The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks 61 C-10 brake conversion

I have a 61 Chevy C-10 with a hot rod 350 engine, it has the orginal drum brakes and I want to convert the front brakes to power disc brakes. I have 2 questions about the conversion. 1 - I found one conversion kit using the exsisting spindles and the others use a 2 1/2" drop spindle - what is the difference in the spindles and which would be the best? 2 - Do I need to change the brake lines or can I use the orginal brake lines?

I've looked into this myself, as I have a 61 also. After some searching, I've found that the spindles will have to be replaced, either stock ride height or drop, depends what you want. I've never heard of a conversion kit for the existing spindles that the drums use. Anyway, Because you are gonna put discs on it, the brake lines will have to be redone...reason being, the original brakes use a one reservoir master cylinder. All four brakes are fed from one brake line. Disc brakes require a dual reservoir master, and a proportioning valve. Kits are available to do this, but are pricey. Because it will now be dual reservoir, you'll have two brake lines...one going to the front brakes, one going to the rear.

I might be attempting the same thing with mine in a while. Good luck with it, let me know if any of what I just told you doesn't make sense!

This is the most extensive thread I've found regarding disc brake options on the 60-66 series trucks. Perhaps some of the information will prove helpful:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=367260

Classic Parts has a disc brake kit that retaine's your stock spindles.

From what my research has shown one is much better off converting to 72 chevy spindles which include heavier bearings. Here are links to the kits I found so far. (I am doing a 66 gmc with 6 bolt rotors. The difference in the kits is that they include everything but the pump mounting bracket. oops went and checked on the 1960 year model at Americanclassics.com go in and look around you will find the kit you need and the options you want. for some reason I could not get a copy of the link to post here so just go to www.americanclassic.com
and search for disc brake conversion kits do not forget to enter the year of your truck. Kieth

www.americanclassic.com/br3511

I FOUND THE COMPLETE 72 FRONT END BOLTS RIGHT IN

I just did the whole Enchilada! Performance online has a great kit. I used the 2andhlf drop. This kit is easy and looks great. It up grades to the newer style bearings and I also went with the power brakes also, stainless brake lines. My c10 looks and stops great. This company is great,I ordered only one front shock, dumb me. They called before shipping to ask if I made a mistake, which of coarse I did. This is a GREAT COMPANY. Brett

I've heard some ugly stories about using the stock spindles..

+1 on using the kits with the later model spindles and bearings.

I bought a blown motor 76 to part out on my 79 then ended up finding the front member almost bolts right into the 64. I was able to scavenger the dual reservoir master with booster, brake lines and proportioning valve!

+1 Performance online, good outfit

ordered some stainless lines for the front when I ordered my six lug disc and was told to use them on the back too since the swell pressure would shift to the rear if not balanced. I'll be getting the rear disc kit from PO soon.

I used the Early Classic Enterprises Kit it is for a 63 c-10 and I used it on my 1962 worked out ok and it comes with all the stuff to convert the brake assembly over. I also put the PB brake unit on it also which cost extra. You can look them up on line. ECE.Com. This kit is DESIGNED for TRUCKS not converted from a car setup.
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Don