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disc brake conversion

7.6K views 17 replies 10 participants last post by  74nova350  
#1 ·
what is the best kit to use to cnvert front brakes from drum to disc on 65 nova?:confused:
 
#8 ·
Some will say " use the aftermarket" Well, I used Auto Zone and saved around $2-300 dollars...

If the factory spindle is in good working order, go this route:

http://www.oldengine.org/unfaq/leadfoot/spindle/drum2disc.htm

I have done this and used parts from a 74 Nova to complete it.

I think its one of the many links on Johnny Rottens web site.
 
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#11 ·
I want ot use the 4bolt (only one that uses 4 bolt pattern) front disk conversion from Nova Brakes
http://www.novabrakeparts.com/products.asp?cat=10
a couple of questions come to mind
1. can i still use my original drums (4 bolt)
2. is it easy to get replacement pads
thanks
answers:
1) if you have disc brakes... why would the drums be needed ?

2)the availability of the pads shouldn't be too difficult to find once the part is identified. either call the company for application information (on the calipers, rotors and pads) or ask for part numbers.


for $850.00 i think i'd use a different kit.
just my opinion.
 
#10 ·
The original Pinto-Mustang II car had disc brakes and four lug nuts so that would be a good donor and the do make replacement parts for them. I am pretty sure most four lug brake drums use a 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern so anything that fits the Ford Mustang II -Pinto will also fit your car. The center hole would be the only problem if the Ford where smaller than the Chevy (and you would then have two options: mount the drum in a lathe and open it up, or remove your axel and turn it down to the Ford size.).

Big Dave
 
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#13 ·
Hi Dan, i guess it's all going to come down to what your future plans for the car would be.

with all the new fangled parts out there to upgrade the brakes and suspension it'd be the wise thing (in the long run) to upgrade now to the 5 lug than to end up spending the money twice.

in 8 years of talking ChevyII's you're the first person i've seen bookmark a 4 lug disc conversion. maybe this is why i'm suggesting you to go the other direction.


is there any info on whether the stock 4 lug rims will clear the calipers on that conversion ?
 
#14 ·
I guess the smart thing to do would be to wait until the rest of the body work and painting is done and see how much money i have left
what got my attention on the 4 bolt conversion was it seemed simple to install
I dont mind tackling standard break jobs or rebuilding motor but i guess if i go to 5 bolt and keep all the old parts someone can always change it back (son who will get it when i'm gone ) the 4 bolt conversion seemed the simplest.
looks like i have more thinking to do. I am not planning on selling or shows just want a driver that looks cool even though i have been told it is probably 1 of about 20 Sport Deluxe converts left in Canada
thanks for the help.
 
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#15 ·
Hi again Dan,

i've found from listening to most of the guys talk about their projects that research is one of the most important things. if you've decided that your planning on investing in the car then there's quite a bit of work to be done... all aspects of the car will eventually need to be addressed so by having foresight in what you'd like the end result to be then the build process will cost you less than if things change this way and that way and have it cost money each time it changes.

get that final picture of what you'd like the car to be, from the front bumper all the way to the back bumper... the whole car. now whether it's broken down in groups or sections try and get whatever repair, rebuild, restoration procedure... whatever it is you're working on... get it to the level you're going to want it to be when you've approached that final "unveiling" stage.

good luck to you with your project, post some pictures and keep us up to date with progress :thumbsup: