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#1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Ponca city now kingfisher Oklahoma
Posts: 1,221
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Okay, in stock form when these trucks were new how bad were the brakes? I've had someone who restores these trucks say they weren't. He went on and told me he puts on a 68' camaro power brake booster on a frame off restored 1/2 tons when putting them back together. I know these trucks are old now but were the brakes decent when they were new or are they now when totally redone?
I know today the fact to consider is even if your brakes are decent and if someone in a newer car infront of you can stop in half the distance and they slow down suddenly your chance or rear ending them is bad. That and everyone drives 80mph with coffee in one hand and the phone in the other. One of my older trucks is definitely getting 71' discs and the other 67 I plan on using to work around with, haul tree limbs, the occasional one axle utility trailer so forth. I thought of redoing all the drums on it. It will also be spending its time in a small town not running down the interstate with a camper and boat behind it. Any insight... |
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#2 |
Professional Grade
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta
Posts: 7,915
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Re: Just how bad are the brakes of 67-70's c10?
Well worth the cost of switching to power disks up front with power drums out back!
Big time braking improvement!
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1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap) |
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#3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: SUNNY WARM BIKE RIDING COTTONWOOD ARIZONA
Posts: 2,097
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Re: Just how bad are the brakes of 67-70's c10?
i found out how well the front disc work on my 71 the other day. had to do a sudden stop, down went the front end and up came the rear, smoked the back tires but stopped with lots of room. the guys behind me where prob. freaked out with the tire smoke. lol
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#4 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Hillsboro Oregon
Posts: 6,449
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Re: Just how bad are the brakes of 67-70's c10?
I put power disc/drum in my Suburban, all stock '72 components. It's not a light rig (~6000 lbs) and it scrubs speed REALLY well. I had a drum/drum non-power set-up before and it's like driving a different vehicle. I'd like to do rear discs too, but the braking already feels like it's as good as my 2001 Tahoe (minus ABS).
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#5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Wakaw, Sask, Canada
Posts: 3,180
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Re: Just how bad are the brakes of 67-70's c10?
I still would recommend changing over. This stuff is not hard to find, there are wrecked 71 and 72's everywhere, and if that doesn't pan out discs up to 87 can be swapped on. The drums will work fine for you most likely, but discs will work better, and if the drums need redoing anyway, might at least consider swapping over..
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"You can take the man out of PA, but you can't take PA out of the man" Last edited by HeavyD; 02-18-2006 at 04:11 AM. |
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#6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Ponca city now kingfisher Oklahoma
Posts: 1,221
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Re: Just how bad are the brakes of 67-70's c10?
Someone once told me if I use the suspension from 73 up the turning radius won't be as tight. True? Do I change out A-arms and spindles with the 73 up? Or do I need the whole front cross member?
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#7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Wakaw, Sask, Canada
Posts: 3,180
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Re: Just how bad are the brakes of 67-70's c10?
My 70 GMC has 1975 a-arms, original crossmember is used. You can also use the whole 73 and newer crossmember, but a hole or 2 has to be ovaled out IIRC. I would just use the a-arms, or find a 71-72 setup.
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"You can take the man out of PA, but you can't take PA out of the man" |
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#8 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,693
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Re: Just how bad are the brakes of 67-70's c10?
I always joked aroiund that my old 1/2 ton had delayers, not brakes, (4 wheel drum, non power assist) however, in all reality, even with my higher rate of speed compaired to the 'normal' drivers, i never had a problem.
The whole "drums are outdated" thing is blown a little out of proportion. Yes, discs are better, but just becouse you have drums doesn't mean you're gonna rear end the first person you see when there brake lights come on. |
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#9 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lewisville, Nc
Posts: 10,234
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Re: Just how bad are the brakes of 67-70's c10?
well i have front disc andrear drums no power if keep adjusted right they stop like a dream i like no power brakes because i helps keeping me from warping my rotors lol but i am happy with the brakes on my 71
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David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube |
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#10 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Williamsburg, Ohio
Posts: 1,783
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Re: Just how bad are the brakes of 67-70's c10?
The first change I would make ( and made) on any 60-70 C10 would be the to front disc brakes -- then power brakes. Newer model drivers do not obey the car length for every 10 mph anymore and take your cushion away from you very quickly. You can use spindles with the 65-70 a-arms any where from 71-91 . You need to use the matching balljoints and if you stay with the 65-70 steering link -- overcome the outer tie rod difference. If you are drag racing and want to save front end weight -- use LD spindles -- 1" rotors - these have the A6 inner bearing.
Last edited by dennislbrooks; 02-18-2006 at 09:32 AM. |
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#11 |
State of Confusion!
![]() ![]() Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Gulfport, MS USA
Posts: 46,923
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Re: Just how bad are the brakes of 67-70's c10?
When my 70 was on the road, it work just fine. Manual 4wheel drums. The big key is keeping them adjusted. Some disc systems are better (I do not put the 88-98 GM truck brakes in this category), but if you know your vehicle you'll have no problem living with 4 wheel drums. I definitely recommend adding the power booster. To me that was a HUGE improvement. Discs will be nice, but I have not done the change to discs mainly because I want to retain the 6 bolt wheels (and am tooo cheap to buy the aftermarket conversion). With the 73-87 (or 71-72) parts, it is a very easy upgrade and if you have the parts you will definitely seem an improvement. The advantaged of using the 73-87 frontend is the replacement parts are much cheaper.
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Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God! Last edited by Palf70Step; 02-18-2006 at 09:27 AM. |
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#12 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: St robert Mo
Posts: 2,001
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Re: Just how bad are the brakes of 67-70's c10?
If you use a dual diafram booster like off a 3/4 or 1 ton the drums are fine I can bald my tires stopping with 4 drums.
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1968 c10 lowered 3" 4" 355/Th400 built by Hatfield racing in joplin MO |
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#13 |
Old Skool Club
![]() Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas"
Posts: 10,880
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Re: Just how bad are the brakes of 67-70's c10?
This is the first modification that I made to my truck. It already had power brakes, but hard applications would find the right rear locking up. Since making the conversion, and having done nothing (yet) to the rears, no more lock up.
GM felt it was time to make a change, but that doesn't mean that all of their ideas are timely. However, this one was. My '60 TR-3 had 'em. My '65 Mustang GT had them. That's all I needed to know.
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Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was. Last edited by ChevLoRay; 02-18-2006 at 09:52 AM. |
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#14 |
Special Order
![]() ![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,859
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Re: Just how bad are the brakes of 67-70's c10?
These disc brake were ahead of their time,or at least ahead of the competition.They are just as good as anything made since.Disc brakes are know for stopping better than drums to a degree.But,mostly,the advantages are EZ servicing and NO adjusting.As with many advancements in automotive design,the key factor is to design around the idiot at the wheel(sorry to be so blunt).He/she/it wants to hop in,turn the key,and go.Never giving a thought to the task at hand or what makes it work or why it stays on the road.
Drum brakes worked fine before discs came on the scene.I had a`63 Riviera with a big ol`Nailhead 425 dual quad up front and found myself at 100mph more times than I care to mention(well,let`s get together and have a beer sometime),anyway,those binders never let me down.Next time you`re at a truck stop,go around and look up under all those bad boys and see what`s stopping them.Just watch your rear.You may be mistaken for a gay Lot Lizzard.lol
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
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#15 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Bradenton, FL
Posts: 1,036
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Re: Just how bad are the brakes of 67-70's c10?
Well I have been working on these truckes since they were new. Ya that meens Im an old guy. But when they were new the only thing that was shall we say unsafe was when it rained. When you would stop you never knew whitch way the truck would pull, left or right. In dry weather you couldnt tell the differance between drums and discs.
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1970 CST/10 402,700R4,3:73 posi,AC,PS,PB,TLT,PW,Buckets with heaters |
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#16 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Round Rock, Texas
Posts: 858
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Re: Just how bad are the brakes of 67-70's c10?
Night and day. Just converted from regular drums to power discs. I nearly through myself thru the windshield the first time I stopped fast. With the drums, I had to plan about a block ahead of time if I wanted to stop.
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Hook'em |
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#17 |
SLOW BUT SURE,BUT CLOSER
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: eleanor wv usa
Posts: 3,093
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Re: Just how bad are the brakes of 67-70's c10?
Added a power booster on drums and keepin' 6-lugs. Like Andy said discs is good but drums work good also. Theres nothin' wrong with OEM stuff. Drums, steel lines, rubber bushin' etc. All this high dollar stuff is that " high $$$ " OEM when replaced is just as good.
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69 C-10, OWNED 35YRS... 350 over 30, 350 Turbo, 3:73 Posi P/S, P/B Black with red and black int. ''LOVE THESE OLD ''TRUCKS....... ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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#18 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: May 2005
Location: COLD COUNTY
Posts: 168
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Re: Just how bad are the brakes of 67-70's c10?
