Getting the 68 on the road

[rnemtp3]

Hey guys, I need some help getting my 68 SWB SideStep 307/th350 4:11 rears on the road. The truck has been in the family for the past 25 years. Most recently it had been used as a work truck for my dad but has sit for the past 4 years. We are getting it back on the road. My problem right now is the brakes.
It has 4 wheel manual drums. I do plan at some point going with front disc but for now drums will have to do. I feel good replacing the wheel cylinders, springs, etc but my problem is the lines and hoses. They have leaks everywhere and the master doesn't look good either.

So here are my questions. 1. When ordering brake lines can I go ahead and get lines for power brakes now and use a new manual master? what is the difference in the manual lines and power lines anyway? 2. If I get a booster and a new master cylinder now with the drums, can I use them later for the disc. I know that I will have to add the prop valve. 3. Does the hose size matter in relation to the line size?

Thanks guys. I am sure that I will have many more questions before its over, as this is just the beginning.

[oldblue1968chevy]

going to power brakes you shouldnt have to change the line size just add the booster/rod adj. brakelight switch, and add gromit in the firewall.

go discs lol its awesome. when you go from drum to disc you gotta have a disc brake mc

just forget the drums go to disc lol

oh and welcome this place is AWESOME

[DKN]

I recommend doing the disc set up now. The work and money required to rebuild the drums will be near the same as converting to disc brakes. besides, I have seen many simple rebuilds become bigger as more and more parts need to be replaced because of unseen rot and corrosion. If you see leaks now, you will probably see more later once the sytem begins to hold more pressure.

The CPP master cylinder will work with 4 wheel disc, 2 disc, or 4 wheel drum. The primary difference is the size of the reservoir, disc requires more brake fluid. Our conversion kits include hard lines, rubber hoses, master cylinder, proportioning valve, parking brake cables, pads, calipers, rotors, etc.

Sincerely, Danny Nix
CPP

[raycow]

If discs are definitely in your plans for the future, don't spend any more money on the drums than you absolutely have to. Keep your hard lines unless they are physically damaged. Replace the hoses. Replace or repair anything that is leaking. If you need a MC get a disc type. It will work with drums, whereas a drum MC cannot be used with discs.

Ray

[rnemtp3]

Thanks guys for the replys. I have been looking at the Grand Slam from CPP but don't have the cash now. The truck is really a mess and I will pretty much be replacing everything before its over but that will be a long process. But getting the time working on it with my dad will be worth the effort. The hard lines are leaking so I know I need those, along with the rubber lines. The master and distribution block looks bad so it probably is. I was hoping to be able to do the booster, master, hard line and hoses that will work with the disc but will fix the drums till I can get the stuff for the conversion. Wishful thinking I guess. The wheel are 6 lug by the way.