Front disc Brake conversion
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,688
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From: Southern Oregon
41, the adapter issue came up several months ago over on the y block website. I had been strongly considering them for the front, and suggested them to a guy trying to figure out how to put some Galaxie wheels on his truck. Some others jumped in, and all over the adapters, and their safety.
If you don't mind I have a few questions. How long have you had them? Who did you get them from? What are your thoughts on their safety? Do you know anyone else using them?
With the conversion I shouldn't need adaptors. But cannot find any aluminum wheels with a 2 1/8 inch backspace. Closest is 3 5/8 inch. So custom spacers made by an outfit called Custom Wheel Adaptors may be needed, that would be 1 1/2 inches thick.
Thanks for your post. Mike
If you don't mind I have a few questions. How long have you had them? Who did you get them from? What are your thoughts on their safety? Do you know anyone else using them?
With the conversion I shouldn't need adaptors. But cannot find any aluminum wheels with a 2 1/8 inch backspace. Closest is 3 5/8 inch. So custom spacers made by an outfit called Custom Wheel Adaptors may be needed, that would be 1 1/2 inches thick.
Thanks for your post. Mike
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 182
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From: Wild Wonderful WV
Wheel adaptors
46y
I've been using these adators for about a year and a half with NO NEGATIVE ISSUES. I have 'feelings' about the safety of them, I'm only using them because I wanted to save my investment in the ECI disc brake conversion I did a couple years ago. I'm now going drop axle etc, so since I'm redoing the whole truck, I'm now torn whether to go for new spindles and hubs etc too.
I haven't drive the truck much@ highway speeds on the interstate etc, just local around town stuff, but I do have several friends who have run them long term and not had problems. BTW, I bought them from a buddy of mine. You'll likeky lose about 1" of clearance with them.
I've been using these adators for about a year and a half with NO NEGATIVE ISSUES. I have 'feelings' about the safety of them, I'm only using them because I wanted to save my investment in the ECI disc brake conversion I did a couple years ago. I'm now going drop axle etc, so since I'm redoing the whole truck, I'm now torn whether to go for new spindles and hubs etc too.
I haven't drive the truck much@ highway speeds on the interstate etc, just local around town stuff, but I do have several friends who have run them long term and not had problems. BTW, I bought them from a buddy of mine. You'll likeky lose about 1" of clearance with them.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 2
From: Seattle WA.
I did the Disc Brake install on my 51 F1 awhile back. Look at www.bonusbuilt.com brake upgrade section.
I purchased the caliper mounting brackets and inner wheel bearing adaptors from ECI. The Rotors are for a 70s F100, Calipers, and a 1" Master Cylinder, were from a 76 Buick Estate Wagon. I purchased them from Shucks Auto Supply. I added an adjustable porportioning valve and the Residual Valves. I decided to go with manual rather than power brakes. I'm real happy with the way it turned out, the truck stops great. Some of the posts I have read suggested installing a metering valve to equalize the front discs. I purchased one but decided to drive it to see if I really need to install it. So far I haven't had any problem with the front discs grabbing. Or the front of the truck noise diving.
I purchased the caliper mounting brackets and inner wheel bearing adaptors from ECI. The Rotors are for a 70s F100, Calipers, and a 1" Master Cylinder, were from a 76 Buick Estate Wagon. I purchased them from Shucks Auto Supply. I added an adjustable porportioning valve and the Residual Valves. I decided to go with manual rather than power brakes. I'm real happy with the way it turned out, the truck stops great. Some of the posts I have read suggested installing a metering valve to equalize the front discs. I purchased one but decided to drive it to see if I really need to install it. So far I haven't had any problem with the front discs grabbing. Or the front of the truck noise diving.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Southern Oregon
51, I am going to try the manual rather than power brakes too. Seems like it should work. It sounds like you have a very good system. I've decided to go with the Wilwood "Black Gold" performance brake kit. It includes 4 piston calipers and aluminum hubs. Weight totals a mere 36 pounds. It is pretty darn pricey though, so need to sell a few things before ordering.
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 2
From: Seattle WA.
46yblock: If you are going to use the orginal brake pedal, and mount the master cylinder under the floor like I did. You should have plenty of leverage for the manual brakes. Like I said, I haven't installed the metering valve yet. I want to do a panic stop on my 51 to make sure its needed first. But I need to secure the battery better first. I have no doubt they will lock up without much effort. I really like those adjustable porportioning valves. Makes fine tuning the system a snap. I'm really suprised, this disc install turned out better than any conversion I have ever done. The brakes on that truck are better that the brakes on my 87 Accord. Did you see the pictures in my gallery on the Bear Claw Latch install.
Good luck on your install
Rod
Good luck on your install
Rod
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
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Likes: 4
From: Southern Oregon
I'm using the stock brake pedal, with MC under the floor, and adapter to what I think is a Mustang type cylinder. I have the proportioning valve too (of course not installed). I read and have been told that residual pressure valves are also needed/recommended. Glad to hear the installation is a snap. If your truck is braking as well as your Honda, wow! I'll take a look at the Bear Claw pics.
Mike
Mike
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