Hey there. I'm new to this site.
March 22nd, 2024, 01:41 PM
#5
Running On Empty
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Earth
Posts: 18,131
March 24th, 2024, 12:58 PM
#14
Running On Empty
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Earth
Posts: 18,131
Why perform the conversion? Do you have a conception front-end disc/drum brakes offer greater breaking power? Are your current front end wheel hub caliper assemblies OEM? There is nothing wrong w/ OEM drum brakes all the way around, IMO you'll experience minimal gains.
Perform a key word search such as "brake conversion" (quotes included). You'll find a plethora of comments regarding brake conversion.
Here's a link to such a search. Lots of good information to be gleaned which can assist you in forming a decision:
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...archid=7137486
Perform a key word search such as "brake conversion" (quotes included). You'll find a plethora of comments regarding brake conversion.
Here's a link to such a search. Lots of good information to be gleaned which can assist you in forming a decision:
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...archid=7137486
March 24th, 2024, 05:39 PM
#16
72Cutlass S
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Bakersfield, CA
Posts: 1,036
March 25th, 2024, 11:17 AM
#19
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Western North Carolina
Posts: 566
I converted my '69 Cutlass S from front drum to disc about 3 years ago. I used a kit from the Right Stuff. The drums were manual and I left the discs manual. Their kit was complete and very good quality. The only thing I had a problem with was the proportioning valve. I believe this was a generic valve that almost all of the aftermarket brake suppliers use. It was pure crap. I went through several until I got one that worked. They were good about it and kept supplying me with replacements until I got one that worked.
For me, the discs are simpler to work on and are more reliable if you happen to have a few hard stops in a short period of time (better heat dissipation). I have no plans to autocross the car but if something like this is in your plan, forget drums. Conversion is a no-brainer.
I agree that for a single panic stop and the majority of the type of driving done with these old cars, the drums are capable. It's a personal choice. I wouldn't expect a night and day difference if your current drum brakes have been maintained well. However, if you want to do the conversion, there are several quality options available.
One thing I'd recommend you avoid is a rear disc conversion. I'm not sure why some guys feel like this is any kind of upgrade on these cars. Seems like that's just an eye candy decision.
For me, the discs are simpler to work on and are more reliable if you happen to have a few hard stops in a short period of time (better heat dissipation). I have no plans to autocross the car but if something like this is in your plan, forget drums. Conversion is a no-brainer.
I agree that for a single panic stop and the majority of the type of driving done with these old cars, the drums are capable. It's a personal choice. I wouldn't expect a night and day difference if your current drum brakes have been maintained well. However, if you want to do the conversion, there are several quality options available.
One thing I'd recommend you avoid is a rear disc conversion. I'm not sure why some guys feel like this is any kind of upgrade on these cars. Seems like that's just an eye candy decision.
March 25th, 2024, 12:38 PM
#20
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2024
Location: NW Pennsylvania
Posts: 18
Honestly I don't know if the brakes are OEM. The car has 101000 miles on it and I have only driven it a few times last year. I'm not comfortable with the brakes and I have several friends that have all done conversions to their own cars and they love it.
March 26th, 2024, 08:56 AM
#22
Rocket Renegade!
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Vancouver Island
Posts: 4,441
For me, the discs are simpler to work on and are more reliable if you happen to have a few hard stops in a short period of time (better heat dissipation). I have no plans to autocross the car but if something like this is in your plan, forget drums. Conversion is a no-brainer.
I agree that for a single panic stop and the majority of the type of driving done with these old cars, the drums are capable. It's a personal choice. I wouldn't expect a night and day difference if your current drum brakes have been maintained well. However, if you want to do the conversion, there are several quality options available.
One thing I'd recommend you avoid is a rear disc conversion. I'm not sure why some guys feel like this is any kind of upgrade on these cars. Seems like that's just an eye candy decision.
I agree that for a single panic stop and the majority of the type of driving done with these old cars, the drums are capable. It's a personal choice. I wouldn't expect a night and day difference if your current drum brakes have been maintained well. However, if you want to do the conversion, there are several quality options available.
One thing I'd recommend you avoid is a rear disc conversion. I'm not sure why some guys feel like this is any kind of upgrade on these cars. Seems like that's just an eye candy decision.
Concise and correct on all counts.
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