Yet another power disc brake conversion thread (questions)

[Ovidiu]

Hi guys, I just bought a 68 stepside (short bed) not long ago, and I'm doing some research into converting the 4 wheel drum brakes (manual) into 4 wheel disc brakes (power assisted). I've tried search, but couldn't find satisfactory answers to this, so here goes:

1) Since I have non-power brakes right now, will the pedal assembly and pushrod from the pedal to the brake booster be good? Do I need to buy a new one?

2) I would have to buy either a 9" single diaphragm or 8" dual diaphragm brake booster, right? Any recommendations on these? Any good aftermarket units? Should I just go with a new stock replacement one?

3) Master Cylinder choice: I would really like to go with an aftermarket one, namely I have my eyes on a Wilwood MC, but it has a choice for 3 different bore sizes, 7/8", 1", 1 1/8" ( http://www.wilwood.com/Products/006-...TCMC/index.asp ). Would these fit? If so, which one to chose?

4) Brake conversion kits front/rear. There are plenty of kits out there for the conversions, any particular ones I should consider or avoid?

Thanks a lot,
Ovidiu

[fastom]

Early Classic has the best front brake kit. Give Terry a call and ask him all these questions. 1-888-777-0395

[neonlarry]

#1 Pedal assembly is fine, you will need a new push rod.
#2 You will also need the power booster bracket and bell crank from these
trucks.
#3 I would use a GM disc\disc master along with a disc\disc proportioning
valve.

[Ovidiu]

Originally Posted by neonlarry

#1 Pedal assembly is fine, you will need a new push rod.
#2 You will also need the power booster bracket and bell crank from these
trucks.
#3 I would use a GM disc\disc master along with a disc\disc proportioning
valve.

Do the pushrod and brackets come with the booster assembly usually? I guess I will give ECE a call for that one

I would still like to spring for the Willwood MC and prop. valve if I can make them work.

[fastom]

Call Early Classic, they will fix you up with everything you need. The pushrod, brackets, etc. all come in the kit. I bet they can even fix you up with the rear system or send you to someone who can.

[neonlarry]

I don't know if the ECE kit has the bracket and bell crank, not shown in their kit picture. I think the only place to get one is probably off a power brake truck (and no they don't come with the booster) also the push rod will need to come off the same truck. As to the willwood master you will have to ask them if it will bolt up to which ever booster you are planning on using.

[GMCBubba]

at brotherstrucks.com it appears that their boosters have the bracket and rods

[fastom]

The Early Classic kit that I have came with everything, brackets, pushrod, nuts, bolts, everything!!! Good people that want to help and not just sell stuff.

[casterbuster]

Yep ECE came with everything it also gives you instructions dealing with push rod. You have to drill a whole one inch higher in the pedal assembly if I remember correctly also you re use the rod to pedal adapter you currently have.

[Scott68-93-97]

I agree ECE is great but Ive been searching the internet lately and have found piecing things together are cheaper, check out kore3.com they have great deals but they do generally deal with c5 corvette brake conversions.
If your going with the wilwood buy the biggest bore possible its better to move more fluid then not move enough expecially when going to disc, even the stock gm stuff is 1" or larger

[Ovidiu]

Allright, I'm gonna give ECE a call, sounds like I'm gonna be getting pretty much everything from them, minus possibly the MC and proportioning valve.

So should I go for the single diaphragm or dual diaphragm booster? Thanks a lot guys!