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1963 front brakes

Posted: Tue Sep 17, 2019 11:44 pm
by gilly
front wheel cylinders are out on my 63... I'm looking to have more of a driver than a restoration. (the body is a bit rough as it is)

I'd like to convert to front discs, and upgrade to a 2 channel master cylinder, and am starting to research what I'll need. I've seen the stickies with some conversions to other models, but they all assume having rotors already...

Has anyone here done this and have any advice / parts list?...

Does anyone know if I'll need new spindles, or if there is a bracket for mounting a caliper to the spindle that's there?

Thanks for any help!
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Re: 1963 front brakes

Posted: Wed Sep 18, 2019 2:22 am
by ted heaton
As you will surely hear from others, a true 63 1500 is a rare roadster and if it is complete or near complete
you will be urged to keep it stock. Post some pictures, including the vin tag.
Buy a later roadster for your driver and you will get disc brakes and the divided MC/brake setup.
Ted

Re: 1963 front brakes

Posted: Fri Oct 04, 2019 1:33 am
by gilly
Thanks Ted, I added some pics to my Intro post... would appreciate anything you notice...

Re: 1963 front brakes

Posted: Fri Oct 04, 2019 7:10 am
by JT68
Pretty sure you would have to swap spindles and ALL front brake stuff, but its been a while since I looked at it. Also upgrade to 14" rims. Should be able to switch to the 66 master if the old drum master creates problems.

If it were mine, I'd do discs in a second because I'm not fond of scary brakes. Most buyers would probably see that as an upgrade if it is actually to be driven on the street IMHO.

Upgrading or fully rebuilding the original drum brakes will be fairly pricey either way. No matter what, its money well spent. Every roadster needs to stop safely if driven on the street.

Re: 1963 front brakes

Posted: Mon Oct 07, 2019 12:42 pm
by gilly
It turns out I have a 64... I found some used 68 spindles on ebay and ordered those, it definitely looks different from what's on mine.

I'll keep the drums just in case I become a purist in the future, or the car goes to someone who wants to restore it. otherwise I'm going forward with making a driver...

I'm going to need discs / calipers / hoses and am thinking of doing the volvo conversion

Not sure yet if I'll need the hubs, they look a little different (looks like 2 set screws to hold the drums on, 4 bolts for the rotors) but I guess I'll find out!

Re: 1963 front brakes

Posted: Mon Oct 07, 2019 12:50 pm
by spl310
Yes, you'll need to get hubs. Also 14" wheels. Probably custom as the offsets changed and tires will probably rub.