hello all,

i was just wondering what everyones input on using a disc brake kit on the front of a 49 f1 frame. i think i might keep the drums for a while until i get enough money to do the conversion.

also, what bellhousing would i use between a 52-53 Eab engine and a t98 four speed?

what is your input on the brakes? would you go disc or keep drums?

thanks

 

I say Disc for safety. Power or not power was my delema. I decided on power. I kept the rear drums. Kit from CPP. But thats just my opinion. As far as a Bellhousing go to Speedway. They have a wide selection of conversion kits. I'm gonna go with the 700 R4 behind my 239 flathead.

 

It sort of depends on how and where you drive and what engine you run. Drums will probably be fine for no more power than a flathead puts out but if you drive a lot or in heavy traffic or if you may be considering a more powerful engine later you might want discs...

 

Both work great... Do you have a newer car or truck? If you do I would say that I would suggest "Disk"... If this is going to be your DD and you don't drive a newer vehicle then I would say that either would work fine as long as you make sure all parts are in great shape... Remember that we are talking about someones life.... Your brakes are only as good as your weakest part. I drove a '49 with drum brakes and a 425ci motor. And I was able to stop it just fine.

 

I went disc just because I already had it torn down and I needed a rebuild anyway. Bought the basic kit, brackets & spindle bearing adapters only then sourced the big parts locally.

 

Do you have a list of the part numbers for the disk conversion and what would be needed. I'm wondering if a person can source his own parts instead of buying an aftermarket kit? Also, I'm curious to find out which way is the best or cheapest way to go but using good new parts. Thanks in advance.

 

It's the Classic Performance kit that uses Volare rotors and Camaro calipers. I was able to get those parts cheaper locally and save on shipping charges. There's a parts list that comes with the brackets.

 

Thanks a lot, I'll look into those.

 

Disc kits by CPP (purchased from Hot Rods Truck Shop) have been good to me. One note though - if you are buying new calipers locally (which I do) be prepared to pay for a core charge or have some old calipers for cores. Core fees can be about $10-15 per caliper depending on where you buy. Buying the basic kit and sourcing locally can save you a few bucks. Remember hoses too. Good luck.

 

thanks for the replies and comments. as far as i know i am going to run drums on the front for now with the flattie and the t98 four speed. this truck will be my daily driver and i dont expect to use the freeway often at all so 65 will be the tops if i can find a rear axle in my dads stash.

thanks

 

I used the CPP kit that uses Ford F-100 rotors, it uses the ford truck inner bearing and 68- 72 chevelle outer bearing. I used the mustang manual master cylinder. The adapter is available thru cpp for mustang or corvette master cylinders. A residual valve is needed as well. The truck stops great with the manual brakes. If you go with power brakes I think it can cause clutch linkage problems unless you convert to swinging pedals. I used the pedal assembly and powerbrakes out of a 75 chevy truck on my second 50 F1. It was easy to do