[72projectbird]

Originally Posted by 78w72

Werent disc brakes only available starting 1979? Never seen a 78 originally come with disc brakes regardless of options.... maybe someone added the rear disc which was/is a very popular mod?

Same for the center caps, the plastic hex caps were only used on 79 & up years, the 78s all had the round stainless caps.

I thought some 78s ended up with discs, and was the first year for the plastic caps? Maybe I'm off a year? lol It's very possible

[78w72]

Originally Posted by 72projectbird

I thought some 78s ended up with discs, and was the first year for the plastic caps? Maybe I'm off a year? lol It's very possible

maybe some others will chime in on that, but i have never seen or heard of a 78 with factory rear disc... but could be wrong or some special order from a GM exec late in 78...

The hex caps were definitely 79-81.

[72projectbird]

Originally Posted by 78w72

maybe some others will chime in on that, but i have never seen or heard of a 78 with factory rear disc... but could be wrong or some special order from a GM exec late in 78...

The hex caps were definitely 79-81.

After reading a bunch, I think you're right. Somehow disc brakes worked their way under this car, which I dont mind necessarily. I do have a date code correct 78 axle with drums I could put under it, but we'll see.

I believe it has the original master and proportion valve, which I would imagine make the rear discs unpredictable under use. It'll be getting all new everything, so I can just keep the discs and use the correct setup for them.

I'll grab more pics of the car tomorrow for you guys. It currently has a Chevy Q-jet on it, but I just ordered Cliffs rebuild kit for a 77 Pontiac Q-jet I'll use on this car.

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by 72projectbird

I thought some 78s ended up with discs, and was the first year for the plastic caps? Maybe I'm off a year? lol It's very possible

I read years ago that a very few 78’s had 4 wheel discs sent out to customers late in the year by the Van Nuys plant. It was a magazine article iirc so I’ve always kept an eye out for one with no luck.

[muscle_collector]

the hex caps were only on the 10th ann cars in 79

[72projectbird]

Originally Posted by Dave R

I read years ago that a very few 78’s had 4 wheel discs sent out to customers late in the year by the Van Nuys plant. It was a magazine article iirc so I’ve always kept an eye out for one with no luck.

I could see that happening. Unfortunately this is an early built Norwood car, so somewhere down the line it got swapped. No biggie.

[johnta1]

After reading a bunch, I think you're right. Somehow disc brakes worked their way under this car, which I dont mind necessarily. I do have a date code correct 78 axle with drums I could put under it, but we'll see.

I would check the codes on the rear end and see what it says?

I'd also look for a buildsheet in the car. It would be great if you found it.

[Red80TA]

Perfect gears for an overdrive.