Disc brakes on factory c10 wheels?

[68wannabe]

Hey guys, I just had a question about converting disc brakes on my 1968 c10. If I do get disc brakes, will I have to get different wheels? They are factory 15" aluminum mag wheels. I have seen on some sites that sell disc brake conversions, saying the brakes will work on SOME 15" wheels. Anybody know which ones and if mine will work with them? Thanks! This is the truck. The wheels are like the front ones.

[Lattimer]

Those are not original wheels to the truck, any aluminum wheel is either a much later model or aftermarket. Original wheels would be plain steel 6 lugs, with 3 nubs for the dog dish hubcaps.

Later 4x4 wheels with 4 nubs for the hubcaps will fit over later factory sized disk brakes. The conversion kits require the later (71 and up) steel wheels if you want the factory style 15's.

Aftermarket depends on what they are.

[too much stuff]

Those wheels are aftermarket. Most disc brake conversions will be for a 5 lug wheel unless you are ordering a 6 lug conversion. So there is a good chance your wheels won't work.

[68wannabe]

Yep, I just remembered that they aren't factory wheels. Don't know what I was thinking before lol There are 6 lug disc brake conversions, which I will most likely get. What about a wheel spacer? Has anybody tried this to see if it would work for a disc brake conversion?

[jocko]

68, Welcome to the site!
Which wheels do you want to have on your truck when you're done with the disk upgrade? The way you worded your first post, I'm thinking that you want to use the mags, yes? If so, I believe they should clear the brakes. If you can determine what year the mags were made (might be hard to do) then you could probably have a little more confidence in the guess. If they were made 71 or later, they will probably clear them just fine - I agree with Lattimer that they probably were later than 71. Same-same for stock steelies, if you'd like them at some point - 71 or later will clear the calipers. But, don't forget that for stock steelies post-1970, 6 luggers only came on K5/K10. C10s went to 5 lug at that point (also as Lattimer and toomuchstuff pointed out). The reason the sites say the kits work on "some" 15" wheels is because they don't work on some also. Pre-factory disk brakes, the inner side of the wheel had a taper between the rim and the wheel center that will rub on the caliper in some conversions. Looking forward to seeing a build thread on your disk brake conversion!

[cdowns]

those mags are late 70's early 80's and should b no problem clearing dics brakes

[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by cdowns

those mags are late 70's early 80's and should b no problem clearing dics brakes

x2

[Tx Firefighter]

X3

[70blackfish]

x4

[68wannabe]

Thanks guys! That is some great news. I really want to keep these wheels for it, mainly because I don't want to buy new ones and actually just really like the looks of them. Again, thanks for the help!

[Tx Firefighter]

If you want to stay married to those wheels and you think its time to spice up your relationship, here's what you need. Eagle 1 etching mag cleaner. It's meant for cast wheels like that and will make them look like they did 20 years ago.

[profe56]

Thanks Tx for the mag cleaner info. Is it available at auto parts store?

[Tx Firefighter]

Originally Posted by profe56

Thanks Tx for the mag cleaner info. Is it available at auto parts store?

Yes, it's a parts store item. There are two different Eagle 1 wheel cleaners (at least). Be sure and get the etching one. Its aggressive and not fit for polished wheels but it's the bees knees for cast aluminum rough finish wheels like you have. Truly amazing results.

[profe56]

Thank you TX Eagle 1 etching is gerat for cleaning mag wheels.
I'm having problems for posting pictures to show before and after. I tried others but this one is great. thank you again.

[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by profe56

Thank you TX Eagle 1 etching is gerat for cleaning mag wheels.
I'm having problems for posting pictures to show before and after. I tried others but this one is great. thank you again.

It works wonders on slotted mags too.

[Tx Firefighter]

Originally Posted by profe56

Thank you TX Eagle 1 etching is gerat for cleaning mag wheels.
I'm having problems for posting pictures to show before and after. I tried others but this one is great. thank you again.

I'm glad you're pleased with the outcome. You spent some money on my recommendation so its nice to hear you feel it delivered up to expectations.