66 Satellite - Thinking about converting front manual drums to disc (possibly power)

[SatelliteOfLove]

66 Satellite - Thinking about converting front manual drums to disc (possibly power)

Don't want to replace the 14" wheels and tires and hub cap on this car.

Have no idea regarding this option.

Did a search but nothing found.

My apologies to the long termed who have delt with this, time and time again.

Ssbc A156-1 complete power disc brake kit

 

[Big Bad Dad]

I used the kit from Doctor Diff that allows re-using the 14" wheels. My car already had power brakes, but everything under the front should work the same on your car. It bolted together easily enough, but you will need to have the front end alignment done after swapping the spindles. The rotors have all RH lugs, so I changed the old LH studs on my left rear over to RH at the same time so as to not have one oddball set of lugnuts.
You will need to change your master cylinder to a dual system, and add the distribution block and proportioning valve. Inline Tube co. sells the distribution blocks that are needed if Dr. Diff does not have it.
10.95" Front Disc Brake Kit (Stage 1)

 

[66 Sat]

Site sponsor @PST also do a complete kit for 14" wheels that has master cylinder etc included. Their kit re-uses your existing spindles so no alignment necessary. It's a Leed Brakes kit and is good quality, very easy installation.

 

[Don Frelier]

I have the ssbc conversion on my charger with a manual master cylinder from a 70 and it works well.
You don't need power brakes unless you have leg problems.
The one from PST should be good as well.

 

[dadsbee]

5 cars... 2 power front disk/rear drum (one factory/one aftermarket), 1 power drums, 1 manual aftermarket front disk /rear drum, and the old Sat is manual drum w/single master. All things considered I don't think any of them stop any better than another. Unless you're going racing with the car save the funds for good gas.

 

[Don Frelier]

5 cars... 2 power front disk/rear drum (one factory/one aftermarket), 1 power drums, 1 manual aftermarket front disk /rear drum, and the old Sat is manual drum w/single master. All things considered I don't think any of them stop any better than another. Unless you're going racing with the car save the funds for good gas.

My charger definitely stops better from manual drums to manual discs it would fade pretty badly. It's not even close.

The satellite from power drums to power discs not as big of an improvement but still a noticeable improvement.

 

[SatelliteOfLove]

5 cars... 2 power front disk/rear drum (one factory/one aftermarket), 1 power drums, 1 manual aftermarket front disk /rear drum, and the old Sat is manual drum w/single master. All things considered I don't think any of them stop any better than another. Unless you're going racing with the car save the funds for good gas.

No This car is scheduled to go to a young girl once built, I want it safe and consistent.
Drums are too finicky.
Im satisfied myself with all my drum brake cars, although most were power drums, and I adjust them till they stop straight, but wouldn't want that potential hazard for anyone else.

 

[SatelliteOfLove]

My charger definitely stops better from manual drums to manual discs it would fade pretty badly. It's not even close.

The satellite from power drums to power discs not as big of an improvement but still a noticeable improvement.

Is it possible to get a none power disc brake kit that fits factory 14" wheels, that is a simple thing if you want to add a booster later, if your not satisfied with the manual?

 

[SatelliteOfLove]

Site sponsor @PST also do a complete kit for 14" wheels that has master cylinder etc included. Their kit re-uses your existing spindles so no alignment necessary. It's a Leed Brakes kit and is good quality, very easy installation.

Thanks I'll go have a look.

 

[PST]

Here is a link to the kit that you are looking for. Please let me know if you have any questions:

Front Manual Disc Brake Conversion Kit

Thanks
James From
PST

 

[Nxcoupe]

My 66 has power disk brakes that fit 14 in wheels. They are off of a late 70s aspen or volare. I bought new disks, calipers, pads, bearings and seals from Rock auto. Spindles are the hard thing to find but not impossible.