1956 front disc break 15 inch wheels hitting calipers

[dave7vt]

My mechanic just installed disc brakes on the front. (Master power brakes was the brand) the stock 15 inch wheels are hitting the calibers. We’ve tried a 1/4 spacer, but they still hit. Looking for help.
thank you
david

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[74 Harley]

It would help to post pictures.

 

[Ward 57]

I would like to know how many of these conversions go without a hitch. I've heard of success, failures and more modifications needed. These are not plug & play conversions. The different technologies don't mix well without a big wallet.

 

[jack-in-sac]

I would like to know how many of these conversions go without a hitch. I've heard of success, failures and more modifications needed. These are not plug & play conversions. The different technologies don't mix well without a big wallet.

My conversion using 14" wheels on my '57 went relatively easy with a couple of minor glitches.
1.seller had to replace a defective caliper mount.
2. Using original 14" wheels required me to use a spacer to clear the calipers. that was not a big deal.
If I had used 14" wheels from the 60s designed to use with disc brakes there would be no problem in clearance. The hoop is configured with the proper clearance.
3. I converted to a dual master cylinder. I do not have power brakes and have no problem with applying pedal pressure for sure stops. I have contemplated relocating the MC pedal arm mount for a more leverage and travel. At this time I do not have any stopping issues. While re-plumbing the system, I added an adjustable balancing valve going to the rear wheels. I could have avoided that step by changing to '55 rear wheel cylinders. I also added a low pressure (2#) valve to maintain light caliper pressure.
4. As long as I was changing parts of the braking system I fabricated a mechanical brake light switch.
Again there were no big issues in converting to front disc brakes. Just a little thought and elbow grease here and there. I did some things that were not necessary but otherwise pretty much plug and play. My wallet entailed no noticeable bruising.

 

[Ward 57]

My conversion using 14" wheels on my '57 went relatively easy with a couple of minor glitches.
1.seller had to replace a defective caliper mount.
2. Using original 14" wheels required me to use a spacer to clear the calipers. that was not a big deal.
If I had used 14" wheels from the 60s designed to use with disc brakes there would be no problem in clearance. The hoop is configured with the proper clearance.
3. I converted to a dual master cylinder. I do not have power brakes and have no problem with applying pedal pressure for sure stops. I have contemplated relocating the MC pedal arm mount for a more leverage and travel. At this time I do not have any stopping issues. While re-plumbing the system, I added an adjustable balancing valve going to the rear wheels. I could have avoided that step by changing to '55 rear wheel cylinders. I also added a low pressure (2#) valve to maintain light caliper pressure.
4. As long as I was changing parts of the braking system I fabricated a mechanical brake light switch.
Again there were no big issues in converting to front disc brakes. Just a little thought and elbow grease here and there. I did some things that were not necessary but otherwise pretty much plug and play. My wallet entailed no noticeable bruising.

Count your blessings and engineering talent. Not a job for a novice in engineering like me. I just maintain the originality and leave it at that. Fun to drive as is.

 

[jack-in-sac]

Count your blessings and engineering talent. Not a job for a novice in engineering like me. I just maintain the originality and leave it at that. Fun to drive as is.

Ward that is the most important thing; FUN! We are definitely on the same page there.

 

[4VE]

I put on this set of rims/tires:
Wheels & Tires American Racing Torqer II 286 VN5155665
15" x 6"/5Bolt x 4½/ 3¼" Rear Space
For your braking system, I suggest you get the

Wilwood M Cyl & Proportioning Block 261-13626-P This went together without a hitch. I removed the power steering booster which is no longer needed due to the increase in manual braking The only issue is if you go up a driveway while turning sharply. The tires are wide and they will touch the fender when the suspension reaches toward peak retraction. Small price to pay given the major benefits of a much better surface contact area and modern rubber. For further stability, install a rear stabilizer bar.

 

[tsmithbonterra]

My mechanic just installed disc brakes on the front. (Master power brakes was the brand) the stock 15 inch wheels are hitting the calibers. We’ve tried a 1/4 spacer, but they still hit. Looking for help.
thank you
david

Sorry about that. I bought my kit (15 years ago) from prestige thunderbird. It was plug and play with no interference with my stock 15 inch wheels. Give them a call—they might have some ideas.

Maybe the areas that are interfering can be ground down a bit? Good luck.

 

[jack-in-sac]

I put on this set of rims/tires:
Wheels & Tires American Racing Torqer II 286 VN5155665
15" x 6"/5Bolt x 4½/ 3¼" Rear Space
For your braking system, I suggest you get the

Wilwood M Cyl & Proportioning Block 261-13626-P This went together without a hitch. I removed the power steering booster which is no longer needed due to the increase in manual braking The only issue is if you go up a driveway while turning sharply. The tires are wide and they will touch the fender when the suspension reaches toward peak retraction. Small price to pay given the major benefits of a much better surface contact area and modern rubber. For further stability, install a rear stabilizer bar.

The Torque thrust wheels may have an influence. You didn't say what size tire you are using. That may have a bearing on interference. Modern radial tires are in general wider than their bias ply predecessors, IMHO. I have found, again in my experience and opinion; that a 78 aspect is better to clear the suspension than 70 aspect or or a lessor wider indicting number. Your change in parameter of wheels doesn't make it apples and oranges but at least apples a pears.