F-85 4-4-2

I'm going to put front disc brakes and (repro) SS1's on a '66 4-4-2 that I'm doing for my son. Wheel size doesn't need to be the correct 14x6; thinking 15x7? Please give me some guidance, as well as sources for the disc brake conversion kit and for the SS1's. Thanks.

joe_padavano

Any repro SSIs you buy today should clear factory 10.75" disc brakes, despite what the disc brake vendors say.

66-3X2 442

I put the The Right Stuff front disc conversion on my 66. I used 14x7 repo SS1's and had to grind the caliper for clearance. The aftermarket calipers from them are made larger for some reason and will not clear 14x7 SS1's. There's not a clearance problem using the OEM disc brakes with 14x7 SS1's. There's also not a problem using 15x7 on the aftermarket disc brakes,been there done that.

droldsmorland

I did the factory conversion on my 68 off a 72 CS in 86. I had 73 SS3s on it when I did this.
I didn't notice a large improvement over the drums. Should have left it alone. But I didn't install the OEM disc bias valve. Y&S then didn't know I needed it. Simply used the OEM drum distribution block straight of the disc brake master cylinder.

The car will lock up all 4, front first, with zero drama...just as the drums did. Same pedal feel.

Would I feel a significant difference with the bias valve? Who knows. I'm leaving it alone except I think its time to replace the original booster with a nice new cad plated unit. The bladder has to be hard after 50 years.

IMO if you want a significant improvement you need to go 4 wheel disc with aftermarket larger everything. Then it will stop like a modern Challenger. Those big Brembos are awesome! Glue your face to the windshield!

Secondly, consider better drum brake shoe material. If it exists, pretty sure it does? The drums will respond very well unless you're on a road course. Same thing for OEM Disc. Hi-end brake material makes a difference when paired with that manufacturer's rotors which are generally slotted or drilled and not smelted from scrap tin like the white box crap is.

F-85 4-4-2

Thanks. I expect to use 15x7's so they still look the part, but improve drivability and stopping with the larger contact patch.

Gerald Nickels

Look on EBAY they have 4 SS 1 for $600 a great deal at that price w/caps.
Gerald