02-09-2013, 06:57 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: .
Posts: 106
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Disc or drum?
We'll FINALLY be ready to put my '49 on the road in the Spring. Just need to get the brake situation figured out and put everything together. As the signature says, you're dealing with a rank amateur here, so go easy!
(Thankfully I have friends who actually know what they're doing when it comes to the hard stuff)... I either need all four drums or a disc conversion kit. Not sure what makes the most sense. Four wheel disc or just the front? Is it a huge deal to do the conversion? And If I stay with drums, my fronts have the hub attached. Would new '49 front drums come with the hubs or do I need to get them separately? I've done a bunch of searching - prices I've seen for disc conversion and drums vary quite a bit. Any reliable sources with reasonable cost would be greatly appreciated! Thanks... |
02-09-2013, 07:07 PM | #2 |
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Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: huntington beach
Posts: 845
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Re: Disc or drum?
I'd at least put discs up front. Stopping quickly is a good thing.
CPP, and ABS make ready to use kits. |
02-10-2013, 01:23 AM | #3 |
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 6,344
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Re: Disc or drum?
Johnny,
Don't apologize for being an amateur. We were ALL amateurs once - and a lot of us still are despite having some experience, lol. You haven't mentioned what you're doing with your truck? Is it a stock six cylinder or have you swapped in a V8? What wil you be using it for: a daily driver on highways, or a weekend Home Depot runner? I ask because the truth is these trucks stop quite well for NON-highway travelling with drums all around. Some will not agree with me and all things being equal I'd suggest front discs, but they're not absolutely necessary IF your drums are well maintained and adjusted with new shoes, fresh fluid, etc. But if you will be out in heavy traffic with cars that stop WAAY better than you can you'd better have good brakes or be disciplined to hang back consistently. |
02-10-2013, 03:20 AM | #4 |
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Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Oregon
Posts: 3,303
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Re: Disc or drum?
I have drums on all 4 corners, tow a trailer, drive it every day and just hauled 5 guys with me in the Burb up and down the freeway at 65 today all day. I watch ahead, plan ahead and drive much differently than when I'm driving a newer vehicle. Low and slow that is the tempo....disc are safer, more expensive and thoughtless. Drums are more maintenence, risky , less expensive but get the job done if you drive with caution.
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02-10-2013, 10:09 AM | #5 |
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Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: .
Posts: 106
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Re: Disc or drum?
It's a stock '61 six, and will pretty much be a weekend/local cruise night runner during the warmer weather. Looks like drums will do, huh? Might drop a V8 in someday if the opportunity ever presents itself. In other words, if my numbers ever come in... lol
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02-10-2013, 11:27 AM | #6 |
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Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Post Falls, Idaho
Posts: 1,757
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Re: Disc or drum?
I am putting discs in the front of mine and updated drums in back. My decision was mainly based on all of my stock brake stuff being obsolete and unavailable.
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02-10-2013, 11:58 AM | #7 | |
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 6,344
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Re: Disc or drum?
Quote:
I'm going discs on my '55 but only cause I bought a new-in-the-box CPP kit from a guy that sold his '54 project before installing it. I got it cheaper than from CPP and I'm told it's the same for late AD and for TF trucks (fingers crossed!) |
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02-10-2013, 02:42 PM | #8 |
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Toppenish, WA
Posts: 15,711
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Re: Disc or drum?
Drum brakes will work fine if you learn to drive to match them. That includes giving yourself plenty of stopping room between you and the vehicle in front of you and watching far enough ahead to know what is going on ahead of you.
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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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