[grivera]

Originally Posted by Schurkey

What brakes do you have now? Typical 9.5" drums from an older compact/intermediate axle?

If so, consider merely upgrading to the 11.x drums from a newer intermediate like a 73--77, or a full-size car.

You get better, stronger brakes than what you have now, retain the park brake, zero issues with wheel compatibility, and they practically give away the parts at the Treasure Yard.

Verify or replace the springs and adjuster, cut the drums and replace the shoes as needed. Biggest problem is swapping the backing plates; and assuring that the shoe-contact pads on the backing plate aren't excessively worn. If they are, you can have the wear-grooves welded up and smoothed-out for little money.

Pretty-much all the advantages of the typical disc conversion, few problems.

Originally Posted by jerry455

I used a 1LE front brake set up for my 1976 Firebird. I also installed the 11" drum set up on the rear. It makes a big improvement for a lot less money. I went from 11" front to 12" front and 9.5" rear drums to 11" rear drums. I used a 1977 Lemans as a donor for the rear.

Intriguing for sure