Disc brake convesions... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Cal69Chevy · 04-01-2002, 03:38 PM

I've got a '69 C-10 with power drum brakes...I want to convert the front to disc brakes. I seen a pretty wide range of kits available some as low as $500 and some more than a $1000. I'm more interested in buying quality and serviceability than saving a few hundered dollars and later regretting it. I don't want to lower or raise the truck. What's the best kit available and how difficult are they to install? Will there be special tools required?

Thanks for any help.

Ken

**68SWB4x4** · 04-01-2002, 04:40 PM

check out the one gmcpaul has, it looks like a killer deal

------------------
My Truck pictures

www.xframeimpala.com

68 4x4 short fleetside 327 CH465 edelbrock intake and carb MSD distributor its the "SHAGROLET"
56 big window short stepside 235 dual 1 brls
64ImpalaSS 327
70 C10 LWB fleetside custom/10 350/TH350
IM me on aol SN= SHAGROLET

Custom 68 · 04-01-2002, 04:54 PM

I just purchased and installed the one from GMCPaul it went great. I can not tell you about life since I just finished it over the weekend but the parts seem to be a good quality. As I drive it more I may have more input. You will need a ball joint seperator and a BIG hammer. I borrowed a lower ball joint press from the parts store to remove and install my lower ball joints. I had a torque wrench and torqued the rest of the final parts. It took awhile because I removed the A arms cleaned and painted everything you wont need to unless you want to replace the control shafts I did the upper ones. You can get standard height spindles or 2 1/2 drop. Just order them for your year truck and the ball joints will fit right in you wont need to buy for the newer style.

Hope this helps
Dave

Cal69Chevy · 04-01-2002, 05:07 PM

What did you do about your master cylinder and booster? Did you retain them or replace them...and what about a propotioning valve?

CoryM · 04-01-2002, 05:17 PM

You will need a new master cylinder. I used one for a 71 C10. Not sure if gmcpauls kit has brake hoses but I had to do a little filing to get the newer (71) style hoses to fit into the hose hold down bracket. I just used Chevy Duty's bracket kit that uses stock drum spindles and then bought the rest of the stuff at local store with discount.
Saved a lot of $$$ that way. You may need a new prop valve but mine brakes just fine with the old one in so I left it.
Good Luck.
CoryM

------------------
1970 heavy duty C-10 fleetside sport truck. Vancouver B.C. Canada
http://www.geocities.com/chevroletc1070

"Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high."
Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, Canadian Army

Custom 68 · 04-01-2002, 05:32 PM

I used my old brake booster and master cylinder and have not changed or messed with my prop. valve. I bought an adjustable one but have not used it and may not. I will be driving mine more my battery was shot got a new one today. And yes the kit came with hoses and everything.

Dave

Project1970 · 04-01-2002, 07:35 PM

In regards to quality and servicability...you can't go wrong with the kit from Early Classic (www.earlyclassicenterprises.com). I've got a 6-lug disc / 2.5" drop spindle setup on my 1970 GMC (and 4" drop rear leaf springs) and they're awesome. I think that the way they engineer it, the only custom parts are the spindle and the prop valve, and I'm not sure about the prop valve. Everything else in the kit is top-notch stuff like Raybestos...

It's definitely pricier than the others, but I think it's worth it, and it's probably been close to 3 years since I installed it. The instructions are great and you can email them any time if you need help (not long after installing I had wheel lockup problems - emailed Dave over there, he nailed it, it was leaky rear cylinders).

You should probably email them to be sure, but you might be able to do it cheaper by just getting the custom bits (spindles, prop valve, cables and hoses, maybe bearings, and discs if you want 6 lug; everything else on the 'brake side' of the spindle is standard 1971-1980), and getting the rest of the parts at a local automotive store.

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Project 1970 - soon to be seen at http://milhouse.treylis.org:81/

Project1970 · 04-01-2002, 07:36 PM

Er, it's just www.earlyclassic.com.

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Project 1970 - soon to be seen at http://milhouse.treylis.org:81/

**MikeB** · 04-01-2002, 08:18 PM

I agree with Project70 -- you can't go wrong with Early Classic Enterprises (http://www.earlyclassic.com). They have 6 lug kits and 5 lug kits. The 5 lug rotors are real "5 x 5" truck rotors, not the smaller "5 x 4-3/4" passenger car rotors that some other kits use. And since they manufacture their own spindles, and don't make you use 73-87 spindles, you can use stock 1969 tie rod ends and ball joints. I did mine the wrong way back in 95, and am getting ready to do it right with these guys.

------------------
MikeB
69 C-10 Fleetside, mild 383, Dart Iron Eagle 180cc heads, Crane Energizer 266 cam and 1.6 roller rockers, Edelbrock Performer manifold and 600cfm carb, HEI w/ MSD components, 1986 front spindles/disc brakes, Vintage Air in-dash, lowered 2"/3".

