The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks brake conversion for a novice

I have a 65c10 swb with drum brakes.I have the cab and bed off.I don't know a lot about brakes.Do I switch over to disc brakes just on the front,or both?or just fix what I have?Money isn't a concern,so any advice would be welcome.Also is buying a conversion kit something I could do myself?

Simplest / least expensive - stay with the drum brakes.
Better is to switch front over to Disc's. Quite a few conversion kits around for this. Need to make sure your Master Cylinder is right one for disc brakes. Adding disc's to rear is much more involved, expensive, and not really warranted unless you are building a show vehicle or extreme power. I'd speak with a custom brake shop about your options if you are not sure.

Are you swapping for a higher power motor? If not then you don't need disc brakes.

This is the most comprehensive thread I'm aware of regarding various options for front disc brake conversions:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=443871

There are also commercial kits available depending on budget and desired wheel bolt pattern.

I have a 400hp which came with the truck.I felt a little uncomfortable driving it home.I Would feel better knowing I'm going to stop.

I'm with you, 65Chevyc10. I just don't feel comfortable driving wondering if I could stop or not. It feels like it takes forever to slow the truck down. I'm not worried about normal driving, because I look ahead a good distance anyway. It's the unexpected things, like a kid chasing a ball, or a bull elk that worry me. :-)

I'm glad you posted this. Maybe I can get options for my truck as well. Thanks!

Markeb, thanks for the link. Great info!

I wish I could help you with your Elk problem.Love hunting those buggers!Hunt with mostly sticks and strings.What area of the country are you?

I'm out in Utah, and the critters are moving back into the high country. In the evening we can watch 'em on the hillside above our house. Nice... :-)

What comes first to mind is fly-fishing. Is that the case?

I've hunted around Price three times in the past.Close to you?

sent you a PM

I have a 425 hp 350 in my 65 GMC and disc brakes is the best thing I ever added along with power stearing. I only added the disc brakes to the front & that is plenty stopping power.If you have any Questions I would be glad to help.

Thanks Hans.I ordered my conversion kit this morning along with the rear drum parts.Where did you get the power steering unit from?Was it hard to do?