Is it possible to use the 73 cutlass S front disc setup
for a 68-72 cutty?

 

Pretty sure they don't John. I think Joe P. responded on this question some where in the past.

 

I wonder if the disc's and or the calipers will if I could find the correct spindels
for the 68-72.

 

The discs are different on 73 than 72, which leads me to think the caliper and mounting bracket amongst other things will be different too.

If you're planning to convert your non disc car to disc, why not just go with the complete setup that works? I'm suspecting that $$ are a factor. If that's the case, find a 70-72 Cutlass/442 that is being parted and offer a bottom dollar on the front end brake package complete. You'll end up rebuilding it for a fraction of the cost of new. I'm pretty sure you'll also have to change your master cylinder and possibly booster too.

ILT has the entire kit (new) for 675.00 I'm sure that if you shop around you'll find a new one at the price you can afford. Or maybe you'll luck out on one you can rebuilt. I looked at Year One and OPGI. they were 1200 and 800 bucks respectively. They also show replacement proportioning valve and lines. Apparently it's not as simple as just bolting a few things together (I'm assuming)

I believe this is the thread that was referred to by redoldsman https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...onversion.html

 

The 1973-up spindles are taller and use a different ball joint taper, so they do not interchange. Also, the caliper mount and the steering arm are integral to the spindle forging, so NOTHING interchanges. As noted here in the past, you can simply machine the bosses on the drum brake spindles to turn them into disk spindles. Everything else you need is available new (calipers, caliper brackets, rotors, etc.).

This website covers first gen Camaro brakes, but the spindles, rotors, calipers, and brackets are identical to those on 64-72 A-body cars. Only the bolt-on steering arms are different. Page down and you'll see the machining needed to convert drum spindles to disk.

http://www.pozziracing.com/brakes.ht...Drums_to_Discs

 

Cool link. So other than machining the boss (or replacing the spindle) the only other part you'd really need would be the steering arm?

 

No, just use your existing ones. They bolt on. The drum and disk steering arms are the same. The difference is between F-body and A-body cars.

 

Joe, I talked with a guy this morning who says he put a set of 1973-77 A-Body spindles on his 1971 Vista Cruiser. He said he changed the ball joints to match the spindles and this setup lowered the front end by about an inch. I'll try to get more details from him.... John

 

Thanks for all the great input guys.
Machining the bosses sounds like the way to go.
I am curious about the replacement ball joints
the fella did for his VC conversion....
If anyone needs this '73 Cutlass S,
pm me, and I will sell it as a whole for $400.
Quick note, pretty much rust free front fenders,doors,hood.
The bumpers are really straight, and would polish up nice.
Was an A/C bucket car w/rear glass defrost.
I will post pics on cars for sale.

 

Yeah, this is comparable to the B-body spindle swap. You need to change the upper and lower ball joints AND the outer tie rod ends since all have a different taper. The lower ball joint housing needs to be machined to fit the lower control arm. I'm not sure if this spindle is taller than the originals, in which case you might have the alignment problem common to the B-body swap. Also, the steering arms are in a different place, so you introduce bump steer.

Given how easy it is to install stock discs, I fail to see the advantage.