Cutlasskyle

In the process of upgrading the front drum to disc on my 1972 cutlass s 350 has a/c not installed currently . Bought a lot of new parts but was given a combination valve from a 442 and power booster/master cylinder as well . About to run lines but not sure if stainless or any other various line is preferred like nickel/copper or rhynohide lines ? Is it better to just go stainless cause of lack of rusting ? Is the combo valve good to reuse? Should I rebuild or replace the calipers? Also how difficult would that be ? Any advice would be much appreciated .
Rebuild or replace these ?

joe_padavano

I'm confused. The title of your thread is "Front drum overhaul", but you apparently are talking about a disk brake conversion. Which is it? New calipers are probably cheaper than rebuilding those. I would use the aftermarket brass combo valve rather than an original cast iron one that likely has rust in the bore.

Fun71

Yeah, reman calipers are around $25 exchange at the local parts store.

Cutlasskyle

Opps meant upgrade not overhaul. Thanks guys . Ill be buying new / remaned parts my next day off. Excited to have my cutlass back and hopefully stopping better. 4 drum and no booster wasnt fun at all . Pump and pray only goes so far . Any preference on brake lines ?

Fun71

I'm not sure what you mean. If you are referring to the rubber lines, Raybestos from the parts store should be OK.

Cutlasskyle

The hard lines that run from m/c to valve and then to front calipers/rear line . Is it worth the extra effort to get stainless for lack of rusting and lasting durability or just part store lines ie rhynohid or nickle copper lines ? Wondering if someones had experience with all materials and which would be best option . Leaning towards stainless but heard it can be a hassle to work with but it looks the best in my opinion .

Kennybill

This is just my opinion, the factory steel lines held up for more than a decade of every day driving all 4 seasons of N.E.Ohio which according to GM was ground zero for corrosion. Regular part store or vendors such as The Right Stuff lines will last for decades of the use these cars get now.

Cutlasskyle

Thanks everyone . Glad to have an incredible site for all info . Its almost over whelming . I start digging and before I know it im thinking about spending 10-15 grand .