I finally found some disc brakes for my 71 Nova. It is a complete set, and I was hoping if anyone is aware of a guide that I can follow from start to finish. I know I might get into some technical areas, or find myself getting to a point and not knowing what to do.

Any information would be helpful and greatly appreciated.

Thanks

So-Cal Jack

Jack if the parts are a direct fit it will be simple. The spindles will bolt up just like the drum spindles you will remove. Packing and installing the wheel bearings is the same. Caliper bolts on to sindle bracket, just make sure the bleeder is at the highest point of caliper when mounted. There is a left and right. If the bleeder is at the low point you will not get the air out. Master cyl change out is straight forward, chnge the proprtioning valve and brake lines as needed.
As you get into the conversion post questions and we can guide you thru.

Philip,
Thank you for the information. I'll take my time, and hopefully not have any problems. :beers:

So-Cal Jack.

P.S. Thank you for the Prop Valve.

What car did the parts come from ?

69 El Camino.

Cool, the spindles will bolt right on. You will have to use your Nova steering arms. Did you get the frame brackets for the hoses? If not you will have to file a little on the Nova ones to get the disc brake hoses in.

I will have to find out about the brake lines, since I'm a newbie at this conversion. Thank you for the heads-up about the steering arms. I wasn't sure what would be a bolt on, and what wouldn't. I took most of the parts that I thought would be compatible. (rotors, spindles, backing plates, brackets, steering arms, calipers, bearings..etc) I just unscrewed the rubber brakes lines, which need to be replaced.

Jack

I installed disc brakes on my 72 using several parts from my 72 Monte Carlo. You can wander through the pics here and maybe find something of interest.

http://rides.webshots.com/album/73612206MzqoSe



Dan (or not :D )

Nice pictorial Dan. That will be a big help to a lot of people.

i just completed my disc brake conversion on my 71 Nova. The steering arms from the 69 El Camino did not fit on my Nova, and THANK YOU TO THIS SITE FORUM AND PHILIP :thumbsup: for telling me to use the stock steering arms. They fit and work perfectly.

The problem I am having now, is changing the old master cylinder. I have everything unbolted...the lines, prop valve, and old master cylinder. There is only the brake pedal rod sticking out of the firewall. Does this have to be removed if I am installing a booster? If so, how do I disconnect it?

The old drum prop valve had a bracket that connected under the master cylinder. Where and how does the disc brake prop valve bolt onto, or mount onto with the new booster? Also I have noticed that one of the old fittings does not fit onto the prop valve. Is that easy to change? How is it done?

Thank you in advance.

So-Cal Jack

Different size fittings are not uncommon (they also went from SAE to metric at one point), but not to worry you can cut the brake line and splice in the fitting you want (or add to the overall tube length if need be). Just be sure to double flair the ends for a good seal and use good brass fittings.

I would use the proportioning valve bracket that came with the powered disc brakes.

The brake activation rods are generally the same (any difference in length depends upon body). It has a C-clip that retains it to the pin on the brake pedal. I believe there are two mounting holes on the pedal for the activation rod to mount, one is for manual brakes and the other is for powered brakes (effects sensitivity, or pedal feel).


Big Dave

The prop valve that I have, did not come with the bracket. Is there an alternative to the bracket? Is there a diagram of the brake pedal rod that I can follow? I am not sure where and how the threaded end of the booster installs into the pedal. (first timer here)

Thank you for all of your help

So-Cal Jack

Jack here is the bracket that fits the prop valve I sent you. If you need this bracket I'll send it to you.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j199/64elcamino/Nova%20stuff/75Novaproprtioningvalvebracket.jpg

Here is how it was mounted to the master cyl.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j199/64elcamino/Nova%20stuff/75Novamastercyl.jpg

Which line does not fit?

<edit> bracket should work with and without power booster. The lines will need to be bent a little if you go with the booster.

The difference between power and manual brake rod locations on the pedal arm is due to the centerline of the rod entering the car. The manual master mounts to the two top studs and has the rod centerline a little higher than the booster rod location. Rule of thumb is to keep the rod in a straight line when attaching it to the pedal arm. On manual set ups it is important to have a little free play in the pedal, usually between 1/16" to 1/4" before the rod hits the piston in the master cylinder.
If you are converting to power brakes the booster will have the rod that attaches to the brake pedal arm sticking out of it. This will mount to the lower hole in the pedal arm. If staying with manual brakes the rod will attach to the upper hole and you will need to buy a master cylinder for manual disc brakes. 4th gen Novas were built with manual disc brakes and the master cylinder should work in your 71.

Philip,

Thank you for the photo's and for the information. I am fortunate that you have the photo's available on file. It really helps. The line that does not fit from my Nova to the disc brake prop valve is the "out" line. In the picture, it is the side and fitting facing the firewall. For some reason the fitting on my Nova is a little larger. (or too corroded) If you don't mind, I could use that bracket. :D

I'll try to get the rod disconnected tomorrow. Crawling under the dash and not knowing what to do, frustrated me the first few times. I think I have a better idea now. From what I have gathered, there is a "c" clamp that needs to be removed and then the whole rod can be taken out.

So-Cal Jack

Jack that is the line to the rear brakes. A special fitting is available to adapt the line to the block. PM your address and I'll send the bracket and bolts to you.