[Fullback66]

I am about to convert my drum brakes to disk brakes.

Question:

Do I need to have a spring compressor to convert brakes?
Do I need to secure or chain them up?

Those who converted brakes what did you do with the spring?

Just want to be safe.
Thanks
FB66

[Scarebird]

Not if you can use your drum spindle. If you are changing spindles, support the lower control arms as far out as you can after breaking loose the ball joints, then swap out the spindles.

[Fullback66]

good advice

[geeteeohguy]

Originally Posted by Scarebird

Not if you can use your drum spindle. If you are changing spindles, support the lower control arms as far out as you can after breaking loose the ball joints, then swap out the spindles.

This^^^^. Did a disc conversion on a '65 years ago with all junkyard '72 Cutlass parts. The whole job was done in an afternoon for the grand total of $90. The neat thing about using the '69-'72 A Body stuff is that it is a straight bolt on that will not affect your front end alignment angles. Just bolt the parts on and drive.

[GtoFM]

Originally Posted by geeteeohguy

This^^^^. Did a disc conversion on a '65 years ago with all junkyard '72 Cutlass parts. The whole job was done in an afternoon for the grand total of $90. The neat thing about using the '69-'72 A Body stuff is that it is a straight bolt on that will not affect your front end alignment angles. Just bolt the parts on and drive.

Does this apply to a '64 as well??

[GT182]

I swapped from drum to disc up front using Scarebird's kit for my 66 GTO and I'm very happy with it. No need to change out the drum spindles to disc spindles. And it saved money for other things needed. I didn't need to support the spindles or mess with the springs.

I kept the rear drums as this isn't a race car. Discs aren't really necessary for the rear. To me rear discs are just eye candy on these cars running just on the street.

[geeteeohguy]

Originally Posted by GtoFM

Does this apply to a '64 as well??

Yes. Same parts.

[boostmaster]

Purchased my swap kit from Tobin at Kore 3. ( a little pricey, but excellent customer service and fantastic build quality)

Turned down the hubs and axles (so no need to replace or to remove the spindles and/springs) Easy bolt on deal.

Purchased full set of C5 brakes and rotors (front and rear- ebay cheap.) The rotors are nearly as big as the rims I'm replacing!
Different brackets are necessary for C5 parking brake (something like $400+ if you have the parking brake assemblies.)

I know it's overkill for my application, but I am trying to build an extremely solid foundation I can work with as I upgrade (more power )