1955 Front Disc Brake Conversion

[jimvan47]

My 12 volt 55 with power assist is having issues with the drum brakes. Two mechanics tried and can not fix them. Einstein said insanity is to keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result. I ordered a front disc brake conversion kit from CASCO. I am a retired RN but I have a friend that is a bit of a mechanic. No mechanic shop near me wants to touch the job. Is there anything special I need to know about dealing with the power boost? Any "tricks" one might say? Thank you in advance.

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[55blacktie]

Jimvan, I converted my 55 to front discs, using Wilwood 4-piston calipers. Wilwood has a kit designed specifically for 55-57 Tbirds, using the original spindles. All of the Tbird parts vendors have kits as well. However, I don't have power-assist.

If you are going to retain the original vacuum booster, make sure it's in good condition. With a disc-brake conversion, however, it won't be adequate for both front discs and rear drums. The system can be plumbed for the front or rear but not both. I don't have direct knowledge; hopefully someone who has done it will chime in. Personally, if you want power-assist to all four corners, I would relocate the battery and install a modern booster that mounts to the firewall.

By the way, I would find another brake specialist. A professional should have been able to determine why your drum brakes weren't working. Mechanics who refuse to do the conversion don't want to risk liability. Find a Tbird restorer, custom shop, or any professional antique/classic restorer.

 

[paul5456]

Many of the disc brake conversions pump the booster to the front only as they do the most of the braking . I would recommend a restoration shop if there is one near you.

Any Tbird or other old car groups around you? Ask them for advice on where to have it done.

 

[John R. Dulin]

Since I have no idea as to where you reside, I cannot recommend a shop to help you with your disc brake conversion, I ordered my disc conversion from CASCO, hand it installed and it works just find. My conversion kit came with a new brake resevoir which works well with the power booster. If you live in or near a big city, search the internet and you should find a reputable brake shop that can do the job successfully.

 

[jimvan47]

Jimvan, I converted my 55 to front discs, using Wilwood 4-piston calipers. Wilwood has a kit designed specifically for 55-57 Tbirds, using the original spindles. All of the Tbird parts vendors have kits as well. However, I don't have power-assist.

If you are going to retain the original vacuum booster, make sure it's in good condition. With a disc-brake conversion, however, it won't be adequate for both front discs and rear drums. The system can be plumbed for the front or rear but not both. I don't have direct knowledge; hopefully someone who has done it will chime in. Personally, if you want power-assist to all four corners, I would relocate the battery and install a modern booster that mounts to the firewall.

By the way, I would find another brake specialist. A professional should have been able to determine why your drum brakes weren't working. Mechanics who refuse to do the conversion don't want to risk liability. Find a Tbird restorer, custom shop, or any professional antique/classic restorer.

Thank you for sharing your wisdom. Agree, drum brakes are not rocket science but incompetent mechanics in Punta Gorda, FL. My Tbird specialist is up north until October. I read many good things about Wilwood but I went with CASCO because Wilwood did not offer a dual master. I like one-stop shopping.

 

[jimvan47]

Since I have no idea as to where you reside, I cannot recommend a shop to help you with your disc brake conversion, I ordered my disc conversion from CASCO, hand it installed and it works just find. My conversion kit came with a new brake resevoir which works well with the power booster. If you live in or near a big city, search the internet and you should find a reputable brake shop that can do the job successfully.

Thank you. I am in Punta Gorda, FL. I have a Tbird specialist but he is up north until October.