Drum vs Disc Brakes on Torsion Front End

[Thiessen1960]

I am in the process of rebuilding the front end of my 1960 Chevy C10 and am wondering how many of you kept the torsion front end? I plan to keep it and am curious as to who is running drum brakes and who is running disc brakes? Preferences or boosters on top of drums? Looking for some help in opinions, thanks.

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by Thiessen1960

I am in the process of rebuilding the front end of my 1960 Chevy C10 and am wondering how many of you kept the torsion front end? I plan to keep it and am curious as to who is running drum brakes and who is running disc brakes? Preferences or boosters on top of drums? Looking for some help in opinions, thanks.

Still got drums on my torsion bar front.
I bought everything I need to go to disc, just haven't had time to do the upgrade.

[Thiessen1960]

Do you still have the expensive bearings in yours? I am just wondering if its easiest to just do all new brakes and add a brake booster. Or at least a split reservoir?

[LostMy65]

Someone upgraded mine. It isn't ball bearings anymore.
I split the lines and added a dual reservoir master cylinder.
My next upgrade will be to add a booster.
Then eventually discs.
Mine is a driving restoration.

[LostMy65]

Originally posted by Mark :
(Note – if the only desire is to eliminate the
ball bearings, I’ve read in forum threads that
63-66 hubs will fit on 60-62 spindles without
modification, and these hubs utilize roller
bearings.)

[Thiessen1960]

Thanks I knew about that, I just don't have access to a pair of hubs for a 1963-66. Otherwise I would totally go that route.

[verdell]

I kept my torsion bars and added dropped spindles, 6-lug discs, dual master cylinder and dual diaphragm booster. Been running it since '03. If I had to do it over, I'd go with 5-lugs drilled and slotted. Other than that, I'm pleased.

[LostMy65]

I suppose you then also know about 60-62 disc spindles being available to purchase?.
Edit:
See verdell's post.

[Thiessen1960]

I do know about the spindles being sold separately but by the time you buy everything it's pointless especially since I'm looking to keep it six lug not 5

[Thiessen1960]

Just was wondering what people's opinions were who have discs, power drums, or just a dual master cylinder on drums for stopping power.

[Thiessen1960]

Right now I am just leaning towards adding a booster to my setup. I think I will find a set of hubs because I believe there is a wrecking yard with a 1963 c10 in it, so I will steal those and then go to a booster setup from a 67 chevy for the drum/drum setup. Unless people know who else made them and what cars they are from.

[LostMy65]

Any updates?

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by Thiessen1960

I do know about the spindles being sold separately but by the time you buy everything it's pointless especially since I'm looking to keep it six lug not 5

Why is it pointless?
You can have 6-lug disc brakes now.
This information has been out there for at least 10 years now,...

I know this is an old thread,... but hopefully this will help others.

[Northwest Outlaw]

I will be starting the front disc conversion shortly on my 61 and plan on leaving the torsion set up. I am using the McGaughy's 6 lug disc and drop spindle kit and I picked up a '76 disc/drum MC and booster off CL for cheap. Also replacing the shocks and rear springs to complete the lowering. Jump over to my build thread (linked in signature) to follow my follies.
You'll have to double check but I think if you get new spindles you can use 73-80something disc brakes if you can find a good set. I went all new as I'm new at wrenching and wanted as few variables to mess up as possible. Good luck with your adventure, i'm staying tuned to see what you do