|
By Frank from Texas - 11 Years Ago
|
|
I have a 56 Mercury Montclair that I want to convert the front drum brakes to disc.
The brakes are now just regular hydraulic with no power assist.
Can anyone give me some direction on where to purchase a complete disc brake kit for the 56 Merc?
|
|
By Lou - 11 Years Ago
|
|
You will devalue the car, spend a lot of money and time doing something you could do by going to hard linings and a bower booster for 1/10 of the expense.
|
|
By miker - 11 Years Ago
|
I haven't used these guys, but they are generally well spoken of. I'd ask about the wheel clearance. Some people don't like grinding calipers, although I have not had a problem doing it sparingly. Or using small spacers, if the lugs thread fully.
I'm sure there are others out there.
https://scarebird.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=65&product_id=91
|
|
By dbird - 11 Years Ago
|
I have Scarebird brakes on my 55 Bird. The first adapters they sent me were wrong. They took them back readily enough, but I already had the calipers for the first set, and had thrown away the boxes. So I still have the calipers and I'm out the return shipping. Might also mention the adapters needed just a touch with the grinder for the calipers to slide correctly. If anybody needs calipers for a Scrub Selebrity let me know.
The replacements came quickly and went on with only a minor hitch. The nut ran out of threads needing an extra washer to adjust the bearings correctly.
Would I buy another set? That's a big maybe. It still bothers me to be using C10 calipers, I worry about the Loctite holding the bearing spacer, and I'm not crazy about the way the dust cap fits. However, every thing works, with the right combination of new and used parts it was reasonably priced, and I like the way it sets with stock spindles and Aerostar springs.
I've driven a few thousand miles with no problems, so I guess that's a recommendation. |
|
By 55texasbird - 11 Years Ago
|
|
Bought a kit from Mac's parts, bolted right up, had them on for a couple of years. I now can drive straight through lights without having to worry about a light change or an idiot changing lanes in front of me. Lee
|
|
By YBLOCKMERC - 11 Years Ago
|
Don't forget you'll need new wheels to accommodate the larger hub size. I used Granada spindles for my conversion. The spindles bolt up but you need to ream the lower ball joint hole a little. Worthwhile conversion if you drive the car frequently. Granada rotors and calipers are very reasonably priced.
|
|
By MoonShadow - 11 Years Ago
|
|
If you get lucky and score a set of Lincoln Versailles spindles they bolt up without modifying the a frames. Would make it easy to switch back to maintain value for the purest. They will also lower the front an inch or so and require wheels with disk brake clearence. Used steel wheels are getting hard to find too. Chuck
|
|
By rmk57 - 11 Years Ago
|
|
I did this swap on my 57 a couple years ago. I used 69 Torino spindles and had to ream the bottom ball joint also. The spindles from 68 to 69 are the same on Torino, Mustang, Montego, Cougar. In 70 to 73 the spindle pin is a thicker and uses different bearings but is dimensionally the same.
|
|
By Frank from Texas - 11 Years Ago
|
Thanks Lee,
Did you have to do any modifications to your spindles or brake lines?
I have received several responses to my question with answers that say I will have to change out the spindles.
Thanks,
Frank from Texas
|
|
By MoonShadow - 11 Years Ago
|
|
Using the Granada or Torino spindles you have to ream out one spindle hole to fit. The Lincoln fits without mods. And yes you will need to change the brake lines. The part numbers for the lines was posted on the forum some time back. Hopefully a search will find them. If not maybe Ted can find them. Chuck
|
|
By pegleg - 11 Years Ago
|
What do you use for a Master cylinder? Did you need to add the residual pressure valve? Can they be used without power brakes?
Stockton Wheel in Stockton Ca. Will make steel wheels of any size and offset for reasonable price. The wheels on my 57 are Stockton's and they will accept discs.
|