So this weekend myslef and Allan R started tearing down my 72 Cutlass S pfor some parts for My 70. My 70 has non power drum brakes. The 72 has Power Drum. I have a few parts to switch to disc if I choose. So heres my question. Do I switch to disc.(will cost more $$ in the short term as I need more parts). Or do I switch to power drum, since I have a complete system on the 72. If I choose to switch to power drum, can I keep my current drum brakes on the 70 and just switch lines add booster etc? Also I like the look of disc but what I am gaining? I know they are "better" but is adding the power braking the biggest difference ill see right away and the easiest option? I could always add disc later.

Thanks Guys Also thanks Allan R for coming down and teaching me so much this weekend!!

 

Depends on how fast you think you need to stop. I like the power drums on my car but that doesn't mean I won't switch to disc's someday. I'd say if you're on a budget like me and you can get a full power drum set up for nothing give it a try. What do you have to loose but a little time.

 

Did your cor come stock power drum? I just want to know if I can keep my current stock drums, and add power, switch lines etc.

 

Yes - the drums, shoes, and hardware are the same!!

 

Awesome thanks Rickman48 this will save me having to tear down the shoes and and drums etc off the 72. I should just take the booster and master cylender right. Get new brake lines?

 

Why? Curt those lines on that 72 are in fantastic condition. Use them, it costs you nothing. Also take the distribution valve from the inside of the drivers side frame (just below the firewall).
Did you get this stuff out already, or is it still waiting? I know the weather here has been crap the last couple weeks. You in the same boat? Layla still getting into mischief?

 

As mentioned, depends on your speeds, and how quickly you want to stop. If just cruising around town, not needing to stop very quickly, drum brakes up front should be fine. If running speeds of 80-100 mph, then pound on the brakes for a quick panic stop, not gonna happen. The front drums will overheat and fade out so quickly, you'll be on the pedal using everything you've got with both feet, and be lucky to live through it. If not a believer, try this manouver on a long open stretch of road, to find out.

 

I agree with Delta. If you have never experienced brake fade--it can be scary. Normal cruising, the power drums are fine, fast driving and hard braking you can't beat the discs. I am leaving the power drum set up on my 65 for now. Even though I just did a rame off resto. I had completely re did the system a few years back including ss lines so i figured I would leave the disc conversion as a future weekend project and put the money into finishing the car.

 

Hey guys,
Curtis has manual drums on his 70. Until he can afford to upgrade to discs (all the way around) he was just exploring options about whether he could transfer the power drum set up from the 72 Cutlass S he bought as a parts car. He already has about 75% of the parts he needs for the front changeover. Just for now I think he wants the convenience of a quick changeover to power brakes (even if they are drums) on the car so his wife will feel safer driving it. I met her and she shared that the manual brakes really make her feel uncomfortable. Nice that Curtis will let his wife drive that beauty he's got isn't it? From talking with Curtis, the car is not going to be a track car.

FWIW, my original 72 Cutlass S (same color as Curtis BTW) had power drums. We used it to pull a lightweight trailer at highway speeds all summer. Never had problems slowing down or stopping. But then I don't wait to the last minute and jam on the brakes either. I know what you're saying about panic stops - but those are more the exception than the norm. And 80-100mph? I don't think so with his family in the car....