Chopperdoc
Contributor
Posts: 110
Age: 52
Loc: Huntsville, AL
Reg: 07-31-12
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08-06-12 08:17 AM - Post#2256338
Can someone school me on the options I have for brake improvements. It’s bone stock 54 Belair that needs pretty much everything done to it. It runs so the plan is to get the brakes done and safe to drive and enjoy it while I collect parts for a V8 swap.
I’m pretty sure it will be at least a year or two before I take it off the road for the engine swap. These long range plans include some type of front end upgrade (possibly a mustang II), power disc brakes, 350 crate motor, and 200R4 tranny.
I’d like to make it safe to drive while I collect the parts. Is there a newer GM body style that can be a donor car for a front disc brake setup?
What have you guys done?
Thanks
1954 Belair 2 Door
“Some people wake up, stretch and enjoy Freedom, Some people wake up, stretch and defend it”
"For those who are willing to fight for it, freedom has a flavor the protected will never know"
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 Bob_Hayden
"12th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 5742
Age: 66
Loc: Indianapolis, In. USA
Reg: 07-17-01
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 08-06-12 12:23 PM - Post#2256416
In response to Chopperdoc
I put a 79 Firebird front clip on mine but then I replaced the engine and everything and you aren't ready for that yet. Don't know if you asking for the future or for an upgrade now?
| Bob Hayden's 54 Chevy, 350 Engine with TH400 Tranny and 94 4X4 Blazer Rear End with 3:23 gears.(FINISHED PICS) </a> My 54 Albums |
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dsacton
Contributor
Posts: 383
Loc: Boulder, CO
Reg: 11-01-11
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08-07-12 10:55 PM - Post#2256987
In response to Chopperdoc
Hi Chopperdoc,
What makes the original brake design unsafe? I'm not sure of your goals, but I think if you do a good break job on the existing setup you will be fine. Drove my '54 for 60,000 miles without a failure.
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InkaholicMike
"2nd Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 27
Loc: Gilbert, AZ
Reg: 07-05-12
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08-07-12 11:08 PM - Post#2256989
In response to dsacton
I agree with Scott in the above post. I just rebuilt my brakes on my 1953 bone stock 4 door sedan, and it stops great! Everything you need can be bought at your local parts store (if you have a good one like I do) or online for $50 per wheel give or take a bit. Try that first until you gather all the parts for the V8. If you insist on having Discs on the front, Jamco Suspension makes direct bolt on disc brakes for your model. I was looking at them the other day. Since it drives, I would drive it for a while. I promise you, there will be other things you discover that need your money MORE than disc brakes right now! These cars were made with drum brakes and these engines and you are perfectly safe until you add more HP! Good luck!
| 1953 Chevy 210 MoreDoor; Blue Flame 235 with 700R4 Trans. A/C and power steering coming soon! |
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Chopperdoc
Contributor
Posts: 110
Age: 52
Loc: Huntsville, AL
Reg: 07-31-12
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08-08-12 06:11 AM - Post#2257029
In response to InkaholicMike
Thanks for all the replies!
1954 Belair 2 Door
“Some people wake up, stretch and enjoy Freedom, Some people wake up, stretch and defend it”
"For those who are willing to fight for it, freedom has a flavor the protected will never know"
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 mahlmann
"3rd Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 480
Loc: Sunnyvale, CA
Reg: 01-20-11
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08-08-12 09:18 AM - Post#2257113
In response to Chopperdoc
I just finished upgrading my '50 Huck brakes to '54 Bendix style. I believe Chevy used through '61 on many cars including the Corvette, so they can't be too bad!
Mike Ahlmann
Sunnyvale, CA
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