How big of a difference... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

gotchamel · 10-16-2011, 01:45 PM

Still running drum brakes on my 69 C10.Trying to plan and budget my next improvement,A/C or disc brake conversion.Right now the truck stops true and straight,and I live in a warm humid climate.Will the disc coversion make a very substancial change or just a small improvement?Are most disc conversions front only?Thanks.

**70cst** · 10-16-2011, 02:06 PM

Most conversions are front only. The stopping is a big improvement. I'll let other chime in

oldblue1968chevy · 10-16-2011, 02:26 PM

Gee thats a tough one lol

**lolife99** · 10-16-2011, 02:38 PM

Brakes first!

cdowns · 10-16-2011, 02:40 PM

both are a big upgrade
i'd go for the air conditioning first
i've seen some donor parts trucks and have posted a few that i've seen on craigs recently that you can do a disc conversion for about next to nothing

domeier · 10-16-2011, 02:52 PM

Guaranteed: If you do aircon first, you're going to rear-end some moron with ABS who locked 'em up for a squirrel. Brakes, and it's going to be 140 degrees every day from May to October. Flip a coin!

gotchamel · 10-16-2011, 02:55 PM

The brakes seem safe{as far as drum brakes go}and I will stick with 6 lug even though parts may be less plentiful.The cab needs to be insulated for a/c, but what we call winter is just around the corner.Wish I could do both now.

3drburb · 10-16-2011, 03:23 PM

If the truck stops true and straight with drums then I'll go with the a/c and disc brakes later. It may be cheaper to buy a good used a/c system out of a colder state, but buying donor truck with both should work maybe even buying a truck with someone else to get the parts you both need.

gotchamel · 10-16-2011, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3drburb

If the truck stops true and straight with drums then I'll go with the a/c and disc brakes later. It may be cheaper to buy a good used a/c system out of a colder state, but buying donor truck with both should work maybe even buying a truck with someone else to get the parts you both need.

Sure fit Vintage Air is what I will go with whenever that is but the donor is certainly an option if I needed alot of parts.I purchased the truck "done"for the most part.Now just my upgrades.

PanelDeland · 10-16-2011, 06:16 PM

Disc will stop some better but really shine in stop and go traffic,where fade is a problem.You could also add a power booster if they aren't power to make the pedal effort less.As long as they are in good shape and you drive it like a 40 year old truck,I see the drums as being fine.
A/c is an easy call.Everyone wants it some need it and some are lucky enough to have it already.

crazy longhorn · 10-16-2011, 06:32 PM

I run a manual disc front/drum rear on my longhorn(no need for booster, the power brake lever is in my right hand)

I like the feel of the system on my old longhorn, better than the feel of the 4 wheel power discs on my 02 silverado! I do like the air, & the cd player,ect in the 02. As mentioned above, the drum brakes do work fine (properly set up), but will fade under heat. Its your rig,do what you feel right with... crazyL

wild4wheels · 10-16-2011, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldblue1968chevy

Gee thats a tough one lol

Man...disks are so nice but damn! I've been to Florida...wouldn't do you much good if you are passed out from the heat!

My wife is a red head..she would require me to have air.. ;-D

crazy longhorn · 10-16-2011, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wild4wheels

Man...disks are so nice but damn! I've been to Florida...wouldn't do you much good if you are passed out from the heat!

My wife is a red head..she would require me to have air.. ;-D

A wife is a wife, no matter what color hair

Trust me on this one! crazyL

gotchamel · 10-16-2011, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

Disc will stop some better but really shine in stop and go traffic,where fade is a problem.You could also add a power booster if they aren't power to make the pedal effort less.As long as they are in good shape and you drive it like a 40 year old truck,I see the drums as being fine.
A/c is an easy call.Everyone wants it some need it and some are lucky enough to have it already.

Already got the power booster.There is 3 redlights in a 50 mile stretch where I live so not alot of that type of stop/go traffic but being in a tourist area we do have alot of rubbernecking going on.Good input,thanks.

longbed67 · 10-16-2011, 07:39 PM

A/C for sure... brakes are about half the price of a/c but unless your driving stop and go all the time, or downhill grades of 8% + for extended periods like 10 miles plus at time (learned that one the hard way...) 4 wheel drums work fine... a/c makes the ride all that more enjoyable epically when it is hot and humid.... and who wants to roll up somewhere dripping in sweat. Prime example: I was in wall drug, South Dakota on my way back from picking up my truck, I parked in the lot to stop and get some "free ice water" and an officer tells me nice ride, and then looks me up and down and says are you all right.... long story short I was soaked in sweat from driving in all day in the heat and was dehydrated, not cool... so i would go a/c

gotchamel · 10-16-2011, 07:58 PM

Been to Wall Drug as well, felt like a lab rat in a maze the way all the shops were connected on the inside.

No hills here, live at sea level.

The Youngen · 10-16-2011, 08:20 PM

Glad im not the only one who has thought a/c. a/c in florida is a must in my mind. what i would try and convince her to do is let you put discs on it now and than in the spring ask for the money for a/c.

Shyguy · 10-16-2011, 08:45 PM

Proper set up drum brakes work just fine and even better if they have a booster.

I am putting manual disc brakes on my '67 from a '71 donor and probably will not go with a booster. I like the feel of manual disc brakes.

If you do a lot of towing power disc brakes would be a good idea.

crazy longhorn · 10-16-2011, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Youngen

Glad im not the only one who has thought a/c. a/c in florida is a must in my mind. what i would try and convince her to do is let you put discs on it now and than in the spring ask for the money for a/c.

