Picked up a set of Wagner Thermo Quiet Pads for '70 chevelle at Advance Auto (identical front calipers on rear disc brake conversion). I see that the ends of the pad surfaces are beveled now, and have seen this on the girlfriends Chrysler pads as well.

What is the reason for doing this? It looks like I'm conpromising pad contact area? Is this a style of pad I want in a performance application. I can go to Carquest/Napa and spend much more, but have been comfortable with Wagner Advance pads before this?

Should I get the old style non-beveled pads instead?

The answer to your question is contained within the name of the pads. Quiet Pads - Pad chamfers are used to help reduce noise

I also use the Thermo Quiets and have noticed no difference in stopping power beween the 2 styles.

Craigs 66 is correct...NOISE

They've been that way for quite awhile now.....a lot of pads are chamfered ......eases the transition between pads and rotor when applied......less noise....less chatter

I remember old school guys used to chamfer the edges themselves before putting the replacements in.

Thanks for the replies - I mounted up the beveled ones. Even the ones at Carquest were beveled. I asked why and they gave me a ridiculous that it was for better cooling and with such an old, large car, I would certainly want to go with the most expensive pads. Got the real scoop here as usual.