[RocktimusPryme]

Im just putting this up there for the poor souls who are google searching later for disc brake options for their early 60s full size.

See attached video below. I cover instructions for the kit, since it doesnt come with any. I do a deep dive on cost of rebuilding the drums from scratch vs just converting to discs. When it makes sense to convert and when it doesnt. Why if you have full functioning drums, you will probably be disappointed in your average cheap disc kit.

I did an eBay special conversion for my 1962 Pontiac Catalina from Tom's Classic. And even though its a low dollar kit, I gotta say Im pretty happy with it. My drums were beyond cooked. Shook like heck when you would brake hard. And 62 being the last year of non-self adjusting put me over the edge into the disc kit, even before I did the dollar math.

I would have loved to have purchased a Scarebird kit before he retired, but it is what it is.

This kit uses what Im pretty sure are like 1975 Pontiac Grandville rotors. So you get the 5x5 BP and almost a 12" rotor. Which is nice. I should have measured a before and after to see how much it moved the wheels out. The seller said 5/8" but I think 3/8 is closer to reality. Im using 70s 15 inch steel wheels with I think 215/70r15s. And I dont rub anywhere.

As of right now, in the middle of 2026. Your options for a full size BOP are Tom's Classic for about $600 shipped. Or Master Power Brakes for more like $1100. Ames has one in their paper catalog, but not actually for sale online. The MP one is probably a little better, but after installing and driving with this one, there is no way its nearly double the price better.

I might chop this into a few short videos later, break out how to use the Motive Bleeder tool maybe.

https://youtu.be/sh9ofuPemME

[SRGN]

Looks similar to what is on the front of my 62. Previous owner installed front discs and a dual reservoir master.

[RocktimusPryme]

I’m sure there are differences, but I’ve installed a grip of these across different makes/models. It basically boils down to how much does it move the wheels out, and do you keep your factory spindles.

[Scarebird]

Originally Posted by RocktimusPryme

Im just putting this up there for the poor souls who are google searching later for disc brake options for their early 60s full size...

I would have loved to have purchased a Scarebird kit before he retired, but it is what it is.

This kit uses what Im pretty sure are like 1975 Pontiac Grandville rotors. So you get the 5x5 BP and almost a 12" rotor...

This is an exact copy of our first version of this application.

The rotor used is from a 1977 Bonneville wagon. You have to swap out the inner bearing race for a different bearing.

[RocktimusPryme]

Originally Posted by Scarebird

This is an exact copy of our first version of this application.

The rotor used is from a 1977 Bonneville wagon. You have to swap out the inner bearing race for a different bearing.

This one, the rotor comes naked and you put in your own bearings and rear seal.

It also includes a little tapered spacer that backs up against the spindle. I dont know if that is meant to mate to the normal bearing size in those 70s rotors or if the bearings supplied in this kit are also a different size than what would be normal.

Ive had the same style of spacer on a kit from Speedway for like late 40's chevy pickups. Teardown tends to be the hardest part of these swaps, especially in the midwest. But as for install, getting that interference fit spacer on the spindle is the hardest part. You either have to heat it up and move quick, or hammer it on. Which is problematic because the spindle is in the way.

[Scarebird]

The 1977 rotor came with A2 and A6 bearings, same as the drum spindle. Issue is the stub is 0.475" longer between bearings than the rotor. A top-hat style spacer was needed to support the inner bearing, so a different bearing is called out.

I do not ever recall seeing a rotor that holds the bearing races being sold MINUS the races... When we sold kits with aluminum hubs we ALWAYS pressed in the races - even bought an nice Dake electric press for the purpose. We did not want the customer fouling up the hub.

[RocktimusPryme]

I mis-spoke there, I did not have to drive in any races with this kit. I just meant the inner bearing wasnt greased or installed when I said the rotor was naked. My bad.

[Mario64]

if you have 8 lug wheels and want to keep them and discs, i bought larry grodpokf 's kit. he is a member here and still relines the 8 lug drums.
mario64

[RocktimusPryme]

Originally Posted by Mario64

if you have 8 lug wheels and want to keep them and discs, i bought larry grodpokf 's kit. he is a member here and still relines the 8 lug drums.
mario64

Hey another option. Is there a link to that, or do you just have to PM him for interest?

[Mario64]

i'd pm him. he is in new lennox, il.
uses 1970 gto calipers, redrilled jeep rotors. his brackets and hubs on your spindles. he even supplies the 8 lug disc with the drum portion milled off.
it all fit with my original 8 lug, 14" wheels. i paired it with a new 9" booster and a 1970 gto dual master cylinder. she stops better than my 2002 gmc.
good luck.
mario64