Alfie:
Can't help with the disk brake conversion, but 2 years ago I bought a new
booster/master cylinder conversion from Brothers. Parts were O.K. but
instructions left a lot to be desired. When I called Brothers 2-3 times
with tech questions (heim joint adjustment and etc.), they finally referred
me to their local vendor who provided the booster/master cylinder to them.
Once I talked to this outfit they were very helpful and things went fine.
I've also bought stuff from Jim Carters but nothing the magnitude of what
you're doing so I can't help much with them as a possible source for these
parts.
If you buy from a vendor that doesn't specialize in what you need, you may
not get the help you're looking for. Have you checked Classic Performance
Products (CPP)? Their web site is www.classicperform.com and they
specialize in suspension, steering and brakes. I have an older catalog from
them, but it looks like they sell several different combination upgrade kits
(brakes only, brakes and master cylinders and brakes, master cylinders,
bearings and etc.). I have no personal experience with CPP but I see their
name a lot in truck magazines with some good upgrade how-to articles (check
their website, I think their tech articles look pretty good).
Some advice before you begin. Have a professional check your front
suspension (kingpins, alignment, shocks and wheel bearings). If you start
with a sloppy front end, disk brakes may only accentuate (make worse) any
current or future handling and braking problems.
I also recommend upgrading from the original ball bearings in the front to
roller bearings (if you havent already done so). Did mine of my 56 last
year and I think the steering and braking are better because of it.
Not sure what type of wheels/tires youre using, but once youve selected a
vendor make sure your wheel/tire combo will still fit (would hate to see you
have to buy new wheels/tires because the new disk brakes interfere with the
calipers or rotors).
Hope this is helpful, good luck with your upgrade project!! Let us know on
the mailing list how things went.
Carl Ham
56 Chevy TF Stepside
Pontiac, IL
>From: bigfred@unm.edu
>Reply-To: bigfred@unm.edu
>To: oletrucks@autox.team.net
>Subject: [oletrucks] TF disc brake kit recommendation
>Date: Tue, 12 Aug 2003 10:15:35 -0600
>
>Hi all,
>I'd like to do the disc brake upgrade on my '56 front axle.
>I was wondering if I could get recommendations and experiences from
>some of you guys. Brothers has a kit for $199, but Jim carter has what
>looks like the same thing for $130. Since I've got to get a master
>cylinder upgrade and some new rims I want to get the best deal. Any
>help is greatly appreciated.
>Thanks
>-alfie
>oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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