Hey guys. Hope you all had a nice Christmas and new years.

I have a 51 ford f1. It's all stock with a flathead 239 v8. It has drum brakes all the way around. I was thinking of replacing the front drums with some disc brakes but from what I have researched, I really don't want to spend 500-600 on this. What I would like to do is go to a local junkyard and use something from them, but I'm not sure what year/models are comparable with my ford. I know something is out there but I surely can't find it. Has anyone else done what I want to do??

Thanks guys!

 

Speedway Motors has the kits, with all new components, for $249-279 depending on the bolt pattern you want. Their site is down for maintenance right now so I can't send you the direct link. They also have a $7.99 flat shipping special through 010813, which saved me $80 in shipping alone.

Go to:

Speedway Motors - Street Rod Parts, Race Parts, Ford Flathead Parts, Sprint and Midget Racing Parts, Pedal Car Parts

then search part numbers:

910-31914 (5 on 4 1/2")
910-31917 (5 on 4 3/4")
910-31964 (5 on 5 1/2", which is stock and matches the rear end if you are keeping it stock or staying with a 9" Ford)

You could probably piece it together, but you won't save much money and do you really want to skimp on junkyard parts for brakes?

 

I think a kit would be the cheapest route to go in the long run even if it cost you $500-$600 and alot quicker to boot.

 

IMHO Reasons to change to front disks if on a budget:
1. Front brake system has been removed or is non existent.
2. You drive a lot in high temps and/or over use the brakes.
3. You drive a lot in heavy stop and go traffic.
4. You drive a lot in the mountains.
5. You regularly carry heavy loads or tow a trailer.
6. You make changes without knowing why.

There is nothing inherently wrong with the operation of the original drum brakes except it's "fashionable" to change them. It's much cheaper/easier to rebuild them.
If you do change to disks using the Speedway or other kits, you will need more than just the conversion kit. You will also need new wheel bearings and seals, power brake booster and dual chamber master cylinder with disk-drum proportioning valve (trust me if you don't like drum brakes, you DEFINITELY aren't going to like unboosted disks), conversion mount for boosted MC, residual valves, all new steel brake lines, flex hoses.
I am not against making changes, upgrades, my own truck has boosted front disks (for trailer towing), just be sure you are making changes that are needed and give you enough bang for the buck, and understand the complete costs and work involved. Nothing worse than starting to make a change and finding out it wasn't any/much actual improvement and/or you need more parts than you originally thought and can't afford them or the work is beyond your abilities so the project sits 1/2 finished.

 

I am the nut your parents warned you about!!! I roll with a hopped up OHV and drums on all 4's.

Honestly though, a fully rebuilt and well maintained stock drum braking system is more than enough for me...as mentioned above. It stops on a dime and makes change. I have no problems in town or on the highway. I also live in flat Indiana and we seldom see 100+ degrees, and I don't drag race my truck. At most it sees 65mph with some decel and downshift to slow it down. Drive smart. I live by the thought of if it aint broke, don't fix it. These stock drums stop the truck under regular circumstances just fine.

Now...if you want to put discs on for the sake of puttin discs on...look above and realize the additional expenses involved, plan it all out ahead of time. It's not a cheap conversion no matter where you get your parts at or what kit you get. Getting a kit will help, no worries about going from double flare fittings to bubble flare fittings, parts not being compatable. With a kit, the bores have been spec'd to work together, the lines all fit, and everything should work well together, which saves on trips to the parts store and much headache.

 

Hey Cosmaar,
I agree with all the above on how drum brakes will work but I have to say
I really like having 4 wheel disc brakes. Modern brakes are nice - we live in a largeish city with 1.5M folks - just too many times you need good brakes fast.

You do need to change out the master cylinder up front to accomodate
disc brakes. We also put them on the back when we changed out the rear end for a late model Explorer 8.8 inch axle.

Good luck over there.

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

Cannot find drums for my f3,gonna change to 5 hole wheels.I have a 64 c10 chevy that i converted to front disc,with no booster,petal is firm,but not too hard to push.

 

The speedway kit comes with bearings and the flex lines. I am sure there are some extra things to replace during the conversion, the kit seems fairly complete.

You will probably want to convert to a two chamber master cylinder. I believe yours is probably a single chamber. If you blow a line or seal on one wheel, you would lose all brakes. If you have a dual chamber, you would still have whichever set, front or rear, didn't blow. Good time to upgrade to a power booster too.

 

I have been looking in Mac's at new front brake drums for my 1950 F-3. I am waiting for a sale to buy them. Mine are working well but they were turned past the limit. I don't know but I suspect later drums for wider 12" brakes would work. I don't know if any are available though.
41505379

 

If you want to change to 5 lug hubs, the F1 and F3 front axle and spindles were the same, just use the hubs and brakes (drum or disk) for the same year F1, instant 5 lug and easy to find.

 

I have to admit, even though I'm perfectly happy with my stock setup, the cost to get a junk stock system rebuilt is getting pretty pricey. Front brake drums are almost $100 each now, and getting harder to find. What are rotors, $30 - 40? You're probably looking at $20 an axle for disc pads, vs. $40 for shoes? The situation won't improve as more people convert to discs...

 

The reason I switch all my trucks over to front discs is this: I drive my trucks beyond the typical 10-25 mile radius from home. My conversion kits use modern parts that even the lame brain chain auto parts have sitting on the shelf. I spent 3 days one time in a small town in Colorado because no one had a drum and bearings for a 54 F350. Getting that stuff shipped was a nightmare. The cost of the parts, downtime, 2 nights hotel room, express shipping = one ticked off ex-wife. Now they get new discs.

 

Hi i am a high school student doing a restoration project and i live in a snowy climate and want to change my front drums to disks i have a two wheel drive truck and don't want to spend all the money on the kits and don't have the money do you guys have any ideas please help am willing to spend about 400 dollars if i have to but hopefully cheaper. thanks

 

First off, what year, model is the truck?

 

It is a 1965 f250 custom cab stepside 2wd