**Tim Christian** · 04-01-2002, 09:15 PM

I also have to say I used Early Classics a Top Notch kit with Great customer service! Actually every thing I have bought from them has been of the highest quality.

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67 GMC Stepside(UNDER CONSTRUCTION)
67 GMC Custom
67 Chevy C-30

Cal69Chevy · 04-01-2002, 09:18 PM

Thanks for all the input...I was already considering going with EarlyClassics but the feedback is very useful. They are more expensive...at least on the surface they appear to be. However, when you look at how complete the kit is and the quality of the components it's really quite competitive. Also, being able to use the stock tie rods and such is definitely a bonus.

Thanks again,

Ken

Dandeluxe · 04-01-2002, 09:18 PM

i went with early classic and it is top quality. im very happy with it and it wasnt that bad installing it . i recommend putting all new frontend parts . bushings, springs , shocks,the whole kit and kaboodle. when you go that far you might as well do it all.

------------------
1969 cst swb 350/400 th DANNY C. ddclux@aol.com st. louis mo.
for pic.s go to http://community.webshots.com/user/dandeluxeGO TO Fotki. com for public pic.s under DANDELUXE

04-01-2002, 03:38 PM	#1
Cal69Chevy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: SoCal Posts: 136	Disc brake convesions... I've got a '69 C-10 with power drum brakes...I want to convert the front to disc brakes. I seen a pretty wide range of kits available some as low as $500 and some more than a $1000. I'm more interested in buying quality and serviceability than saving a few hundered dollars and later regretting it. I don't want to lower or raise the truck. What's the best kit available and how difficult are they to install? Will there be special tools required? Thanks for any help. Ken __________________ '69 Chevy, 4X4-SB 350 TBI-TH350 Trans-205 Transfer Case-Dana 44 Front-14 Bolt Rear-Front Disc Brakes-Factory A/C-P/S Ken's '69 Page

04-01-2002, 04:40 PM	#2
68SWB4x4 Strongman Garage Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Salinas, CA Posts: 10,241	check out the one gmcpaul has, it looks like a killer deal ------------------ My Truck pictures www.xframeimpala.com 68 4x4 short fleetside 327 CH465 edelbrock intake and carb MSD distributor its the "SHAGROLET" 56 big window short stepside 235 dual 1 brls 64ImpalaSS 327 70 C10 LWB fleetside custom/10 350/TH350 IM me on aol SN= SHAGROLET __________________ Kalle 68 GMC Suburban 1500 4x4 SOLD 69 Pontiac Lemans 99 Silverado 4.8 5 speed ECSB [ Facebook Instagram Subscribe on YOUTUBE

04-01-2002, 04:54 PM	#3
Custom 68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,944	I just purchased and installed the one from GMCPaul it went great. I can not tell you about life since I just finished it over the weekend but the parts seem to be a good quality. As I drive it more I may have more input. You will need a ball joint seperator and a BIG hammer. I borrowed a lower ball joint press from the parts store to remove and install my lower ball joints. I had a torque wrench and torqued the rest of the final parts. It took awhile because I removed the A arms cleaned and painted everything you wont need to unless you want to replace the control shafts I did the upper ones. You can get standard height spindles or 2 1/2 drop. Just order them for your year truck and the ball joints will fit right in you wont need to buy for the newer style. Hope this helps Dave __________________ Dave 1968 Custom Chevy with turbo charged 5.3 gen III 4l80e swap 1967-71 GMC 3/4 ton long step 4x4 (not sure what year exactly?) "A good friend will bail you out of jail...but a true friend will be sitting next to you saying "that was frekin awesome". "If it doesn't fit force it...If it breaks then it needed to be replaced anyway!"

04-01-2002, 05:07 PM	#4
Cal69Chevy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: SoCal Posts: 136	What did you do about your master cylinder and booster? Did you retain them or replace them...and what about a propotioning valve? __________________ '69 Chevy, 4X4-SB 350 TBI-TH350 Trans-205 Transfer Case-Dana 44 Front-14 Bolt Rear-Front Disc Brakes-Factory A/C-P/S Ken's '69 Page

04-01-2002, 05:17 PM	#5
CoryM Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Surrey, B.C. , Canada Posts: 874	You will need a new master cylinder. I used one for a 71 C10. Not sure if gmcpauls kit has brake hoses but I had to do a little filing to get the newer (71) style hoses to fit into the hose hold down bracket. I just used Chevy Duty's bracket kit that uses stock drum spindles and then bought the rest of the stuff at local store with discount. Saved a lot of $$$ that way. You may need a new prop valve but mine brakes just fine with the old one in so I left it. Good Luck. CoryM ------------------ 1970 heavy duty C-10 fleetside sport truck. Vancouver B.C. Canada http://www.geocities.com/chevroletc1070 "Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high." Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, Canadian Army __________________ 1970 heavy duty C-10 fleetside sport truck. Vancouver B.C. Canada http://www.geocities.com/chevroletc1070 "Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high." Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, Canadian Army

