Disc brakes on the Manhattan

[IowaTom]

I swallowed hard to write the check, but according to Brandon at classicdiscbrakes.com they have a complete kit, including a master cylinder, to update to discs on the front of my '54 in progress.
Since I plan to use the SBC engine, updating to discs is important to me.  I want her to stop more than go.   

[r1lark]

Smart move Tom. Does the kit use a dual chamber master cylinder?

[IowaTom]

Yes, Paul.  Having once had a brake line rupture on a panic stop - and the pedal go to the floor on my '58 Chevy - I want that added safety margin. 
He said they send the part numbers with the kit, so when pads and rotors wear out you can get new ones at any parts store.

[custom59]

Have you received your brake upgrade kit?

If not, did they tell you when "in progress" becomes in production.

I'm very interested in upgrading my brakes as well and any information would be appreciated.

Mal.

[IowaTom]

Mal - I have not received them as of yesterday, Tuesday 6.16.  I will re-email the guy for an update.

[IowaTom]

A fellow from a different web domain emailed to say they were in production and should leave there in the next 3-4 business days.

Stay tuned!

[IowaTom]

It's Independence Day and nothing is here, yet. 
I'm not holding my breath...

[r1lark]

Tom, needless to say........we will need a lot of pics of the kit and the installation!   

[IowaTom]

The kit finally came and fits fine!



These are the guys http://www.classicdiscbrakes.com/ and Brandon tells me they kept the template from my spindle.  It was (gulp) $799. for discs, calipers, rotors, the mounting brackets and all hardware and hoses.  Now I have to figure how and where to mount new pedals and m/c.  Their tech guy recommended I get a one inch bore master cylinder and use a proportioning valve with the rear drums.  May have to reinforce the firewall, we'll see.  I love the challenge!

[IowaTom]

Oh, I painted the bracket adapter (black) and the caliper this hideous yellow, 'cause that's the only other enamel I had on the shelf.
Too many times I've seen the beginnings of rust on exposed parts and hate it.   

[r1lark]

Looks pretty nice Tom! What are the calipers and discs off of originally? Do the stock Kaiser wheels fit over the disc setup?

[IowaTom]

Paul, The calipers are for the 80-89 Cavalier (Bendix 931) and the rotors are #5406 - not specified what they're used on.
I doubt the old stock wheels will go over this.  I'd like to get a wheel that's a little wider to accommodate radials, but still let me use the stock hubcaps.

[joefrazer]

The rotor fits a 65-67 Mustang, and 67 Falcon, Cougar, Comet, or Cyclone.

[MarkH]

That looks nice. Thanks for posting your MC bore size. I've been wondering whether to change mine when I put the disc kit on my Aero but now will stick with the 1".

Hope to see an update when you road test and any proportioning info and whether you need back pressure valves.

Good luck!

[IowaTom]

There is a gent in Washington state who makes disc kits for our axles and after sending him a pic of my Dana 41, he tells me his bracket would fit if I drilled another hole or two in the flange.  I must be nuts, but I'm willing to try.  Four wheel disc brakes - imagine that!
Will post pics as I go.