Front disk conversion on a '69

[stealthy '69]

I know this is probably an easy one. But I can't afford to just by a kit so I'm buying it piece by piece(and mostly from board members). So my question is, what is the correct stuff to buy that will be a basic bolt on set-up? For example, can I just buy all 71 or 72 disk components and bolt them on? Such as, tierod ends, ball joints, calipers, rotors(if I go 5 lug), and so on. Like I said probably an easy one to answer but I figured a stupid question is the one not asked, right? Thanks in advance.

[lolife99]

Matt,...
Save yourself some grief and buy drop spindles made for your '69. This will allow you to use your existing tie rods and ball joints. (saves on mixing and matching tie rods)
Then,... you can bolt on 71-72 rotors and calipers or use the cheaper 1-1/4" wide 73-87 rotor and calipers.
In my mind,... the only stuff you want to re-use is the dust shields and grease cap. The rotors and calipers really need to be new.
If you want to use a standard spindle (not a dropped spindle), then you will have to start replacing ball joints. (67-70 ball joints and tie rods won't work with disc spindles)
If you are replacing everything,... that's a different story.

[stealthy '69]

I'm going to be replacing all the tie rods and ball joints anyway, they are all pretty much shot. I am also in the process of getting stock spindles from Big Al's truck. So I assume I should get all stock 71 (that is what year the spindles are off of) replacement parts. Does that sound correct? I would've gone with drop spindles but I already have 3" springs lined up for the front and I think with drop spindles it would be lower than I would like for a DD. As far as mixing tie rods, Would be able to find a center steering link from a 71-72 so I wouldn't be mixing, or are those different also? Sorry I'm probably asking obvious questions but this is the first 67-72 I've owned and I just wanna do it right. And I do know that this is the best place to ask.

[lolife99]

Yep,... get the centerlink for a 71-72 because they are different. (No new ones available,... so you'll have to find a used one.)
Then use all new ball joints, inner and outer tie rods for the 71-72 trucks.
Rotor and calipers will be cheaper to buy for a '73 application. You can price the 71-72 stuff, but they are always alot higher around here.

[stealthy '69]

Man, you gotta love when you ask a question And get a definite answer. Yet another reason I love this place. You know Keith when all's said and done I'll have to drive this thing down to your place again and show i off, not that it can compare to any of the sweet ride that you have. At least that is what my wife said, she was very partial to that little red '67 your hiding, you know the one. Anyway I'll be sure to bookmark this page at home, work, and the lap top to refer back to when it comes time to buy. Thanks again.

[lolife99]

Come on down.
Also,... you'll need a new Master cylinder. POL (Performance OnLine) has a sweet new "aluminum" set up. No more painting your rusty M/C!
It's $179.99 with the aluminum porportion valve. (The stock cast iron/brass combo is only $139.99) I think the $40 extra is worth it.
Look here:
http://www.performanceonline.com/sto...at=1085&page=2.

[SCOTI]

If parts are scarce for the 71-72's in your area, consider using the 73-80 models. When you're swapping everything as a group, these are a viable alternative to the budget guys.

As Keith mentioned, if only swapping certain parts, sometimes it's easier to stay within the OE year group.

[wancosc356]

http://www.performanceonline.com/sto...at=1183&page=4

This might help ya!

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

If parts are scarce for the 71-72's in your area, consider using the 73-80 models. When you're swapping everything as a group, these are a viable alternative to the budget guys.

As Keith mentioned, if only swapping certain parts, sometimes it's easier to stay within the OE year group.

I am with SCOTI on this one.
I try to promote the 73-up parts for a cheaper alternative. I ususally say my truck is a '73 when buying parts locally. This keeps you away from the metric calipers that were mixed in in the early 80's.
Also keeps you out of the thin (1") rotor models,... especially you 6-lug disc brake guys. (the 6-lug rotors are only available in the 1-1/4" wide version)

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by wancosc356

http://www.performanceonline.com/sto...at=1183&page=4

This might help ya!

Wanosc356,... this is a great new part!
Just remember it uses the Chevelle rotor which are the 5x4.75 bolt pattern.
Either way it's still a great option for the 63-70 guys.

[wancosc356]

I thought so! I didnt read too much about it. Just saw it and thought I would add to the thread.