04-01-2002, 05:32 PM	#6
Custom 68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,944	I used my old brake booster and master cylinder and have not changed or messed with my prop. valve. I bought an adjustable one but have not used it and may not. I will be driving mine more my battery was shot got a new one today. And yes the kit came with hoses and everything. Dave __________________ Dave 1968 Custom Chevy with turbo charged 5.3 gen III 4l80e swap 1967-71 GMC 3/4 ton long step 4x4 (not sure what year exactly?) "A good friend will bail you out of jail...but a true friend will be sitting next to you saying "that was frekin awesome". "If it doesn't fit force it...If it breaks then it needed to be replaced anyway!"

04-01-2002, 07:35 PM	#7
Project1970 14.1 @ 96MPH Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 2,811	In regards to quality and servicability...you can't go wrong with the kit from Early Classic (www.earlyclassicenterprises.com). I've got a 6-lug disc / 2.5" drop spindle setup on my 1970 GMC (and 4" drop rear leaf springs) and they're awesome. I think that the way they engineer it, the only custom parts are the spindle and the prop valve, and I'm not sure about the prop valve. Everything else in the kit is top-notch stuff like Raybestos... It's definitely pricier than the others, but I think it's worth it, and it's probably been close to 3 years since I installed it. The instructions are great and you can email them any time if you need help (not long after installing I had wheel lockup problems - emailed Dave over there, he nailed it, it was leaky rear cylinders). You should probably email them to be sure, but you might be able to do it cheaper by just getting the custom bits (spindles, prop valve, cables and hoses, maybe bearings, and discs if you want 6 lug; everything else on the 'brake side' of the spindle is standard 1971-1980), and getting the rest of the parts at a local automotive store. ------------------ Project 1970 - soon to be seen at http://milhouse.treylis.org:81/ __________________ Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete!

04-01-2002, 07:36 PM	#8
Project1970 14.1 @ 96MPH Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 2,811	Er, it's just www.earlyclassic.com. ------------------ Project 1970 - soon to be seen at http://milhouse.treylis.org:81/ __________________ Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete!

04-01-2002, 08:18 PM	#9
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,666	I agree with Project70 -- you can't go wrong with Early Classic Enterprises (http://www.earlyclassic.com). They have 6 lug kits and 5 lug kits. The 5 lug rotors are real "5 x 5" truck rotors, not the smaller "5 x 4-3/4" passenger car rotors that some other kits use. And since they manufacture their own spindles, and don't make you use 73-87 spindles, you can use stock 1969 tie rod ends and ball joints. I did mine the wrong way back in 95, and am getting ready to do it right with these guys. ------------------ MikeB 69 C-10 Fleetside, mild 383, Dart Iron Eagle 180cc heads, Crane Energizer 266 cam and 1.6 roller rockers, Edelbrock Performer manifold and 600cfm carb, HEI w/ MSD components, 1986 front spindles/disc brakes, Vintage Air in-dash, lowered 2"/3". __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 36 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- converted from 250-six to roller cam 350, Vortec heads -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB, 305, TH350C -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

04-01-2002, 09:15 PM	#10
Tim Christian Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: TN/VA Posts: 6,389	I also have to say I used Early Classics a Top Notch kit with Great customer service! Actually every thing I have bought from them has been of the highest quality. ------------------ 67 GMC Stepside(UNDER CONSTRUCTION) 67 GMC Custom 67 Chevy C-30

04-01-2002, 09:18 PM	#11
Cal69Chevy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: SoCal Posts: 136	Thanks for all the input...I was already considering going with EarlyClassics but the feedback is very useful. They are more expensive...at least on the surface they appear to be. However, when you look at how complete the kit is and the quality of the components it's really quite competitive. Also, being able to use the stock tie rods and such is definitely a bonus. Thanks again, Ken __________________ '69 Chevy, 4X4-SB 350 TBI-TH350 Trans-205 Transfer Case-Dana 44 Front-14 Bolt Rear-Front Disc Brakes-Factory A/C-P/S Ken's '69 Page

04-01-2002, 09:18 PM	#12
Dandeluxe Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: st.louis mo. Posts: 717	i went with early classic and it is top quality. im very happy with it and it wasnt that bad installing it . i recommend putting all new frontend parts . bushings, springs , shocks,the whole kit and kaboodle. when you go that far you might as well do it all. ------------------ 1969 cst swb 350/400 th DANNY C. ddclux@aol.com st. louis mo. for pic.s go to http://community.webshots.com/user/dandeluxeGO TO Fotki. com for public pic.s under DANDELUXE __________________ 1969 cst swb 350/400 th . DANNY C . ["]FRIENDS DONT LET FRIENDS DRIVE F@RD$!! 1969 cst swb corvette hugger orange with 400 hp sbc I started out with nothing and i held on to it



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