i am restoring a 65 coupe and i am using a Grab-A-Trak suspension kit. i dont kno very much about brake conversion kits, and i was wondering if i could use the original spindles with a disk brake conversion? and if anyone has had any expierience with brake conversion, could any good all-wheel disk brakes kits be recomended? thanks
i did a front disc brake conversion because the $ vs stopping power ratio of all wheel disc and front disc arent is pointed more twords the $$ side, i got the SSBC(stainless steel brake company) front conversion for 14" wheels with aluminum calipers and i really like them, there is hardly any bump steer, but that could be due to the horrible tires i had on. but 1 think you need to do with them is get the Repro front disc brake bolts to mount the caliper otherwise they will back themselves out and sheer off on the road in about 5,000 miles. the Repro bolts have a little sholder before the thread so they are even and dont back out, i would also use some locktight on them.. otherwise the conversion was an afternoon installment. My brake lines were a mess though, so my father and I had to fabricate some new ones, and the proportioning valve is done as correct as the pros can do it, but it just doesnt look concours style. Bottom line is they are great brakes stop on a nickle, fit more wheels than other brakes and look nice too 
im pretty sure that SSBC has a rear conversion too..but unless you really want rear discs i personally vouch for the performance of front discs and rear drums.
im pretty sure that SSBC has a rear conversion too..but unless you really want rear discs i personally vouch for the performance of front discs and rear drums.
LanceMach
Founding Member
Here's my .02...
I'll assume that you don't have buckets of money to throw at this and that this car is for the street (with maybe an occasional autocross or track event). If those assumptions are correct, then I'd say go with front discs - you don't need rear disc brakes unless you want them for the "cool" factor or actually race your car (the occasional open track event or autocross does not consistute racing in this example). I have 4 wheel discs and I run open track events several times a year - if I was doing this again, I'd go front disc/rear drum and save the money for something else.
Ok, moving right along, I'd say that Stainless Steel Brake Corp is probably the best choice for most street conversions (again, unless you've got money to throw at it). They've been making these kits for many years and have it down pat (I believe their kit includes just about everything you need to make the conversion, which is a big plus). They have multiple levels, from GT replacements to track-worthy kits. Several of my friends who drive Open Track with me have SSBC brakes and they perform very well, even on the track.
Other options include the Granada conversion (good if you are short on money, but have time to find the components). Baer (good brakes, great looking, but can be expensive). Wilwood (which I have) are supposed to be track only (not legal for the street). The Wilwoods are also more work to maintain (at least for me - send me a PM if you want details). As far as I know, all of the aftermarket kits I mentioned can be used with your stock spindles.
There you have it: my free opinion - worth every penny!!
I'll assume that you don't have buckets of money to throw at this and that this car is for the street (with maybe an occasional autocross or track event). If those assumptions are correct, then I'd say go with front discs - you don't need rear disc brakes unless you want them for the "cool" factor or actually race your car (the occasional open track event or autocross does not consistute racing in this example). I have 4 wheel discs and I run open track events several times a year - if I was doing this again, I'd go front disc/rear drum and save the money for something else.
Ok, moving right along, I'd say that Stainless Steel Brake Corp is probably the best choice for most street conversions (again, unless you've got money to throw at it). They've been making these kits for many years and have it down pat (I believe their kit includes just about everything you need to make the conversion, which is a big plus). They have multiple levels, from GT replacements to track-worthy kits. Several of my friends who drive Open Track with me have SSBC brakes and they perform very well, even on the track.
Other options include the Granada conversion (good if you are short on money, but have time to find the components). Baer (good brakes, great looking, but can be expensive). Wilwood (which I have) are supposed to be track only (not legal for the street). The Wilwoods are also more work to maintain (at least for me - send me a PM if you want details). As far as I know, all of the aftermarket kits I mentioned can be used with your stock spindles.
There you have it: my free opinion - worth every penny!!
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