Begging for forgiveness, is a bunch easier than asking for permission

I say do em both

He11, whats the woman gonna do....spank you

If you want to stay out of trouble....you probably shouldnt listen to this crazy old man! Have fun(let us know how the spankins go)

crazyL

PanelDeland · 10-16-2011, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Youngen

Glad im not the only one who has thought a/c. a/c in florida is a must in my mind. what i would try and convince her to do is let you put discs on it now and than in the spring ask for the money for a/c.

Or you could just tell her "Beat me hit me,make me write hot checks"
After that you might get away with it.

10-16-2011, 01:45 PM	#1
gotchamel Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: islamorada fl. Posts: 466	How big of a difference... Still running drum brakes on my 69 C10.Trying to plan and budget my next improvement,A/C or disc brake conversion.Right now the truck stops true and straight,and I live in a warm humid climate.Will the disc coversion make a very substancial change or just a small improvement?Are most disc conversions front only?Thanks.

10-16-2011, 02:06 PM	#2
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,373	Re: How big of a difference... Most conversions are front only. The stopping is a big improvement. I'll let other chime in __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

10-16-2011, 02:26 PM	#3
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: How big of a difference... Gee thats a tough one lol __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

10-16-2011, 02:38 PM	#4
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: How big of a difference... Brakes first! __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

10-16-2011, 02:40 PM	#5
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: How big of a difference... both are a big upgrade i'd go for the air conditioning first i've seen some donor parts trucks and have posted a few that i've seen on craigs recently that you can do a disc conversion for about next to nothing __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

10-16-2011, 02:52 PM	#6
domeier Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: San Jose, California Posts: 784	Re: How big of a difference... Guaranteed: If you do aircon first, you're going to rear-end some moron with ABS who locked 'em up for a squirrel. Brakes, and it's going to be 140 degrees every day from May to October. Flip a coin!

10-16-2011, 02:55 PM	#7
gotchamel Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: islamorada fl. Posts: 466	Re: How big of a difference... The brakes seem safe{as far as drum brakes go}and I will stick with 6 lug even though parts may be less plentiful.The cab needs to be insulated for a/c, but what we call winter is just around the corner.Wish I could do both now.

10-16-2011, 03:23 PM	#8
3drburb Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Kent, WA. Posts: 852	Re: How big of a difference... If the truck stops true and straight with drums then I'll go with the a/c and disc brakes later. It may be cheaper to buy a good used a/c system out of a colder state, but buying donor truck with both should work maybe even buying a truck with someone else to get the parts you both need.

10-16-2011, 06:16 PM	#10
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Re: How big of a difference... Disc will stop some better but really shine in stop and go traffic,where fade is a problem.You could also add a power booster if they aren't power to make the pedal effort less.As long as they are in good shape and you drive it like a 40 year old truck,I see the drums as being fine. A/c is an easy call.Everyone wants it some need it and some are lucky enough to have it already. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

10-16-2011, 06:32 PM	#11
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	Re: How big of a difference... I run a manual disc front/drum rear on my longhorn(no need for booster, the power brake lever is in my right hand) I like the feel of the system on my old longhorn, better than the feel of the 4 wheel power discs on my 02 silverado! I do like the air, & the cd player,ect in the 02. As mentioned above, the drum brakes do work fine (properly set up), but will fade under heat. Its your rig,do what you feel right with... crazyL __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

10-16-2011, 07:39 PM	#15
longbed67 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Monroe, WI Posts: 1,415	Re: How big of a difference... A/C for sure... brakes are about half the price of a/c but unless your driving stop and go all the time, or downhill grades of 8% + for extended periods like 10 miles plus at time (learned that one the hard way...) 4 wheel drums work fine... a/c makes the ride all that more enjoyable epically when it is hot and humid.... and who wants to roll up somewhere dripping in sweat. Prime example: I was in wall drug, South Dakota on my way back from picking up my truck, I parked in the lot to stop and get some "free ice water" and an officer tells me nice ride, and then looks me up and down and says are you all right.... long story short I was soaked in sweat from driving in all day in the heat and was dehydrated, not cool... so i would go a/c __________________ *Adam* My 1967 C10 - Turbo 250 Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=485843 (608) 214-8706

10-16-2011, 07:58 PM	#16
gotchamel Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: islamorada fl. Posts: 466	Re: How big of a difference... Been to Wall Drug as well, felt like a lab rat in a maze the way all the shops were connected on the inside. No hills here, live at sea level.

10-16-2011, 08:20 PM	#17
The Youngen Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Westbrook CT Posts: 81	Re: How big of a difference... Glad im not the only one who has thought a/c. a/c in florida is a must in my mind. what i would try and convince her to do is let you put discs on it now and than in the spring ask for the money for a/c. __________________ 71 Chevy C10 350/TH350 71 GMC C20 350 (donor truck) 82 Chevy K20 Suburban 6.2/TH400/NP 95 Chevy 4x4 1500 Tahoe 6.5T/4L80E 04 Chevy 4x4 3500 Silverado 6.6T Duramax/Allison 1000 (work truck) 09 Chevy Aveo 1.6L/5 speed manual

10-16-2011, 08:45 PM	#18
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	Re: How big of a difference... Proper set up drum brakes work just fine and even better if they have a booster. I am putting manual disc brakes on my '67 from a '71 donor and probably will not go with a booster. I like the feel of manual disc brakes. If you do a lot of towing power disc brakes would be a good idea. __________________ '67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E.

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