I upgraded my '51 to power disks from CPP (which is the place that supplies this conversion just about every vendor) using the same logic you are... the little bit of extra money to do the upgrade compared to the cost of a complete overhaul seemed like a no-brainer. Then reality settled in. Here is the contents of the letter I sent to CPP with no response.
"My mechanic recently completed the installation of your Disk Brake Conversion #4759DBK-6 on my 1951 Chevrolet 1/2 ton pick up. I am writing with a couple suggestions to improve your instruction sheet, and to complain about the problems we encountered with some parts.
I would suggest that you make the following two revisions to your instructions:
1. Indicate the correct position of the offset of the Caliper Mounting Bracket. The instructions make no mention of this and if you guess wrong you have to remove the hub to correct the problem.
2. You should mention that the Steering Link spacers should be removed. There is no mention of this and again, if you do not do this you must remove the hub to correct the problem.
The following is a list of problems we experienced with the parts:
1. The aluminum spacer holes did not align with the hub from the front brakes causing misalignment and runout in the front wheels. A larger hole should be considered.
2. The brake actuator rod on the Power Brake Booster #4754BB is too long. I must be cut and rethreaded to fit.
3. The Master Cylinder bracket is not correct for this vehicle. It hits the cross member and must be modified to mount securely.
4. Both the master cylinder and proportioning valve leaked around the plugs that were already installed.
5. Both rotors were warped and had to be turned. You should suggest to turn the rotor assembly after it is assembled to allow for smooth braking.
I feel that the omissions in the Instructions, although frustrating, do not affect the quality of the conversion. However the defects in the master cylinder, proportioning valve and rotors, as well as the other problems encountered do not speak very highly of the quality of this kit or your quality control standards.
Furthermore these defects added almost $200 to the cost of installation by a 26 year Master ASE Certified Technician with 33 years race car and street rod building experience.
Once installed the braking is dramatically improved but the problems one can expect to encounter would not make your products something that I would recommend.
Hopefully your customer service will redeem you and therefore your comments are anticipated."
I never received the courtesy of a response. If I had I would post it here.
So yes, you will get dramatically improved braking but this is not a "bolts on in a couple hours" conversion.
One more thing... if you have stock 15-inch wheels they won't clear the calipers and you'll have to buy different wheels. Some 16-inch wheels clear with slight modification. Of the five vendors I considered when buying the $700 kit NOT ONE mentions this in their catalog.
I agree with ghoastrider, unless you are building a daily driver the disks are more trouble than they are worth. Mine IS a daily driver and I feel confident driving it with the disks and recently I had to get on them hard and was glad they were there.
I want to EMPHASIZE that the results are dramatic but the installation is full of pitfalls that CPP fails to either correct or acknowledge.
Last edited by Czechman; 02/15/2008 2:25 PM.
