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Just doing a quick poll, have a 1968 442 Turnpike Cruiser under 70k orig, 400 2bbl TH400 all numbers match down to SS2's. (pic of my born day in profile)
OG power drums, they will work fine. Rebuilding right now- should i convert front disc. Its not much more$$ except valuable time, but is car value that much higher? $5k?
Thanks Ladies and Gentlemen
Last edited by mortgagepro; Sep 1, 2021 at 02:06 PM.
It's not a house; it won't improve the monetary value. If anything it will depreciate because it isn't factory.
From a drivability and safety perspective, it's priceless. Discs are easier to modulate, IMO. Where's the $5k number come from?
There is nothing wrong with a properly maintained drum brake system if your using the car for just cruising around. It's more of a choice. I still run drum brakes and they stop great.
If i were keeping it i would change in heartbeat(box all bolts and parts in trunk), but prob selling. Want to keep orig and not detract.
But disc can be reason someone buys it too...and spends
Thanks for replies.
Last edited by mortgagepro; Sep 1, 2021 at 11:20 PM.
Welcome, nice '68. If you are looking to increase its "value" by deviating from its factory equipment, a 4-bbl will do more for it than disc brakes IMO.
Nice 68! You can’t beat an all original car, by looking at the front end of the car, it looks like it had no problem stopping with the drum brakes. Millions of people drove them that way.
If i were keeping it i would change in heartbeat(box all bolts and parts in trunk), but prob selling. Want to keep orig and not detract.
But disc can be reason someone buys it too...and spends
Thanks for replies.
Let the next owner make that decision. I seriously doubt leaving it with drums will keep anyone from buying nor do I think a conversion will net you more.
In terms of driving, the major difference with discs is fade resistance over repeated severe stops. Most people don't drive their classic muscle cars that hard. For that one panic stop that's going to save a life, there's actually not that much to choose between discs and well-maintained, properly adjusted drums.
Whether value is added or subtracted by doing a swap will depend on the potential buyer. Different people have different priorities.
In terms of driving, the major difference with discs is fade resistance over repeated severe stops. Most people don't drive their classic muscle cars that hard. For that one panic stop that's going to save a life, there's actually not that much to choose between discs and well-maintained, properly adjusted drums.
Whether value is added or subtracted by doing a swap will depend on the potential buyer. Different people have different priorities.
Very true, unfortunately the problem is convincing people.
This falls in the same category with “cars with carburetors/ignition points are gross polluting and unreliable, HEI ignition modules won’t rev beyond 5K, the list goes on.
Very true, unfortunately the problem is convincing people.
This falls in the same category with “cars with carburetors/ignition points are gross polluting and unreliable, HEI ignition modules won’t rev beyond 5K, the list goes on.
Yes. And History is only history once. Thats the problem too.
Hopefully we caretakers just preserve as much as possible, and if modified all bets off for restomod or hunt for parts to restore whatever.
This whole disc brakes are safer and better than drums is total BS. Not even Fred Flintstone had disc brakes and he got stopped. I keep forgetting I have drum brakes on my 4560 pound 1966 Olds Toronado, every time I drive it.
Tall gears, highway speeds, mountain driving (critters) all very good reasons for converting. Keep the original parts and you can always go back.
Cruising slowly around town and plenty of distance between car in front of you that’s equipped with 4 wheel anti lock discs, drums are fine.
One of the very first street races I had with my 70 was against a 68 442 with drums. After running he was pretty freaked out because he experienced severe brake fade. I was 16 , green and a little confused at the time because I was right next to him and didn’t have any issue whatsoever (discs).
The thing we’ll hear next is self driving cars are safer than conventional driving cars
Same as brakes. Depends on the driver and driving style. Try your front drums out on an autocross course.
I have been a ridden with some drivers that were bad enough that a self driving car would have been preferred.😁
If you are selling it, keep it as power drums. Let the new owner figure out if they want to keep the drums or upgrade to disc. I don't think the extra expense of disc brakes would make any difference in the price you would get for it.
I have a '68 4-4-2 convertible with power drums and a '69 4-4-2 convertible with factory power disc. the power drums are a little grabby but it's easy to get used to applying the brake pedal to minimize or eliminate the grab. The power discs are nice - no grab and and easy to get used to. My wife much prefers to drive the '69 over the '68. I don't race, drive real fast or take chances so either one works for me.
No apologies from anyone needed.
Think i will stock and rebuild Power Drum Fronts Interior number on firewall after scrub. Except for 4core upgrade from broken 3core, leaving engine area alone.
