The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Brake system plans

I am looking at replacing my entire brake system and I would like some suggestions. Here is what I have now.

1951 Chevy 1/2 ton
Front is original.
Rear is a 12 bolt from early Camaro.
Master Cylinder is original.
3 speed on the floor.

I have been looking at an ECI kit for the rear, and Classic Parts 5 lug disc kit for the front, that includes the MC.

I have read that the Master Cylinder will have clearance issues with the 3 speed, what can be done to fix that?

What other kits would you recomend? Also, if I am missing something can you guys help point me in the right direction?

Is it realistic to think I can have this completed by April 12th? I am planning on driving this home from my wedding.

If you don't already have the parts in hand, it's doubtful you can have done it by April 12. It takes a while to ship and some vendors have it shipped from the supplier.

I think most of the vendors sell the CPP kit. I used it in my '54 GMC and had to modify the M/C bracket. Don't know about the 3 speed problem as mine has an automatic.

Stock 15" wheels can't be used with the 6 lug brakes. Don't know about the 5 lug set-up.

Click on my trucks website link for more on the problems I had. Click "54 GMC" then "front suspension".

i have a 12 bolt rear that's 6 lug.
my front is disc and you can not run stock rims w/ disc.
my master is a power master cylinder and i had no problems w/ the bracket after removing the old. i got it all during a Brothers sale. it's probably cpc's ?? not sure. i used 3/16'' lines purchased from any FLAPS w/ double flared ends and a couple of unions & T's. the tubing is easy to bend by hand. i also bought 16'' x 1/4'' dia, stretched to about 30'' long surplus springs to make a Brake line covering. I used a simple rubber electrical wire chassis holder to hold the lines on to the truck frame. http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h298/1951otter/?action=view&current=2748800-R1-045-21.jpg
http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h298/1951otter/?action=view&current=DSC00493_0007.jpg
http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h298/1951otter/?action=view&current=579990-R1-012-4A.jpg
http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h298/1951otter/?action=view&current=579990-R1-016-6A.jpg
the master came w/ a proportioning valve so I have no problems there. I did not pre bench bleed my master, I did it all after I had installed it on the truck w/o issues. just make sure you use flaring wrenches and everything is dead tight. a coke bottle and a clear line to bleed. To make it all work and fit right I measued - fit and then took the lines to a brake shop and for about $15.00 they double flared all the ends I cut to length. I then installed the system in a couple hours and made my final adjustments then finished assy.
A custom fit job.

I'm just throwing something out here to see if anyone has a take on my idea. I have a 3600 with 8 lugs. I would like to upgrade to discs but I ran into a snag. Nobody makes parts for it! It looks like to me that a late model disc (99 and up)should slip right over the hub and it is just a matter of fabricating some brackets for the caliper. The only problem I forsee is with the roller bearings. I don't know how well they will hold up and the only company that makes them is Federal Mogul. There isn't any Timken upgrades like the 1/2 tons have, so OEM is it. There is a rear disc kit out there from Street Rod Manufacturing, but who wants rear discs and front drums?

Do a search, several folks have started on making a kit, or at least providing drawings and part numbers, I have not heard an update lately.

Personally, I would start with the straight front axle form a "step van" with 8 lugs and disc brakes, narrow it and be done.

Grigg

FYI,

The last time I checked, Brothers does not sell the CPP brake kit. It is a different kit. Brother's caliper bracket is welded and CPP's kit is bent. This pertains to the 6 lug kit, but I would think they would get their kits from the same vendor.