The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop 49 Chevy Disc Brakes

I would like to install disc brakes on the stock front axle of a 49 Chevy 1/2 ton.I did this once before but used a 5 lug kit,a whole different due to the smaller rotor. I want to retain the 6 lug wheels and there are several kits offered from vendors.All the 6 lug kits have a disclaimer about stock wheels may not fit.I assume this means they will not fit.
This truck has stock 16x5 wheels from a later chevy truck.The wheels have the hubcap nubs on the outside of the raised area around the lug nuts.The wheel centers are rivited to the rims,not welded.I would say these rims are maybe early 1960's.
Does any one have actual experience installing a 6 lug kit? The Vendors aren't really any help other than to say stock wheels might hit the caliper.Thanks

This guys disc set up allows stock wheels to fit. Phone only,no internet.
Buffalo Enterprises
25625 Dahl Road
Arlington, WA 98223
360-652-7684

Very long time Inliners member and stands behind his work. No junk.

I installed The 6 lug P.O.L. kit on my 50. Calipers did not clear later 15 inch wheels I had on the truck at the time.

here is a thread discussing 16 inch stock wheels
https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthread...;Main=95965&Number=672507#Post672507

That Buffalo Enterprise tip may be a good way to go.

Good Luck

My truck has 16 inch wheels and the profile that is supposed to fit better.
I'll give Buffalo a call. Thanks

I am going through this process as we speak with my 52. My kit is from P.O.L. I have 16" wheels. I'm frustrated with it but this is my first conversion so it may just be ignorance.. The plus side, the 6 lug kit I got came with new hubs. I though that was a big plus.

I guess this is an old thread but I find myself in the market for front disc brakes on my 49 truck too. I called Buffalo and talked with the guy. He said he does NOT have a kit that will fit OEM 16-6 lug wheels...and that no one does. He advised me to buy five lug wheels (likely from wheel smiths) and then call him back. He did say that just about anyone will provide what's needed for that. Newer wheels are made to be used with disc brakes...the old ones were not.

And so the wallet drain goes on and on.... LOL..

Did you follow the thread above discussing 16 inch wheels and disc kits?
https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthread...;Main=95965&Number=672507#Post672507

One of the members gave info on the P.O.L. Kit and the CPP kit, he was able to use the original 16 inch wheel with minor modification.




If your going with new wheels and want 15 inch or 16inch you can order them custom back spaced clear the kits and keep the 6 lug pattern to match the rear.

Thanks Dads, I have not explored all options yet but did follow the post you mentioned. I don't really wanna go with 15's although there is a temptation. I just wanna get some 16's that look original but made for discs. I'll go from there. Don't wanna have to grind anything. At this point there just seems to be too many experts or "have dones" and I just dunno who's advice to follow. Seems to me that using a wheel that's made for discs but looks OEM is the way to go...nothing fancy...just powder coated black..

BTW, I watched your video the other day... grabbed me Good on ya'.

Thanks for your comments


Yes. There is alot of info out there. Take your time and make the best informed decision you can.

I went with the P.O.L. Front disc kit, Manual master cylinder,fully knowing I was going to need wheels.

I went with 15 o.e. wheels from one of the wheel companies

I have some pics in these folders
...click....
...click...

Good luck

Why did you go to 15" wheels ? I need new tires and I'm considering going to 15's. where did you get the wheels? I would have thought that newer wheels made for disc brakes would not need spacers ? I'm new at all this so just learning

Just personal preference.

I purchased the wheels from Stockton Wheel.

They were suppose to be custom backspaced to clear the kit.
Stockton Wheels was run by crooks and thieves. They made an error on my order and refused to fix their mistake.
I wouldn't let Stockton Wheel change the air in my tires. Others have had no issues with them.
Other wheel companies offer the same service.

That is the reason I need spacers on the front.

Dads50 in one of the pictures it looked like you used a longer studs on front due to having to use spacers. Was it an illusion or can you tell me where you found longer studs. Thanks

Used longer studs on my 50 fronts because I had to use 1/4 spacers.

had to go up to 1/2 to get the proper length.

lug pic

lug pic 2

Took an old one to my CARQUEST parts guy and he found a 1/2 that worked. With the proper knurled shoulder.

