Been in search of inexpensive rear disc conversion - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BHyatt · 08-29-2010, 04:06 PM

I have been searching around for the least expensive conversion from rear drum brakes to rear disc brakes that I can find. I found some relatively inexpensive brackets to mount front rotors on the rear from Ebay. I then found them cheaper on Speedway Motors.com. The brackets from Speedway may have sealed the deal for me though when I noticed a bracket for 78-up Metric Calipers. This sent me back to the Junkyard where I found a rear wheel drive 1979 Cadillac Seville with calipers which include built in emergency brakes.

When I went back and removed the calipers I noticed that the factory brackets for these calipers along with the backing plate bolt onto the end of the rear differential. I now believe I will go back and remove the factory bracket and affix it to my rear-end rather than purchase an aftermarket bracket. I need to measure the rotor too see if it can be found with the proper bolt-pattern or just use the ones from the Cadillac and have them re-drilled.

Anyone have any thoughts on this idea?

http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...&ct=clnk&gl=us

**SactoJim** · 08-29-2010, 06:49 PM

I bought the Speedway kit with those brackets, hat, rotors, and the Caddy calipers. 6,000 miles and working great.

**N2TRUX** · 08-29-2010, 06:54 PM

How well does the E-brake work? I have heard that its not that great. I also understand that you have to set the E-brake to adjust the calipers. Any input?

BHyatt · 08-29-2010, 06:56 PM

I have been trying to figure out how the e-brake works myself. I have noticed that a lot of the kits that are available appear to have similar/same calipers. It is sure to work better than having no e-brake at all. I figure for $24 I can figure it out.

**SactoJim** · 08-29-2010, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

How well does the E-brake work? I have heard that its not that great. I also understand that you have to set the E-brake to adjust the calipers. Any input?

You know how most projects are never 100% complete??? Not hooked up yet and I've heard the same about setting the E-brake to adjust for pad wear.....no problems yet. The stock cables are a little too short but I see that CPP sells extenders that may work.

BHyatt · 08-30-2010, 08:32 AM

I pulled the e-brake cable from the Seville when I acquired the calipers.

**Captainfab** · 09-01-2010, 01:01 AM

From what I've read/heard, with those style of e-brake calipers, the e-brake need to be used regularily for them to maintain proper operation.

BHyatt · 09-01-2010, 10:03 PM

Has anyone else used these calipers?

BHyatt · 09-02-2010, 08:10 PM

Had a friend recently have a mechanic replace rotors on the rear of his Jeep Liberty that has drum style e-brake inside the rotor. His Pads just fell out when they pulled the rotor. The mechanic said the e-brake needs to be engaged every couple of months to insure longevity of the entire system.

Darren MagooGardner · 11-12-2012, 11:21 PM

my kit has no ebrake, 78 monte carlo calipers and I think the rotors came off a 84 caprice...no problems in 10 years..havent missed the e-brake...like the stopping power..

08-29-2010, 04:06 PM	#1
BHyatt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New Castle, IN Posts: 199	Been in search of inexpensive rear disc conversion I have been searching around for the least expensive conversion from rear drum brakes to rear disc brakes that I can find. I found some relatively inexpensive brackets to mount front rotors on the rear from Ebay. I then found them cheaper on Speedway Motors.com. The brackets from Speedway may have sealed the deal for me though when I noticed a bracket for 78-up Metric Calipers. This sent me back to the Junkyard where I found a rear wheel drive 1979 Cadillac Seville with calipers which include built in emergency brakes. When I went back and removed the calipers I noticed that the factory brackets for these calipers along with the backing plate bolt onto the end of the rear differential. I now believe I will go back and remove the factory bracket and affix it to my rear-end rather than purchase an aftermarket bracket. I need to measure the rotor too see if it can be found with the proper bolt-pattern or just use the ones from the Cadillac and have them re-drilled. Anyone have any thoughts on this idea? http://webcache.googleusercontent.co...&ct=clnk&gl=us Last edited by BHyatt; 08-29-2010 at 04:07 PM. Reason: Left out information

08-29-2010, 06:49 PM	#2
SactoJim Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 1,970	Re: Been in search of inexpensive rear disc conversion I bought the Speedway kit with those brackets, hat, rotors, and the Caddy calipers. 6,000 miles and working great. __________________ 72 Cheyenne SWB Fleet Nut & bolt frame off in progress...99.9999% - supercharged 383 - 4 wheel discs - relocated fuel tank - My Build Thread

08-29-2010, 06:54 PM	#3
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: Been in search of inexpensive rear disc conversion How well does the E-brake work? I have heard that its not that great. I also understand that you have to set the E-brake to adjust the calipers. Any input? __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

08-29-2010, 06:56 PM	#4
BHyatt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New Castle, IN Posts: 199	Re: Been in search of inexpensive rear disc conversion I have been trying to figure out how the e-brake works myself. I have noticed that a lot of the kits that are available appear to have similar/same calipers. It is sure to work better than having no e-brake at all. I figure for $24 I can figure it out. Last edited by BHyatt; 08-29-2010 at 06:57 PM.

08-30-2010, 08:32 AM	#6
BHyatt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New Castle, IN Posts: 199	Re: Been in search of inexpensive rear disc conversion I pulled the e-brake cable from the Seville when I acquired the calipers.

09-01-2010, 01:01 AM	#7
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,250	Re: Been in search of inexpensive rear disc conversion From what I've read/heard, with those style of e-brake calipers, the e-brake need to be used regularily for them to maintain proper operation. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

09-01-2010, 10:03 PM	#8
BHyatt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New Castle, IN Posts: 199	Re: Been in search of inexpensive rear disc conversion Has anyone else used these calipers?

09-02-2010, 08:10 PM	#9
BHyatt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New Castle, IN Posts: 199	Re: Been in search of inexpensive rear disc conversion Had a friend recently have a mechanic replace rotors on the rear of his Jeep Liberty that has drum style e-brake inside the rotor. His Pads just fell out when they pulled the rotor. The mechanic said the e-brake needs to be engaged every couple of months to insure longevity of the entire system.

11-12-2012, 11:21 PM	#10
Darren MagooGardner Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: minden la Posts: 704	Re: Been in search of inexpensive rear disc conversion my kit has no ebrake, 78 monte carlo calipers and I think the rotors came off a 84 caprice...no problems in 10 years..havent missed the e-brake...like the stopping power..



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