C20 brake conversion question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BigDwa · 10-17-2018, 08:17 AM

Howdy, first time working on a disc brake conversion and I have been reading through many of the threads.

I have a 1969 Chevy C20.

I am leaning towards the Performance Online C20 8 lug disc conversion kit. I want to use the 2 1/2 drop spindles when I make the disc conversion.
However, there is a note that I am having a hard time understanding. The note is: Note: May not work with factory 15" drum brake wheels. Moves wheels out .75", 3/4" on each side

I do have 15" wheels on the truck currently. Don't believe they are stock rims as they are not steel rims but aluminum. Would prefer not to replace rims at this time if possible. What do I need to check? Anyone else used this kit before and if so did you run into anything unexpected?

Link to the Performance Online disc conversion Kit: https://www.performanceonline.com/19...-8-Lug-Deluxe/

Thanks in advance.. David A.

whitedog76 · 10-17-2018, 10:28 AM

15" aluminum 8 lugs? Don't believe I've ever seen a set.

Anyway, The problem with some of the kits mainly has to do with steel rims. Factory steel rims have a drop down where the center is welded to it. Alot of times the caliper will hit the drop down. If your aluminum rims don't have the drop down, you should be fine.

BigDwa · 10-17-2018, 11:10 AM

My mistake, they are 16" rims... Not sure why I had 15" stuck in my head.

Thanks for the reply.

SCOTI · 10-18-2018, 10:03 AM

Factory drum brake wheels typically won't clear the disc brake calipers.

The 16" aluminum wheels mentioned are (most likely) aftermarket so I would bet they were built for a disc brake application.

tdangle · 01-23-2019, 07:45 PM

Did you end up using this kit? If so how did it work out? I'm looking at the same thing for my C20

BigDwa · 01-24-2019, 11:09 AM

I did end up purchasing the kit over the holidays when they had their sale going on. With the holidays and getting back into the new year, have not had an opportunity to install the kit. The kit looks good.

tdangle · 01-25-2019, 01:03 PM

I did some quick rough math on buying all the parts included in their "kit" and it doesn't really look like it is overpriced. And when you factor in the headache factor it may be a bargain. Originally I was looking at picking up spindles and such from the junk yard (assuming I could find them) and then using all new brake components. This kit looks like the way to go. Keep us informed as to how everything works out.

BigDwa · 01-25-2019, 01:09 PM

Good luck finding used spindle unless someone on the forum has them. I am in the DFW metroplex and spent a good portion of a day calling around trying to find used spindles from a pick a part place... I looked for 71-72 spindles as well as 73-87 with no luck...

This is all new to me but seems like the junkyards keep certain years of cars and then it is not profitable to keep older cars.

I would agree, I went through the process of adding up the piece parts to see if I could save a few dollars here and there, but in the long run its all in the kit and for a good price. Of course, I saved more with their holiday sale.

10-17-2018, 08:17 AM	#1
BigDwa Registered User Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Plano, Texas Posts: 15	C20 brake conversion question Howdy, first time working on a disc brake conversion and I have been reading through many of the threads. I have a 1969 Chevy C20. I am leaning towards the Performance Online C20 8 lug disc conversion kit. I want to use the 2 1/2 drop spindles when I make the disc conversion. However, there is a note that I am having a hard time understanding. The note is: Note: May not work with factory 15" drum brake wheels. Moves wheels out .75", 3/4" on each side I do have 15" wheels on the truck currently. Don't believe they are stock rims as they are not steel rims but aluminum. Would prefer not to replace rims at this time if possible. What do I need to check? Anyone else used this kit before and if so did you run into anything unexpected? Link to the Performance Online disc conversion Kit: https://www.performanceonline.com/19...-8-Lug-Deluxe/ Thanks in advance.. David A. Last edited by BigDwa; 10-17-2018 at 08:18 AM. Reason: added additional information.

10-17-2018, 10:28 AM	#2
whitedog76 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Peoria, IL Posts: 1,450	Re: C20 brake conversion question 15" aluminum 8 lugs? Don't believe I've ever seen a set. Anyway, The problem with some of the kits mainly has to do with steel rims. Factory steel rims have a drop down where the center is welded to it. Alot of times the caliper will hit the drop down. If your aluminum rims don't have the drop down, you should be fine.

10-17-2018, 11:10 AM	#3
BigDwa Registered User Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Plano, Texas Posts: 15	Re: C20 brake conversion question My mistake, they are 16" rims... Not sure why I had 15" stuck in my head. Thanks for the reply.

10-18-2018, 10:03 AM	#4
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,068	Re: C20 brake conversion question Factory drum brake wheels typically won't clear the disc brake calipers. The 16" aluminum wheels mentioned are (most likely) aftermarket so I would bet they were built for a disc brake application. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

01-23-2019, 07:45 PM	#5
tdangle Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Jurupa Valley, Ca Posts: 1,210	Re: C20 brake conversion question Did you end up using this kit? If so how did it work out? I'm looking at the same thing for my C20 __________________ Terry 1970 Custom Camper/C20 , GM Crate 350/7004R, Dana 60, factory AC

01-24-2019, 11:09 AM	#6
BigDwa Registered User Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Plano, Texas Posts: 15	Re: C20 brake conversion question I did end up purchasing the kit over the holidays when they had their sale going on. With the holidays and getting back into the new year, have not had an opportunity to install the kit. The kit looks good.

01-25-2019, 01:03 PM	#7
tdangle Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Jurupa Valley, Ca Posts: 1,210	Re: C20 brake conversion question I did some quick rough math on buying all the parts included in their "kit" and it doesn't really look like it is overpriced. And when you factor in the headache factor it may be a bargain. Originally I was looking at picking up spindles and such from the junk yard (assuming I could find them) and then using all new brake components. This kit looks like the way to go. Keep us informed as to how everything works out. __________________ Terry 1970 Custom Camper/C20 , GM Crate 350/7004R, Dana 60, factory AC

01-25-2019, 01:09 PM	#8
BigDwa Registered User Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Plano, Texas Posts: 15	Re: C20 brake conversion question Good luck finding used spindle unless someone on the forum has them. I am in the DFW metroplex and spent a good portion of a day calling around trying to find used spindles from a pick a part place... I looked for 71-72 spindles as well as 73-87 with no luck... This is all new to me but seems like the junkyards keep certain years of cars and then it is not profitable to keep older cars. I would agree, I went through the process of adding up the piece parts to see if I could save a few dollars here and there, but in the long run its all in the kit and for a good price. Of course, I saved more with their holiday sale.



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