1-pu70 you bring back some old memoirs I remember my first car a 62 chevy two door hardtop the first time Iwent through a big deep mudpuddel wet brakes were like no brakes.
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: skamokawa, WA, USA
Posts: 527
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Re: Just how bad are the brakes of 67-70's c10?
Power drums work fine for an empty truck. At least for the first few stops. If you build up any heat in them though you're in trouble. Fill the bed full of firewood or hook up a trailer and it's dangerous. Had to take a detour one time towing an empty 24' trailer. By the time I reached the bottom of the hill with my power drums, I had both feet on the pedal and was pushing the seat through the back of the cab. Still rolled through the stop sign. Another time in a different truck(68 gmc) I had a load of firewood in the back. Slight downhill grade, both feet on the brake pedal and I missed my turn off.. by a 1/4 mile! Definately not a safe feeling. That truck was even a 4spd and I was gearing down. Both trucks had new brakes/drums/cylinders at all 4 corners. First thing I do to a project. My 70 now has a 6 lug conversion. Best thing ever. Only one thing I'd like to remind people about converting to disc, this will widen the track of your front end. I'd just gotten a new set of 15x10s with 4" back spacing on all 4 corners. With the drums they fit perfectly. Flush with the fenders front and back. Never even thought about how that would change with discs. Now with the discs the front wheels stick out of the fenders an inch on each side. It's enough that I can see it throwing water up when it rains. Should've had more backspacing to make these fit right.
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70 C10 long fleet, 355/200 4r, 6 lug disc conversion, 3" drop 70 gmc changed to 67/8 chevy, 454 with voodoo cam, th400, all 74 running gear.. in progress |
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#20 |
Designated A-hole!
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: South Mississippi
Posts: 36,450
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Re: Just how bad are the brakes of 67-70's c10?
Upgrade to power brakes first (just cuz it's cheap and easy). Then when you wanna stop better, do the disc upgrade (that's what I did anyways).
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"If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. ![]() We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck" |
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#21 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,693
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Re: Just how bad are the brakes of 67-70's c10?
With the brakes so terribly dangerouse, it's a wonder anyone over 40 is still alive.
![]() If you are getting a 70 or older truck, drive it a bit and see if YOU can control your truck. |
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#22 |
Special Order
![]() ![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,859
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Re: Just how bad are the brakes of 67-70's c10?
I drove a`70 C/30 with an 11' utility bed and ladder racks.It had a TH400,which was no help for stopping,and power brakes.I kept the aluminum/vinyl siding materials in the bed,bins full of tools,generator,brake,and all my ladders,pump-jack poles,and aluminum walkboards on the 15' ladder racks.I ran my business out of it for four years and around 125,000 miles and the pretty N.O.S. grille,front bumper,and guards that I put on it were undamaged when I sold it.Go figure.I always wanted to put discs on the front,but never had a chance.
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
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#23 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,693
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Re: Just how bad are the brakes of 67-70's c10?
exactly. Although, the 3/4 ton and one ton brakes are way better, but none the less, iff ppl say it has drums...they get scared. Hell, they were still selling cars with 4 wheel drums up into the early 80's.
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Slatington, PA
Posts: 536
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Re: Just how bad are the brakes of 67-70's c10?
I've got the original, all drum setup with no power assist. They work, but compared to modern brakes, they're merely a suggestion. You have to make sure you leave plenty of following distance and plan ahead... I just got my truck back on the road after sitting for 10 years in the wife's grandfather's barn, and have never driven it in the rain, so I can'tv tell you about braking in the wet. These brakes are, well, an adventure and I'd recommend an upgrade if you're not looking to keep it stock.
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67 C10 LWB Stepside- 250cid 6, 3speed |
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#25 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: British Columbia CANADA
Posts: 118
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Re: Just how bad are the brakes of 67-70's c10?
Biggest problem I see with drum brakes is when you are driving on high curvy mountian roads like we have on the west coast. By the time you get to the bottom of a long downhill road with lots of twists and turns it will be 2 feet on the brakes and lucky if you can slow down. On some of the higher mountian road if you are not carefull with your speed even newer disc/drum setup cars and truck can experience significant brake fade.
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1969 C20 Customer Camper CST, 396, TH400, Factory A/C, Olive Green. |
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