Disc or drum?

[Johnny49]

We'll FINALLY be ready to put my '49 on the road in the Spring. Just need to get the brake situation figured out and put everything together. As the signature says, you're dealing with a rank amateur here, so go easy!
(Thankfully I have friends who actually know what they're doing when it comes to the hard stuff)...

I either need all four drums or a disc conversion kit. Not sure what makes the most sense. Four wheel disc or just the front? Is it a huge deal to do the conversion? And If I stay with drums, my fronts have the hub attached. Would new '49 front drums come with the hubs or do I need to get them separately?

I've done a bunch of searching - prices I've seen for disc conversion and drums vary quite a bit. Any reliable sources with reasonable cost would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks...

[arturo7]

I'd at least put discs up front. Stopping quickly is a good thing.

CPP, and ABS make ready to use kits.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Johnny,
Don't apologize for being an amateur. We were ALL amateurs once - and a lot of us still are despite having some experience, lol.

You haven't mentioned what you're doing with your truck? Is it a stock six cylinder or have you swapped in a V8? What wil you be using it for: a daily driver on highways, or a weekend Home Depot runner?

I ask because the truth is these trucks stop quite well for NON-highway travelling with drums all around. Some will not agree with me and all things being equal I'd suggest front discs, but they're not absolutely necessary IF your drums are well maintained and adjusted with new shoes, fresh fluid, etc. But if you will be out in heavy traffic with cars that stop WAAY better than you can you'd better have good brakes or be disciplined to hang back consistently.

[Johnny49]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

You haven't mentioned what you're doing with your truck? Is it a stock six cylinder or have you swapped in a V8? What wil you be using it for: a daily driver on highways, or a weekend Home Depot runner?

It's a stock '61 six, and will pretty much be a weekend/local cruise night runner during the warmer weather. Looks like drums will do, huh? Might drop a V8 in someday if the opportunity ever presents itself. In other words, if my numbers ever come in... lol

[Coach529]

I am putting discs in the front of mine and updated drums in back. My decision was mainly based on all of my stock brake stuff being obsolete and unavailable.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by Johnny49

It's a stock '61 six, and will pretty much be a weekend/local cruise night runner during the warmer weather. Looks like drums will do, huh? Might drop a V8 in someday if the opportunity ever presents itself. In other words, if my numbers ever come in... lol

Yup, I think drums should be fine for you. Just remember you do NOT drive it like a modern car. It's special - hell, that's why you own it. You gotta drive it like it's special.

I'm going discs on my '55 but only cause I bought a new-in-the-box CPP kit from a guy that sold his '54 project before installing it. I got it cheaper than from CPP and I'm told it's the same for late AD and for TF trucks (fingers crossed!)

[NEWFISHER]

I have drums on all 4 corners, tow a trailer, drive it every day and just hauled 5 guys with me in the Burb up and down the freeway at 65 today all day. I watch ahead, plan ahead and drive much differently than when I'm driving a newer vehicle. Low and slow that is the tempo....disc are safer, more expensive and thoughtless. Drums are more maintenence, risky , less expensive but get the job done if you drive with caution.
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[mr48chev]

Drum brakes will work fine if you learn to drive to match them. That includes giving yourself plenty of stopping room between you and the vehicle in front of you and watching far enough ahead to know what is going on ahead of you.