I cruised plenty of interstates over the years with drum brakes, without a second thought or a single problem.

... And yes, Eric, tapping the brakes after you go through a puddle becomes second nature.
My mom taught me to do it when I was about eight.

- Eric

 

My point was, the disc brakes allow you shorter braking distances than drums (hands down) when dealing with interstate traffic/jams, etc.

The off/on ramps shenanigans are due to the suspension mods....

Drums are fine (when maintained), but discs are SO much better performing in any weather (rain, etc.)

I drove this car for about two years w/ drums & they were adequate (good shoes, drums, bearings, etc) - went to 11" discs & was amazed @ the difference in drivability!

 

I've driven A-bodies with drums and with discs, and while the discs unquestionably have advantages in heat resistance, remaining balanced left-to-right, and maintenance, I've never noticed any difference in brute stopping power.
Could be that I was using regular T/A radials from the 1980s and '90s, and they didn't have as much grip as modern tires (I have no idea about this), so that they all locked up before maximum brake effort, could be that you've got fancy 21st century aftermarket brakes, and not the factory originals, but that was my experience.

I agree that disc brakes are better, but I don't think they're unsafe, and I wouldn't put them at the top of my "driveability" list.

- Eric

 

She stops much shorter & straighter w/ the discs (I made several "before" stops @ the shop's back road & after the swap). I did do away with the single pot master cylinder, that helped, too.

I am using a basic 11" stock style discs w/ "normal" pads....same wheels/tires on both set-ups. I wanted the 12" rotors, but have been very pleased w/ these.

 

I'd love to see some pics of your car Doc.

 

As she sits today....

 

stock, as bought.

 

Are we done with the discs versus drums debate? Agree to disagree?

I think a conversion to disc brakes for this particular car is a good idea because of who will end-up driving this car on a daily basis -- a new driver. As I would assume the young man will be learning to drive in different cars -- and probably some are modern, with discs -- it makes sense to me to erase an additional variable he would have to deal with ("am I driving a car with discs or drums? How do I account for that?") when switching between cars and learning the other nuances of being a conscientious driver.

 

That was my whole point....the OP was looking to set the car up for a young/new driver. With me having the seemingly identical car, I was just sharing some insight garnished from recent, hands-on experience.

 

I didn't get the wheel lock key from the seller when we bought the car. Wife tried to pick up today on her way home from a Half Marathon and the lock he gave her is not from this car. I have a feeling he doesn't have it. This guy is a bit frustrating to deal with.

 

Sweet car Doc!
I'll put disc brakes on my to do list.

 

Thanks! Yours looks to be in better shape than what I started with...good luck!!

 

Most tire stores have a tool to get the locks off around here. Basically they are a keyed lugnut.

 

When I switched to disc brakes on my Impala I was sponsored by the company that makes the conversion kit. They wanted to test the cars and use it as advertisement so before and after was measured.
From 60mph with drums it took 190' to complete stop, after the conversion to disc from 60mph 167'.

JMO

 

Scott, I'm a Olds and Corvair man! Welcome to our "small" club!

I put discs on my 68, night and day difference. I got the kit from "The Right Stuff" http://www.getdiscbrakes.com/ It was a great kit for a great price. The only problem is my 14" SSI's wouldn't fit. (I have 17's on it now!)

Good luck!

Craig

 

That is the kit I used....no problems.

 

Doc,

Did you go up in size on the wheels?

Craig

 

I was running 15x7 steel wheels before I swapped....they fit fine. There are kits that allow for some of the 14" factory wheels.

 

The car currently has 15" wheels and I won't be going smaller. If we change wheels it will get 17's or larger on it.

 

I want 17's for mine, will rock the 15x7 & 15x8 steels for a bit longer....