The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Disk brakes???

I have a 1938 3/4 ton Chevy, with a straight axle and drum brakes.
Can anybody advice be on converting to front disk brakes, short of using a Ford IFS system. The issue I am finding with conversion kits being offered are with 5 lug rotors. I need 6 lug.

Hello, I've been searching for basicly the same thing, I've got a 1951 3600, pretty much the same but a little newer, the only one I've even see reply to any of my inquiries was an out fit named Scarebird. they had said they were considering producing kits for the 3/4 ton eight lug hubs, I think he's testing the waters so to speak to see how many of us out there are interested.

Hi Guys, welcome to the Stovebolt.

I have recently done exactly what you are wanting to do. I have a '38 1 ton with 6 lug hubs.

I changed my front axle to a '51 because of the bigger kingpins, but it will still work with the original. I used my original hubs.
Calipers are from a late 70's early 80's Chevy C10 and the rotors are from the same years K10.

Remove the studs from your hubs, turn the backside of the hubs so the rotors will run true. The rotors mount to the back of the hubs. Install longer studs.

I fabbed up a bracket out of plywood to get the proper shape and fitment. Then I had them made out of 5/8 plate steel.

I used a 1/8 inch thick washer between the hubs and spindle to make clearance for the brake pads. some kits have an offset in their brackets for this.

I bought a non power master cylinder with a 1 inch bore and made a bracket to mount it under the body to the chassis.

It will require residual valves for the lines due to the master cylinder being so low in reference to the brake cylinders.

Don't forget to change the hub bearings to the roller type.

Check out my progress photos on page 5 and 6.

I will be away from my computer for the next 10 days. Do a search and you will find more info.

I was searching on the web yesterday evening, found America Classic Truck and called them. They have a 6 lug conversion kit, complete with 6 lug rotors, calipers, pads, bearings, hoses and brackets for 47 through 59 Chevy trucks. The sales rep told me he wasn't sure about the mounting brackets, working on my 38.
I figure for $395.00, I can fabricate mounting brackets if I have to. After all that is half the enjoyment of projects like this. I mean if I can fab in a Vega box for steering, I should be able to fab up a bracket.
Will let you know how it works out.

Thanks
Gearheadcharlie

Please explain what you mean about turning the back of the hubs?

Enjoyed your photo album on the 38. I can honestly say that my right door bottom and both front fenders were in about the same condition. But I think you had more of a project than I did with mine.
Looking good though.
Gearheadcharlie

No kits out there, but there is a good idea of what you need in the tons o fun forum for a 1 ton dually he gives part numbers.
I'm in the process of doing it to my 51 3600, the rotors he used will fit, I couldn't find a lug stud that would work so just taped the hub to 9/16 18 and will use grade 8 bolts with bushings.
The rotors bolt on the back side of the hub the wheel is on the front side.
The 3/4 ton and 1 ton single wheel are very similar front ends.

...you turn the back of the hub to "true it up" as it and the rotor bolt together. You want to be sure the mating side of the hub is "true" so the rotor want wobble. The guys who turn rotors should be able to skim the back side of the hub to make sure its true.

What about the backing plates? Stay or go?

Took mine off

K. Thanks