Front disc brake conversion
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Front disc brake conversion
I am new to this forum, and I just got a 68 F100 I will be restoring and modifying. Since I build brake kits for Mustangs already , I figured I would develop a brake kit for the old twin I beam F100's. I am wanting to find out if there is any market for that type of thing. The kit I would build would be larger than stock brakes and would bolt onto existing spindles without requiring spindle removal. Do you guys think there would be a market for a kit selling for under $500,using 12.5" rotors and dual piston FORD calipers? Or does eveyone just LOVE their drums?
I know you can retrofit later discs fairly easily. This product would be for those doing something custom like running larger wheels (requires 17" wheels).
I hope I am not out of line for posting this question on the forum. If it is out of line, just delete it and I will get the message.
I know you can retrofit later discs fairly easily. This product would be for those doing something custom like running larger wheels (requires 17" wheels).
I hope I am not out of line for posting this question on the forum. If it is out of line, just delete it and I will get the message.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Steve, Go for it. I am happy with my brake upgrade using 76 parts. I bought a donor truck, got power steering, power disc brakes, C6 auto tranny, 2 spd wiper, for my 66, sold parts that I couldn't use for more than I paid for the truck, so basically my brake upgrade cost -0- money. I can go to any parts counter in the US and ask for below chassis parts for a 76 F150 front and back and walk away with them (provided they are in stock). I tow a 18 ft trailer with trucks on board, my trucks stops it ok. My concern is after the vehicle has been sold once or twice how does the new owner decide what to ask for when his pads or rotors need replacing.
The younger fellows today will spend the money for your system, but I wouldn't. My oldest son works in the cell phone industry and I remember having a conversation with him a while back and saying that people wont switch from hard wired phones because they always work. (short of a storm that has them all out) Today neither he or his brother closest to him have phones in their homes.
My 3 cents
John
The younger fellows today will spend the money for your system, but I wouldn't. My oldest son works in the cell phone industry and I remember having a conversation with him a while back and saying that people wont switch from hard wired phones because they always work. (short of a storm that has them all out) Today neither he or his brother closest to him have phones in their homes.
My 3 cents
John
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Smaller bolt pattern
On my own truck, I am running 17x8 Bullits in front an 17x9 in rear with the small bolt pattern. That is an option. I have notice there are close to ZERO decent wheels available in 5 on 5.5"
First brake set uses 2008 Mustang GTY calipers and 12.5" rotors, but the calipers will also work on an 11" rotor.
First brake set uses 2008 Mustang GTY calipers and 12.5" rotors, but the calipers will also work on an 11" rotor.
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Rexburg,Id
I have a 66 and a 67 which have been converted to disc usinng mid-to-late 70's parts; and they work great! If I was offering a kit; I would offer it for the earlier (61-64) trucks which use the straight axle, and can't be converted using stock parts. I haven't dealt with any of these, but it looks to me like this is where a kit is most needed. I would also offer a kit that accepted stock 15" wheels---us old fogies DON"T LIKE the new big wheels!
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From: Pittsburgh,Pa.
Originally Posted by biggut
I would also offer a kit that accepted stock 15" wheels---us old fogies DON"T LIKE the new big wheels!
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From: Madison, SD
Originally Posted by biggut
I have a 66 and a 67 which have been converted to disc usinng mid-to-late 70's parts; and they work great! If I was offering a kit; I would offer it for the earlier (61-64) trucks which use the straight axle, and can't be converted using stock parts. I haven't dealt with any of these, but it looks to me like this is where a kit is most needed. I would also offer a kit that accepted stock 15" wheels---us old fogies DON"T LIKE the new big wheels!
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Acadiana Louisiana
disc brake upgrade w/ everything needed for $500? I'd buy it, even if I had to upgrade to larger wheels, which I wouldn't have a hard time justifing if I had only spent 500 on a disc brake upgrade. It would probably be awhile though as I am in the middle of completely redoing the drums, shoes, and lines front and back this weekend. Local autozone had everything I needed in stock except prebent lines but I've never used any kind cept the type you got to bend yourself anyway
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Originally Posted by Dave Severson
Don't include all us Geezers as wanting stock wheels!!!! I'd sure like to have something similar to a Mustang Bullit set of wheels on a dropped and chopped bumpside!!!! There's a lot of very nice 17" and 18" wheels in the aftermarket that are just not available in 5 on 5 1/2".
John
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FORD Philosophy
My basic philosophy on all the kits I build are that any parts that might wear out in the future will be Ford parts from a relatively common vehicle. There may be a one-off type bracket to hold the Ford part, but the wear parts will always be replaceable, and I tell the customer what they came off of.