[66Chevelle350]

The time has come that I have to change to front disc brakes. What is best way to go? I am going to stick to manual brakes. I see a lot of companys offering conversions in a lot of price ranges. I want a conversion that I will be able to find parts for is a few years if I need them. I just don't know which kit and which company would be the best.

Thanks

[Herb]

For a stock type disc brake kit. I got the best price quote by going directly to this guy, NOT thru e-bay. E-mail him directly.

search on e-bay item # 7953152961

Most of the parts in these stock kits are standard with maybe chinese vs Canadian rotors being the difference. This one uses standard off-the-shelf replacement parts for future service, based on my discussions with him.

I'm going with this kit. Since I'm replacing all the brake hard lines on my frame, the lack of hard lines in his kit is not a problem for me. Other kits offer the hard lines but the prices are $100 to $200 more. Those lines aren't that expensive, even from Classic Tube or the Right Stuff. They are also available many other places.

[RedHot66]

I have heard that going to disc brakes it is highly recommended to switch to power brakes as the disc require more pressure and fluid movement to activate. I am by far not the expert here and am posting to get confirmation on this thought. I am looking at this conversion as my next place to spend by money. .

[Olle]

I bought from the same guy Herb is talking about. Good service and good price. There were a few minor issues, but considering what I paid, I'd say it was a very good deal. He sells kits, but will also sell parts in case you have something you want to reuse. That saved me about $200 as well, as I already had some parts I could use. Don't know if larger companies will do that.

[66Chevelle350]

There are so many places to get brake kits at with a wide range of price. I even talked to Baer about their kits which are almost $1,000, then there are some kits that can be had for $600 it just makes me wonder should I spend the extra dollars and is it worth it. I know that power brakes would be easier but, we installed a set a few years on a friends 56 wagon and he is real happy with the stopping.

Thanks Brad

[Herb]

Originally Posted by 66Chevelle350

There are so many places to get brake kits at with a wide range of price. I even talked to Baer about their kits which are almost $1,000, then there are some kits that can be had for $600 it just makes me wonder should I spend the extra dollars and is it worth it.

I agree. What that tells me is two things:

1. There's a large margin of profit in these items. I'm ok with somebody making a profit, just not gouging. There is as much as $300 difference for plain-Jane stock front disc kits from different places.

2. The old adage of, "you get what you pay for" is generally true EXCEPT where many of these these resto parts are concerned. There are only so many makers of these parts so most kits are actually made up of the same parts. I think that possibly the Baer kit has such things as SS lined master cylinder and high quality parts inside the calipers. Maybe even some kind of super prop. valve. Other than the rotors, which are either come from China or North America, I can't think of much that justifies $500 difference for a stock type kit (standard MC. booster, 11in rotors, single cyl. calipers and stock spindles). Even the booster can't be $500 better. Not that Baer isn't high quality and an excellent company, but how often do you hear about a front disk conversion kit that failed or quit working in 3 or 4 months. Or a spindle snapping on a weekend cruiser. I never have. If somebody has experienced this, please let us know. Otherwise, I don't see the point of the extra expense except to have BAER on your calipers and bragging rights that you spent big bucks. Again, we're talking about me, and guys like me that just want to get their restified cars running right and safe and on the road. Not show or race cars.

I'm OK with the lower priced kits and the best brake fluid that is out there to reduce moisture absorbsion and internal damage to the cheaper system. At $60 bucks for fully loaded calipers, I can replace them many times for the price difference.

Just my $.02 worth.

P.S. - Don't bother giving me the old "if you have a $20 head, buy a $20 helmet" theory. I've already heard it

[Olle]

I agree with you, Herb... to a point. I'd think that most (all?) brake kits will do the job, but choosing the right one will depend on what job you want it to do. I'm completely satisfied with the kit I bougt from Whitemanford, but I had to tweak some things to make it fit, I had to paint parts, I had to make my own lines etc. That's all fine with me, and the stopping power is more than sufficient for a driver like mine.

Now, some people want show quality setups, some build their cars for speed etc, and that's where Baer and other companies make their money. They may be overpriced but it's good looking, high quality stuff. Everything is plated, painted, powder coated etc, so it will look good right out of the box. I haven't used brakes like that, but I'm sure they perform much better too.

But as far as the original style kits go, I agree 100%. I can't possibly see any reason for the huge difference in prices, other than that some have a higher markup.

And Brad, you will have to decide what you want to do with the car before you pick a kit. If you just want better brakes on a driver, a kit like mine or Herb's will do just fine. If you're building a show car or a canyon carver, you may want to look at Baer and other companies. It all depends on what you want to do and how much you're ready to spend. Also keep in mind that you're choise of brakes can affect the type of wheels you need, so you need to give it some good thought.