[stealthy '69]

great info guys, thanks. I think I'll definitely go with the aluminum m/s and prop. Do the 73-80 parts fit with 71 spindles? That would definitely be a good way to go.

[lolife99]

Yes. Buy '73 spindles and rotors. They are cheaper. Do you have dust shields?
Matt,... just keep in mind ALL the shipping costs in buying a piece here and a piece there.
You might be cheaper in the long run to order a "kit" from one place like 72BlckButy did.
Also look at what POL has to offer.
I've had good luck with them.

[stealthy '69]

I don't actually have anything in hand yet. No spindles or dust shields but I'm committed to buying big_al_71's spindles. That is why I was wondering if 73-80 parts fit 71 spindles. Shipping won't be too big of a deal because I'll buy everything I can new from the parts store. Like tie rods, calipers, ect. And the things I can't get new I'll try to get from other members. So if I understand you correct I should run the 73 spindles and other stuff, right? Sorry I'm easily confused.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by stealthy '69

I don't actually have anything in hand yet. No spindles or dust shields but I'm committed to buying big_al_71's spindles. That is why I was wondering if 73-80 parts fit 71 spindles. Shipping won't be too big of a deal because I'll buy everything I can new from the parts store. Like tie rods, calipers, ect. And the things I can't get new I'll try to get from other members. So if I understand you correct I should run the 73 spindles and other stuff, right? Sorry I'm easily confused.

It's sometimes easier to find the 73-80 parts vs. 71-72 in wrecking yards. The 73-80 parts are typically also a little cheaper over the counter (BJ's, tie-rods, calipers....).

Going w/either will work. Just keep the parts exchange consistent (purchase 71-72 stuff or 73-80 stuff depending on the year of your spindle) to minimize confusion. Does this help or confuse you more?

[stealthy '69]

That helps a lot. I just didn't know if I could run 73 calipers on 71 spindles. But I see your point on running the same year stuff as the spindles. If I get this confused just typing about it, how bad will I be at the parts store later. "uuum I think I put X year spindles and Y year calipers and a combo of X and Y others" I think I'll stick with all 71-72 even though they are a little more. That way I'll know what I put on there 5 or 10 years later. You guys all KICK A$$, You all get rep points for being so damn smart.

[lolife99]

Matt,...
My '69 now has '71-'72 drop spindles on it. (I had them,... so I used them)
I used ECE 6 lug rotor and '73 calipers. They bolt right on.
When I switch it over to 5-lug (like had originally planned), I will buy '73 rotors also. If you are curious,... price them both. You'll be surprised how much cheaper the '73 stuff is. It's like the 71-72 stuff is "gold" because it was only made in two production years. The same goes for rubber brake hoses.

And,... your spindles from Big al will be just fine.

[69Rob]

ok i am in the process of doing this conversion now i was told that 73-87 parts will work i took every thing off the 81 and purchased new 6 lug rotors and now i got to get new calipers for the 1 1/4 but honestly if i was to do this again i would just save and buy a kit it is kinda a pain to have to do all this piece and try and make it work maybe it was just me but i spent just as much as i would have on a kit with every thing new

[michael bustamante]

also dont forget brake lines! the existing lines wont work with the front disk set up, 71-72 lines is what youll need

[72BlckButy]

Originally Posted by michael bustamante

also dont forget brake lines! the existing lines wont work with the front disk set up, 71-72 lines is what youll need

x2

[lolife99]

ECE also sells a "conversion" rubber brake hose for the 63-70 guys doing this disc brake swap.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 69Rob

ok i am in the process of doing this conversion now i was told that 73-87 parts will work i took every thing off the 81 and purchased new 6 lug rotors and now i got to get new calipers for the 1 1/4 but honestly if i was to do this again i would just save and buy a kit it is kinda a pain to have to do all this piece and try and make it work maybe it was just me but i spent just as much as i would have on a kit with every thing new

Some kits can offer benefits vs. DIY'ing the conversion. For me, DIY it was more cost effective because I could get lifetime warranty @ my local parts place & get stuff swapped out in hours if necessary vs. having to work w/someone over the phone in another state.

For the record.... after 5yrs the master needed to be swapped in my 68. I did the same brake reconditioning for my 74 when I purchased it & have replaced both the master & the pwr booster.