Disc brake conversion
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2012
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From: Spokane, WA
Disc brake conversion
Hello everybody. This is my first time posting on here and I'm looking for a little advice. I have a '52 F1 with stock brakes and suspension. I want to go to all disc brakes. I'm looking for any suggestions on the easiest/cheapest way to go about that. All responses are welcome. Thank you!
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,148
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From: Burbank, WA
Welcome to the forum, neighbor!
The easiest and cheapest way to convert to discs is to buy a kit that's designed for your application. If you want to save even more money, go to the Goodguy's car show there in Spokane in the next couple of weeks (don't remember the exact weekend off the top of my head) stop by the Speedway parts trailer and pick up a catalog. They may have a free shipping offer. They did last year and that's when I bought mine, saved a bunch of money right there. There is no exact direct retrofit and you need at least some specialty parts that come in the kit for the swap. By the time you rounded up all the other pieces you need, it'll cost the same or more than the kit.
The easiest and cheapest way to convert to discs is to buy a kit that's designed for your application. If you want to save even more money, go to the Goodguy's car show there in Spokane in the next couple of weeks (don't remember the exact weekend off the top of my head) stop by the Speedway parts trailer and pick up a catalog. They may have a free shipping offer. They did last year and that's when I bought mine, saved a bunch of money right there. There is no exact direct retrofit and you need at least some specialty parts that come in the kit for the swap. By the time you rounded up all the other pieces you need, it'll cost the same or more than the kit.
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2012
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From: Spokane, WA
Thanks Wayne, I appreciate the input. I already have the Goodguys show on my calendar! I will be sure to stop and see the guys at the Speedway trailer. In your research for the conversion, did you find it was not cost effective to go the junkyard route? I have been told that there are several options to go with but I don't know any of the specifics.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: S.C.
There isn't much you could get fom the salvage yard except the rotars & have them resurfaced, and maybe the brackets that holds the brake pads on. Did you also say you were installing discon the rear? what rer end do you have, if you want disc on the rear it would be easier & cheaper to install an explorer or other rear end that already have disc brakes. This will also depend on what or if you are changing the bolt pattern on the front.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2010
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From: Moyie, BC Canada
Wayne is right on, Myfat52, I too bought Speedways conversion kit an I was totally impressed. I did price out the junkyard route and believe it or not it was going to cost almost twice that amount and I would still have to buy the special hub adapters, etc. from the aftermarket. Mind you, this is Canada and every thing cost twice what it should.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 787
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From: Prescott AZ.
I just installed disks all around on my 48. I did the Speedway kit on the front and TSM's kit on the rear (9"). Both kits were top notch and when pricing parts seperately it was just cheaper to by the kits.
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2012
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From: Spokane, WA
Thank you everyone.
Jaye, I do want to do disc all the way around. I currently have the stock rear end. I hadn't considered replacing the whole thing. Is the Explorer rear end an easy replacement?
Jaye, I do want to do disc all the way around. I currently have the stock rear end. I hadn't considered replacing the whole thing. Is the Explorer rear end an easy replacement?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: San Jose, CA
The Explorer rear end is slightly narrower than the stock rear end, so you may need to put spacers to bring the rear wheels out slightly. You'll also gain better gearing. Keep in mind that the bolt pattern will be 5x4.5 (I believe). You'll need to modify the spring perches and shock brackets on the Explorer rear end. When you order the front brakes, you can select the 5x4.5 pattern so that everything matches from front to back.
Some inspiration for you. Bought this at a swap meet for dirt cheap.
Some inspiration for you. Bought this at a swap meet for dirt cheap.
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Burbank, WA
Thanks Wayne, I appreciate the input. I already have the Goodguys show on my calendar! I will be sure to stop and see the guys at the Speedway trailer. In your research for the conversion, did you find it was not cost effective to go the junkyard route? I have been told that there are several options to go with but I don't know any of the specifics.
You have the option of choosing your wheel bolt pattern for 4.5, 4.75, or 5.5 to match whatever rear you're using. So if you're planning a rear change, I'd decide on that before ordering front stuff.
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2012
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From: Spokane, WA
Thank you Wayne. After a good bit of research yesterday, it seems that it would be unnecessary to go with discs all around. Do you agree? At this point, in the interest of time, money, and effort I think I may just do the front disc conversion and continue running stock in the rear. Your thoughts?
Colby
Colby
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2012
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From: Central Oregon
Unless you are autocross racing or similar, rear discs aren't necessary.
I also have a front disc kit from Speedway waiting to install. The shipping coupon saved me $80. I priced out the regular parts through NAPA and found their kit was priced comparatively and already complete, so that is the way I went.
I also have a front disc kit from Speedway waiting to install. The shipping coupon saved me $80. I priced out the regular parts through NAPA and found their kit was priced comparatively and already complete, so that is the way I went.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2010
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From: Kalamazoo MI
I wanted to bring up something about the "junk-yard" route for parts. With the cost of aftermarket stuff coming way down and specials at the local part place, I would be hesitant to buy junk yard stuff. For example: I was able to purchase a new rotor for $29. That rotor comes ready to use, no machining required ($8). I don't have to worry about if there is enough thickness left to turn it down. Also, that rotor comes with a 3 year warranty, so if there is any problems, it goes back, regardless of where I am at in the U.S./Canada. Also, when I do my brake conversions, I purchase things bit by bit through Autozone at $20-$30 per trip. After 5 trips and using their rewards card, I get $20 instant credit to buy more stuff. 5 trips may seem like a lot but how many times do you go by a parts place in a week. I love free stuff. One caveat however, check out core fees. The GM calipers used in a lot of kits are $13 remaned but have a $25 core fee. Just keep that in mind. Ouf course our local junk yards are starting to charge core fees too on junk parts. Have fun.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: San Jose, CA
Yes, discs all around aren't necessary. The stock rearend with disc up front will be more than plenty. You'll also need to change out the master cylinder and run a proportion valve. For better gearing, you can switch out the stock rear end to a 9" from a 57-72 F100. The bolt pattern will be the same as yours now, 5x5.5. The 9" is practically a bolt-in installation with very minor modification that may be needed.
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2012
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From: Spokane, WA
51PanelMan, I was thinking of going with this master cylinder/brake booster:
Classic Car and Truck Brake, Steering and Suspension Parts
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Classic Car and Truck Brake, Steering and Suspension Parts
Yes? No? Other suggestions?