Disc Brake Conversion Forum Roundup

[Lido63]

I've been scouring the forum for info on disc brake conversions and haven't found much in the way of a guaranteed "just works" conversion. At least not for my needs. My needs are:
• Fits a stock 15" rim
• Dual m/c
• Stops my Lincoln
• No unforseen problems
• (Stock appearance in engine compartment) <-- I've given up on this one

Here are some things I found:
• Gearhead had a nice kit but is out of business
• mention of a "65 booster fiasco"
• Brake light issues
• Pedal height issues
• CPP’s requires 17”+
• AutoObsession kit requires 17”+
• Baer brake kit from Jegs requires 17”+

That has left me with this find from Murray Kustom Rods:
• brake kit: https://www.murraykustomrods.com/store. ... p566111678
• m/c + booster: https://www.murraykustomrods.com/store. ... p620396859

Anyone have experience with this kit?
Any other solutions or concerns I've missed?

[Lee]

Shouldn’t you add “convert to later ‘65+ calipers, etc.” That would seem to hit everything on your needs list. There must be parts cars still out there with all the hardware you need.

[Lido63]

Yes, that should be on the list! Thank you!

I believe you can only fit 12" rotors inside a 15" rim (correct me if I'm wrong here) so the thought of vented discs and 4-piston calipers sounds good on a car that weighs 5550lbs, give or take.

So many people I read about that were going with stock part solutions seemed to have issues with brake lights, pedal height, and brake feel.

I kept reading about some sort of issue that people were having with the '65 booster too. It made me worried about going that route.

[Lee]

Of course it depends on your intended use, so when I see somebody going with giant Baer discs all around, I assume they are preparing for…what? Gymkhana? Autocross? Watkins Glen?

I’ve been driving my ‘62 with drum brakes “normally” for decades. And I don’t recall ever pressing them to the point of significant fade, or felt unsafe. I can make a well modulated emergency stop from any legal speed, where the limiting factor is tire adhesion to the pavement, and the best discs can’t improve on that. But I can’t make three emergency stops in quick succession, nor do I ever expect to have to.

Of course, mine are always in top shape, and I think many owners have never driven a vintage drum brake system in really good condition, thus the tendency toward discs.

[1Bad55Chevy]

Of course it depends on your intended use, so when I see somebody going with giant Baer discs all around, I assume they are preparing for…what? Gymkhana? Autocross? Watkins Glen?

I’ve been driving my ‘62 with drum brakes “normally” for decades. And I don’t recall ever pressing them to the point of significant fade, or felt unsafe. I can make a well modulated emergency stop from any legal speed, where the limiting factor is tire adhesion to the pavement, and the best discs can’t improve on that. But I can’t make three emergency stops in quick succession, nor do I ever expect to have to.

Of course, mine are always in top shape, and I think many owners have never driven a vintage drum brake system in really good condition, thus the tendency toward discs.

Drum brakes look TERRIBLE behind a 20" wheel!

The big brake kits are really over rated but they do look bad ass! My fathers 77 Nova drag car runs the factory brakes (disc/drum) converted to manual with zero issues. He typically runs 5.80 eighth mile index but the car has run 8.90 out the back at around
155 MPH.

[Lee]

Drum brakes look TERRIBLE behind a 20" wheel!

You’ve got me there!

[LithiumCobalt]

Drum brakes look TERRIBLE behind a 20" wheel!

Who wants 20” wheels on a classic? Blech!

[1Bad55Chevy]

True... 20s are pretty 2006 I guess that's why everyone is putting 22s and 24s on them.

I really hate 15s because it gives the car an awesome "let's go tube the river" look.

[Dan Szwarc]

One's personal preferences are all that matters to one's person.

I prefer stock from a historical preservation point of view. The factory look for the classic no longer made.

[frasern]

I think 20 inch wheels look just fine with drum brakes.

I have not yet decided weather or not to put discs on my '62, I have all the parts, but the present brakes are like new, so maybe I'll let sleeping dogs lie. Any conversion will have fitment pitfalls, weather you go stock Lincoln, or a modern kit. You may have to figure some things out as you go, but with the Lincoln brakes, it has been done here before, and others will share that experience.

[Dan Szwarc]

Powdered oat those drums.

I mean… powdercoat those drums!

[frasern]

That's a grain truck, sooo... probably already been powdered oated!

[Lido63]

One of the reasons for going disc is that I live on a hill... which is known for having 4 of the top 10 steepest streets in San Francisco. The one on the cross street I live at is a 31.5% grade.

Another option I've considered is just going to a dual master cylinder to have the extra margin of safety. Am I over cautious?