DomL64

I need to do something with the brakes on my 64 convertible. Has anyone put disks on theirs ? Or, gone to power drums ? What are the things to watch out for ? How hard is it to change over ? Since next week in Carlisle, I thought I would pick up some parts there.
Thanks !
Dom

azmusclecar

this should get you started...........it's from the stickies....

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-a...sc-brakes.html




http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-a...onversion.html

azmusclecar

and this one authored by yours truly who is also looking at or for a change.


http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-a...disc-drum.html

TheSaint

Here is what i got of parts:
Complete trailing arms with the flanges mounted on, built by Van Steel.
Rotors and calipers from Van Steel. New 1/4" brake lines.
Master cylinder and booster from Van Steel Front spindles from a later model Corvette(spindles for disc brakes have finer threads than spindles for drum brakes)

These parts and all brake lines are going to be installed within a week or 2

DomL64

Thank you !
Love the disk idea and really want to go that way. Money may be a problem and I may have to go power drums.

Pilot Dan

63-64 Drums work just fine unless you are planning to race the car.

Drum brakes get a bad wrap because they are often not serviced properly and in piece meal, so people rush to swap them out because they get uneven braking. Mine stop straight and on a dime with no rotor run out problems to deal with. Pilot Dan

DomL64

A azmusclecar.
After reading up on as much as I can find, I'm thinking power drums is the way to go. For stopping power as much as for money. Since the drums have been on the car, I'm thinking more power would help the fade. I hope !
Besides adding a power booster for the master cylinder, what else would I need to upgrade ?
Thanks !
Dom

skids

Myself and others used this kit. I wouldn't hesitate to use it again.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1963-1964-1965-CORVETTE-ORIG-LOCATION-DISC-BRAKES-NO-OFFSET-ZERO-MOVEMENT-/200954572454?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2ec9d36ea6&vxp=mtr

Beach Dude

I agree, Did the same, happy with the results, will do the dual master reservoir master cylinder later this year.

jdk971

i put front disc on my 63 because i put a ls in it. if i had to do over, i would of kept the drums. i had orig power drums. they worked just fine. unless you heat them up or run
thru a pond, i really don't think you need them. also i had reg drums no power on a 63 ss
409 impala. had no problems stopping that vehicle at all. jmho jim

azmusclecar

I just pulled all the drums off and inspected everything from brake cylinders to shoe alignment and wear in the drum. When I test drove the car, maybe I was expecting too much thanks to today's technology.

I have the disc brakes for the front that came with the car in the sale. I'm going to stay with my drums, since my car will just be a driver for car shows and cruising. There's not much chance of getting the drums wet here in Arizona.

After some time, I'll reassess the situation and see what I think. I think part of the feeling of brakes is learning the brakes. Their capacity and incapacity and to stay within the limits of using the car as it is equipped. For just a small block little cruiser, I'll see if my drums (and yes they are large) do the job.

Zoomin

I fricking hate maintaining drum brakes, major PITA!!

I'll probably keep the drums because they seem to work pretty good, but the first time I send one of those springs through the wall, they're coming off.

mechron

Another vote for keeping the drums. I have a 64 vette with the 11 inch drums. They are big and wide. The vettes in 65 came out with discs on all 4 wheels and the brakes, rotors and calipers were much heavier-and that is all unspung weight.

Just for referance I bought a 66 396 360Hp Super sport with a muncie 4 speed and a 12 bolt with 4.11 gears long before I bought the 64 vette. bigger, much faster cars with the "mystery engine" that GM debued in 64.

What was GM thinking. My 66 big block had 9 inch drum brakes on all 4 wheels. Go figure.

DomL64

I'm leaning more and more toward keeping the drums but adding power to them.
Thank you !

Wayne1964

You would also have to check the hood on a 64. the 65 has the notch for the duel master cylinder. My 64 has a 65 hood so no problems. Bought all my brake front from VBS and the back trailing arms from Bair"s.( Brian ) Very happy. My trailing arms were shot driver.
http://www.vbandp.com/
http://www.bairs.com/
Good luck.

1snake

I've never had braking problems with any drum brake car. My 65 had a 100% new brake system from lines to rotors to calipers and it doesn't stop any better than my 60 with drum brakes. I would never consider changing from drums to discs on a street driven car. You won't be able to tell the difference. Expensive and not worth the trouble.

Jim