This kit (www.classicperform.com/Store/1947_59_Trucks/4754CBK5.htm) from CPP says this about their kit:

"Our 5-lug disc brake kit not only upgrades your brakes, but swaps the factory 6-lug pattern to the common GM 5 on 4-3/4" bolt pattern. The kit is complete, bolts onto the stock spindle, and does not use stock hubs. This is our most popular upgrade for 1947-59 trucks. Includes 1" thick 11" diameter rotors, tapered roller bearings, hoses, master cylinder, booster, and proportioning
valve. 1947-50 trucks may need to drill out lower spindle hole from 7/16" to 1/2". Note: Both factory 6-lug and our 5-lug kit have 7/16" dia studs. Frame mount brake boosters may require #CP9424 transmission mount."

But the picture shows no hub replacement. Anyone use this kit or know if it really has a hub replacement. I do plan to buy OEM style wheels made for disc brakes from Wheel Smiths. I don't wanna have to do any grinding or mods to the wheel or calipers.

This kit, on the other hand uses your stock hubs but appears to use spacers so I expect the lugs will have to be replaced like Dads50 did.

www.classicperform.com/Store/1947_59_Trucks/4954CBK6.htm

My need for a longer stud was due to the use of a wheel spacer. Not the disc kit.

Both those kits you linked include the studs needed.

Both the kits might require you to relocate/replace the crossmember to clear the booster.

Looks the me like the hub is incorporated with the rotor on the 5 lug kit. But I'm not sure, hard to tell from the pics?


What are your plans for the rear?

Thanks Dads, I emailed them but dunno if anyone there will be all that knowledgable about it. A lot of these online parts places don't know specifics. I just don't wanna but the wrong thing and create more work and expense...

I don't have plans yet for the rear except radial tires. I may do them later but right now I'm trying to get it more drivable and safe on the least expense, and the radials with cost a grand or so. There are other things that need to be done too. Windows, e-brake repair, radio antenna and more.

Just looked at that five lug kit again and I see that the hubs are part of the rotors...or so it seems...

I did the CPP kit a long time ago. The first kit you posted (less the booster.) If I remember correctly, it is based on a late 70's Camaro set up ( or something similar.) They are one piece / hub type rotors that come with a a collar that fits on to your original spindle. That collar allows for a tapered bearing to be used on your spindle. You can see the collars in the picture. I pretty much ran that kit on my '49 without a booster until I clipped the front end with a Camaro clip. 10-15 years ago? I've never had a problem with CPP and they seem to have knowledgeable folks there. My most recent purchase from them was a firewall mount booster / master for my '52 'Burb. No issues so far.

Hey, thanks for that. Were the brakes OK w/o the booster ? I think I'll get the booster but may have to get a bracket to mount it. I'll be getting OEM style wheels so it should clear. I feel good enough about that kit to go ahead and order it given the replies I've gotten.

Dogface
You need to load more pics in your folder
Nice truck

OK then, Dad, I'll get on it...;)

Only had a few more...will have to take some tomorrow and post. Thanks for the compliments I live in a small town just north of Sac. Lot of classic American iron here but it seems I get heads turning as I drive thru town already. Twice a year there are HUGE car shows with some of the most gorgeous cars of the 50's I've ever seen.

Thanks

By the way.
I went with the manual master cylinder on my 50
Works fine for me.

The power set up is better and preferred/ recommended by most
I've never driven one of the AD's with the power set up so can't say one way or the other

I keep the 6 lug set up front and rear on my truck. I can rotate my wheels and only need one spare. Not sure if your upgrading your rear or keeping it stock 6 lug.

The guy who's gonna do much of my work ( I am NOT a wrench) said that power is the way to go so I will. I'll stay with six lug. I'm having a hard time with the size/height of the steering wheel and would love a smaller one with tilt column but that's getting away from the old/classic look and feel. I'll give it time...

Where in Nevada are you. I go to the Reno area fairly often. I'm in Grass Valley about 30 miles north of Auburn

I'm in So Nevada, south of las Vegas


I would suggest just driving that beauty for a while. It may just grow on you quickly.
The steering wheel is the perfect size w/o power steering.

Maybe I'll just have to myself a fancy pilla' to sit on then...LOL

It's been so long since I've owned that truck that I don't remember. I don't remember having any problems. Must've been okay.

If I do buy new wheels as I think I need to, what backspacing will I need to ask for. I'll be using this set:

http://www.classicperform.com/Store/1947_59_Trucks/4954CBK6.htm