Wanting to convert the brakes on a 66 Chevelle from drum to Disc. We read on this forum where we can modify the exsisting spindles to mount the calipers. My question is, what rotors and calipers will fit the converted drum spindles?
Thanks,
Rob

Rob an even easier thing to do would be to check out local junk yards for 68-72 Lemans,Cutlass,Sklark or Chevelle with disc brakes. You can use the spindles off any of those cars that way you can use the rotors and calipers which are availible at any parts store.

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Scott

Scott,
Thanks for the reply. Were going to the junk yard today to look for the parts.
Rob

don't forget the montecarlo (can't spell n e thing today)

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OWNER OF 66 CHEVELLE MALIBU
www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Shop/9801/ (http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Shop/9801/) Check out page dedicated to resto of my chevelle. still being made

Checked every junkyard within a 100 mile radius of my house and came up empty handed. If I convert the spindles will the rotors and calipers from the cars mentioned in the previous replys work?
Thanks,
Rob

Why not install disc brakes off a 87-94 S-10 ? They're a very easy conversion.

What's involved in the S-10 swap? I'm new to this so need complete guidance. Any web sites cover this swap?
Thanks,
Rob

Modifying drum spindles to disk spindles is very easy. You have to have 3/4" machined off of the top threaded boss on the spindles. Make sure the remaining hole is drilled and tapped deep enough for the disk brake assembly. I would stay away from the S10 setup. I bought a 70 El Camino that had the S10 spindles on it. The ball joints don't fit right (wrong taper) and the tie rod tends to rub the tires (because of the cast-in steering arm). I'm not driving it because of this, until I change it over to the proper setup.

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Bob Murray 66 Malibu
Greenfield, Indiana (Indianapolis)
TC Gold #49
Aces #01941
NCOA #20838

That brings us back to my original question. If I convert drum spindles to disc, which calipers and rotors do I then use?
Need this information today as it's for my brother in law and he's leaving for home tomorrow and he doesn't have access to a computer there.
Thanks,
Rob

You still need calipers, rotors, caliper mounting brackets, master cylinder and booster from a 69 to 72 Chevelle or other GM A-body car.

Thanks for the reply Bob.
So there's not much gained by converting the spindles as all the other needed parts are from the same series cars. If I can find the other needed parts, the spindles will be there too!
Back to the junk yards!
Rob

where are you from, I have a couple complete conversions but dont want to ship, Im in NY..

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70 chevelle ss396 conv
66 chevelle ss396 hdp/conv
55 chevy prostreet

Hi Rob,

Malibu Performance (818 222 6725) makes a conversion kit to install the 11" rotors and tall spindles from a '70-81 Camaro/F-bird to the A-body. There's more about this conversion in the tech files of this site.

Good Luck,
Bruce

...the problem with converting your drum brake spindles for use as disc, is finding the correct caliper brackets.

If you can find them no problem. They ARE being reproduced... a mere $200 something a pair... ouch.

Heck I can find COMPLETE used '67-72 disc brake setups for that price (you probably can too).

I see the mention of the late model S10 &/or G-body spindles being used.... with their cast in place (vs bolt on) steering arms... are these steering arms the SAME exact length? (relative to the original steering arm length/position)

If NOT, I would worry about bump steer.. wrong ackerman, etc. in general, everything being "out of whack".

[This message has been edited by Len (edited 10-06-99).]

Again, I just wanna mention my setup.
70 Malibu with 73+ spindles. Yeah I have to convert the lower ball joint (basically use a 73+ lower ball joint with 0.070 machined off the base where it is press fitted).

Advantage: Taller spindle, (added a few shims), bigger rotors, and cheaper rotors, pads and calipers.

Disadvantage: Slower turning??, Custom ball joints. If you have excessive frame sag or clearence problems you might need an offset upper control arm shaft as well as custom upper a-arms.


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DG
Springfield, Ohio
70 Chevelle Malibu

www.wright.edu/~adams.6/chevy.htm (http://www.wright.edu/~adams.6/chevy.htm)
TEAM Chevelle Member #0086
Genx member (Founder 4 Ohio)

Hey Drop top

I have a 66 I'd like to convert!! Where are you and how much????
graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Hey guys just did a conversion on my 66 a couple of days ago I used the wilwood heavy duty kit. Everything came with it and was very easy to put on there was only one modification that i had to perform though and it was that the original bolts that hold the steering arm I guess you would call it to the actual spindle needed to have the back hole drilled out to 17/32 to fit the bigger 1/2-20 bolt that is supplied in the kit. The originals are 7/16-20 which I kept the same on the front is fine. Very easy to put together and looks really nice too I will have some pics next week that I will post of this. I paid $580 out the door for everything. I like the 4 piston calipers also they are nice. Well it may not be in your budget but for me it beat searching junkyards for the stuff and I didn't need spindles. Hope this helps.

Go with the Camaro-Firebird swap.Global West in LA can supply the balljoints and answer your questions,good folks to deal with.70 to 81 F bodys are fairly common and cheap.Good luck...

Take a look at a new kit by Baer Bakes. The kit is call serious street. I converted my 1967 El Camino and they work great! They look cool too and fit within the stock rally wheels. The kit is reasonable priced and complete. Original Parts Group is where I purchased mine.

How much do these aftermarket kits weigh compared to stock ? I converted my 64 to 71 Monte Carlo Discs about 16 yrs ago. Since the car is a Track Only Drag Car now I'm looking to remove some weight.

You'll save about 40 pounds over stock disc brakes if you go with a Wilwood conversion. Most of the weight savings is from the aluminum calipers and lighter drum brake spindles. Rotors are lighter too, with the aluminum center hubs.