through with it. I'd hate to get screwed by someone I sold a kit to to go and get a patent which would in turn make it so that I could not sell my Idea. On the other hand it is simply just putting parts together and fabricating a bracket. Opinion>?

Ok well I have decided that it won't be worth it to patent. So from here I have three venues availiable to me. 1) Sell the information only with a parts list 2) Sell the information, a parts list, with modified parts ( and run the risk of being sued) or 3) Make complete kits with modified parts included. (also running risk of being sued) I thought I could make some money on this and maybe fund some future projects for my car. But I guess it's not worth it because anyone with the parts that I purchased could figure out how to make a simple bracket to mount a caliper. So, tomorrow I will make three set of caliper brackets I will probably list one set on ebay. Put one set on my car and the third set I will sell to my friend Edgar with the 54 buick. So how much is this info worth?

[chuk0823]

I made several blank brackets yesterday and drilled holes in one "good" set. I found today when I tried to mock up again that I hadn't ground down the hub enough, the four mounting holes were off by just a smidge and the caliper rubs on my aftermarket rims. So, I have some room between the caliper and the rotating disk that I can reduce to try to eliminate the rubbing on the rims. I guess I get to try again. So goes the battle.....

[nvr2fst]

I was just wondering what size wheels your using. The wheels on my wagon are Boyd's 17". Do you think they might clear the calipers. I also have a stock power brake booster system. What type of master cyclinder do you intend to use. Thanks for all the updates, I am very interested in your progress.

Jack

[chuk0823]

I am using those cheap 15" smothies. The disk is a 12" disk. Yeah it should clear your boyds. I am using a stock GMC van caliper but wilwood has some smaller calipers for a reasonable price. I am going to get mine done and then I guess I could fab up some "bigger brakes" I'll keep you posted. I have to give this project a rest for a week or so. Too many problems to think about and get it all right and safe. Can't wait to see your car in person though. Let me know where you will be taking it.

[Juans55Olds]

Anyone know how close your 55 Buicks are to my 55 Olds with respect to converting to front discs? I know Fat Man has dropped spindles for my Olds and is the only fabricator that I know of who does offer conversion besides the front clip option, however, I'm not sure if Fat Man is the way to go. I still have the problem of updating the mastercylinder/pedal and I haven't found a unit specific for my model/year. When I add up the cost of updated generic components, including installation costs, I get close to the cost of a new front clip with everything already there. So, I'm a little frustrated as to the lack of fabricators/suppliers for mid-50s GM, but this forum is a great resource. Thanks for any comments!

[chuk0823]

My solution to the master cylinder booster situation is to remote mount one in the trunk. As for the 55 olds thing I think they are the same a arms and uprights. Here's a picture of my bare setup that I've been working with. Does it apear to be the same?

[Juans55Olds]

The photo of your Buick suspension looks very simular, do you have others? Your Buick has king pins also?

[chuk0823]

Ok I don't have any other bare spindle pictures but..... When you take off your backing plate the four bolts that hols it on should measure 4 1/2" by 3 3/16". I had to make a rectangular hole for the spindle to fit through my bracket and that hole is 2 1/2 by 6. Try to measure yours and use my picture as a reference and if it is the same when I get my Bracket finished I will post a pictorial on how to make your own.