Front Disc brake conversion, 1965 Oldsmobile 442, help?

[real57vetteguy]

I am looking for a reasonable front disc conversion for a 65 olds 442, I cannot use a kit that will space the wheels outwards as clearance is already an issue. looking for a stock spindle set up. I also am running tall valve covers so I will need a 7" or 8" booster, I am not very knowledgable about sizing brakes but the car is just going to be a weekend cruiser. Any ideas?

Thanks!

[Randy67]

A stock 11" rotor 69-72 A-body setup will work for you (single piston setup), quite a few suppliers sell kits or you can buy the components and do it yourself. Your stock spindles can be modified or you can buy some disc spindles.

One example: http://www.inlinetube.com/disc%20bra...ion/dbrake.htm

Some info here: http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=107745

[Jeff70]

If your looking to go C5/6 and willing to run at least a 17" wheel call Tobin @ Kore3.

[real57vetteguy]

A stock 11" rotor 69-72 A-body setup will work for you (single piston setup), quite a few suppliers sell kits or you can buy the components and do it yourself. Your stock spindles can be modified or you can buy some disc spindles.

One example: http://www.inlinetube.com/disc%20bra...ion/dbrake.htm

Some info here: http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=107745

I should have given a little more info, due to the 455 and tall valve covers I am going to have to run an 8" booster or smaller. I talked with inline tube and they do not offer a 8" booster, they also said the disc's would not bolt up to my stock spindles, I am all about saving some money but it seems there is a snag any way I turn

[Apogee]

First, what diameter wheels are you running? I assume you're not looking to buy new wheels since it sounds like you've already accepted tire to fender interference issues as par for the course.

I can only think of maybe a couple of options for you that won't increase your track width relative to your current drum brake setup. The OE disc brakes from the 1968-1972 A-body applications have a 7/16" wider track width per side than most of the drum brake applications (unless your Olds hubs are like the "wide-track" Pontiac hubs), so I'm not sure that those would be a viable option for you. Heidt's might still offer their narrow track kits, but that means new control arms, spindles, etc. We have a narrow track width kit that basically moves the hub flange inboard similar to our tall-spindle hub, however it is only compatible with the 340mm C6 Z51 or 355mm C6 Z06 brake kits, so 18" wheels minimum. Since it's just the flange of the hub moving inward relative to the inner wheel bearing, the length of the spindle pin and hence the snout of the hub may then interfere with the center cap on your wheels if you run them.

As for boosters, there are several companies that offer dual-8" diaphragm booster kits for your application if I'm not mistaken. The Right Stuff Detailing has their #1PB8531 units, Tuff Stuff offers universal mount versions, CPP, MBM Brake, etc....a dual-9" unit like the DSE offering may even be an option for you, although probably not if you're running tall valve covers.

Tobin
KORE3

[real57vetteguy]

First, what diameter wheels are you running? I assume you're not looking to buy new wheels since it sounds like you've already accepted tire to fender interference issues as par for the course.

I can only think of maybe a couple of options for you that won't increase your track width relative to your current drum brake setup. The OE disc brakes from the 1968-1972 A-body applications have a 7/16" wider track width per side than most of the drum brake applications (unless your Olds hubs are like the "wide-track" Pontiac hubs), so I'm not sure that those would be a viable option for you. Heidt's might still offer their narrow track kits, but that means new control arms, spindles, etc. We have a narrow track width kit that basically moves the hub flange inboard similar to our tall-spindle hub, however it is only compatible with the 340mm C6 Z51 or 355mm C6 Z06 brake kits, so 18" wheels minimum. Since it's just the flange of the hub moving inward relative to the inner wheel bearing, the length of the spindle pin and hence the snout of the hub may then interfere with the center cap on your wheels if you run them.

As for boosters, there are several companies that offer dual-8" diaphragm booster kits for your application if I'm not mistaken. The Right Stuff Detailing has their #1PB8531 units, Tuff Stuff offers universal mount versions, CPP, MBM Brake, etc....a dual-9" unit like the DSE offering may even be an option for you, although probably not if you're running tall valve covers.


Tobin
KORE3

I am running 18" wheels

[real57vetteguy]

Has anyone used a disc brake conversion from 60to0brakesystems ? They have a conversion that they claim does not move the wheels outwards.