Brake Headache - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ChevroletWT · 01-08-2013, 01:37 PM

If any of you have followed my build you will know that my truck was a complete basketcase when I first got it (And kind of still is). So my quest continues as I try to get things right.

The rear end is a 5 lug (1970 12 bolt), and the front drums are factory 6 lug. However, some lugs in the front drums were broken off, and after heating them up, and using a floor press (with the drum supported at every point possible) the metal around them simply gave without the lug coming out - so I am considering them shot.

Here is where I am now. Since my rear end is 5 lug, I decided it would be easier at this point to convert the front to 5 lug as well (it would also free up my wheel choices).

Here is the kicker, I have already rebuilt the front brakes and have some money put into them to do so. So I do not want to convert the front to disc.

My question is, what are my options, if any, to convert the front to 5 lug drums? Does anyone produce conversion drums? Would the drums off of a '56 Bel Air fit by any chance?

Maximus · 01-08-2013, 02:38 PM

My suggestion: Use a simple conversion for disc brakes up front. (also get 5-lug up front)

All you have to do is add a proportioning valve to the front line and you can convert to discs for a safer ride.

im not familiar with your build, do you still have a 1-port master cylinder? A dual MC, or even a Power Brake conversion would also be a wise upgrade, and all are bolt-on aftermarket parts.

just my 2 cents...

in heindisght, you may be able to get the drums of a 50's chevy car to fit your spindle? not sure. I would just upgrade all as i mentioned though...

OrrieG · 01-08-2013, 03:36 PM

Stovebolt.com has a ton of info on more stock trucks, this is for the conversion. For all the work trying to find 60 year old car parts to use I would look at a disc conversion too.

http://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/...t&Number=28886

18tahoe · 01-08-2013, 05:45 PM

This is funny Will just sent an answer to you over at Trifive, check it out. Jeff

**mr48chev** · 01-08-2013, 06:14 PM

You need 53/54 Drums and possibly the whole backing plate assembly also.

I've done it on the 47/54 Chevy trucks several but have never done the swap on a Task Force truck.

butchp · 01-09-2013, 02:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr48chev

You need 53/54 Drums and possibly the whole backing plate assembly also.

I've done it on the 47/54 Chevy trucks several but have never done the swap on a Task Force truck.

I have a set that I got for my truck.

01-08-2013, 01:37 PM	#1
ChevroletWT Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 71	Brake Headache If any of you have followed my build you will know that my truck was a complete basketcase when I first got it (And kind of still is). So my quest continues as I try to get things right. The rear end is a 5 lug (1970 12 bolt), and the front drums are factory 6 lug. However, some lugs in the front drums were broken off, and after heating them up, and using a floor press (with the drum supported at every point possible) the metal around them simply gave without the lug coming out - so I am considering them shot. Here is where I am now. Since my rear end is 5 lug, I decided it would be easier at this point to convert the front to 5 lug as well (it would also free up my wheel choices). Here is the kicker, I have already rebuilt the front brakes and have some money put into them to do so. So I do not want to convert the front to disc. My question is, what are my options, if any, to convert the front to 5 lug drums? Does anyone produce conversion drums? Would the drums off of a '56 Bel Air fit by any chance? __________________ Will Tucker http://www.willtuckermusic.com 1956 Bel Air 4 Door Sedan Project 1956 C3100 Stepside Truck Project

01-08-2013, 02:38 PM	#2
Maximus Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Santa Rosa, CA Posts: 672	Re: Brake Headache My suggestion: Use a simple conversion for disc brakes up front. (also get 5-lug up front) All you have to do is add a proportioning valve to the front line and you can convert to discs for a safer ride. im not familiar with your build, do you still have a 1-port master cylinder? A dual MC, or even a Power Brake conversion would also be a wise upgrade, and all are bolt-on aftermarket parts. just my 2 cents... in heindisght, you may be able to get the drums of a 50's chevy car to fit your spindle? not sure. I would just upgrade all as i mentioned though... __________________ 1955 2nd Series 3100 - 400 Pontiac / BW Super T-10 4-Speed 1972 K5 Blazer 350 Auto 4x4 1928 Ford Model A Tudor

01-08-2013, 03:36 PM	#3
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: Brake Headache Stovebolt.com has a ton of info on more stock trucks, this is for the conversion. For all the work trying to find 60 year old car parts to use I would look at a disc conversion too. http://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/...t&Number=28886 __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

01-08-2013, 05:45 PM	#4
18tahoe Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: lake tahoe ca Posts: 34	Re: Brake Headache This is funny Will just sent an answer to you over at Trifive, check it out. Jeff

01-08-2013, 06:14 PM	#5
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,711	Re: Brake Headache You need 53/54 Drums and possibly the whole backing plate assembly also. I've done it on the 47/54 Chevy trucks several but have never done the swap on a Task Force truck. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.



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