[Chev1970]

Hi, I have just bought a 1970 307cu 4 door Chevelle with manual drum brakes. I need to upgrade to Power Disc brakes and have been looking for a kit that supplies everything. This is just for crusing so I don't need anything fancy.

As I am in the UK, I need a recommendation, I have researched loads of websites and magazines so have a few ideas but if you have been there and done it, I would appreciate the advice.

Many thanks,

Ian

 

[Herb]

Look in the product reviews. Olle has a write up there. Also, talk (e-mail) to Doug at http://www.rightstuffdetailing.com/

[email protected]

Tell him Herb Goodfellow refered you.

You need to buy from a source that will make sure you have everyting that will work the first time and will provide you with ample customer support if you have issues.

I'm sure others here will also have recommendations but you just need to SEARCH this site for all the info you need.

P.S. You may want to edit your profile and put in your location. It makes it easier for us to help you if we understand where you are located.

 

[blumont]

Ian, check this link out. They have the complete conversion kit for $599
www.piratejack.net

Has anyone dealt with this company before?

 

[Chev1970]

Thanks Herb & Jerry,

Both kits look like they come with everything, the Right Stuff kit even comes with a CD Video and instructions! I appreciate the recommendadtion for each company but has anyone actually used either kit or are there any others I should consider?

Also, as my legs aren't all that strong I was going to go for an 11" booster, but most websites recommed only 9". I assumed the bigger the diameter the more pressure the easier it is to brake, so why recommend a smaller booster? I am keeping the rear drums, just rebuilding them and new shoes.

I am planning on lowering the front and rear. Lowered splindles seems to be the easest route on the front, are there any disadvantages?

Thanks again Herb & Jerry for your help.

Ian

 

[Olle]

Here's a link for the review Herb mentioned. If you live in UK, you might consider buying some of the heavier parts locally as the freight overseas would be quite expensive. I assume that it won't be too difficult to find rotors, calipers, bearings and other generic stuff somewhere in the UK as they are quite common GM parts. I believe they are even used on some Opels (Admiral and Commodore?), and possibly some UK made GM cars as well. The parts that might be hard for you to find would be spindles, dust shields, brake line kit, caliper brackets, prop valve and bracket. The guy I bought from will sell the parts you need or a complete kit. I think his standard kits are $560, not including hard lines.

 

[lucky3]

Goto matts classic bowtie, very helpful person and awsome kit. A complete kit with master, booster, and all the hardware is $650 and its all put together, no packing the bearings ro anything else just slap it on the car and go.

 

[stealth71]

This is the kit I used: http://www.p-s-t.com/gm/gmfdbkconv.html#1. I might be removing it soon for new front suspension and bigger brakes. Might be up for sale soon.

 

[70isfine]

I used a kit from Right Stuff. No problems. Had everything i needed in it. Best price on shipping too. Nice people answer the phone too. I also used a kit from www.mpbrakes.com. That was a nice kit too but the booster is not original looking if that matters. I would use Right Stuff again.

 

[CRUZN68]

True Connections worked out really nice for me. 2" Superior drop spindle w/ 12" rotors and 11" booster. Everything already assembled and pre-bent (I re-bent the lines though- out of stupidity). (FYI: No backing plates w/ the kit I purchased)

 

[Chev1970]

Thanks everyone for your advise.

Olle, thanks for the link, I had read the review and wasn't particularly confident about the product hence the post.

Some of the heavier parts are available in the UK but even taking into account the high shipping costs, it is still worth importing. Also, buying everything from one place should insure it all fits

Right Stuff look to be the best choice so far.

Does anyone have any comments on the used of dropped spindles to lower the front end? I have read they can cause excessive wear on the steering components and alignment problems.

Many thanks,

Ian

 

[Olle]

Olle, thanks for the link, I had read the review and wasn't particularly confident about the product hence the post.

That would more than likely be because I wrote the review to cover everything, good and bad. I'd say that the biggest difference between this kit and others is that you know all the details about it now. Don't expect other kits to be better just because they haven't been reviewed as thoroughly as the one I bought. For example, one thing to look at would be the type of booster you get. Some vendors showed an OEM-looking unit in their ads, but when I called them they said that this was an upcharge and the standard booster was a generic "tuna can" style unit. And no one will advertise that their bearings are made in China either.

My overall expression is that it's a great kit for the money I spent, and I really recommend it. Keep in mind that there are not many manufacturers of aftermarket parts like spindles, brackets etc, so you'll probably get identical parts in many kits and the difference in price can just be a matter of mark-up. I believe my vendor has got the line kits and the dropped spindles as well now.

Whoever you decide to buy from, you'll probably have to ask about all details, as the kit configuration can change as they change vendors now and then to be competitive.

 

[Chev1970]

Thanks Olle, I will bear all of this in mind when I call each vendor. Cost is always an issue, but because of my location and the fact that I can't afford to have the car sitting on axle stands for a month waiting for parts I would rather go with a more expensive kit knowing it has quality parts.

Thanks all for your suggestions. Ian.

 

[quikchevy]

We never use the cheesy boosters, all quality parts....best looking brackets in the business too! All CAD plating is top shelf!! We are very confident in our kits performance and looks......Its nice to be able to say that about stuff you sell (I use it on my own cars as well!) Check out the cover of super chevy JAN 06 issue....

 

[murrybear]

I used this kit http://www.classicperform.com/Store/1964_1972_Chevelle_Elcamino/6466FRBKS.htm

 

[bob_adamsky]

i just got my set up for my 66 last night, so far very happy on what i see.
Bolted on M/C and booster, and lines. Went very easy and quick and everything fit well.

Tonight I will swap the spindle ass. over, I will have only 4 or 5 hours in this. Was made alot easier being the front clip is still off the car.

My kit came from Matts Classic Bowtie