1960 disc brakes - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**slepysal** · 09-21-2015, 10:47 PM

Well I got it done !!! Thanks for the motivation

Of course things didn't go as smooth as they should have.
I started on the Sunday before Labor day which was the start of a heatwave here in the Bay Area.
Ran into some issues with the left lower ball joint and the upper ball joint rivets were not fun.
I had to make up 3/16 hard lines for the front ( originals were 1/4). I had to buy a 1 1/8 socket ,a 3/8 caliper hex socket and a 3/8 drill bit , all of which seemed to have diapered from my tool box.

here is the parts that I started with :

the original drums :

**slepysal** · 09-21-2015, 10:58 PM

The tie rods came out and apart! I had ordered only the outer ones. I was unable to break them loose from the sleeve, and upon further inspection the inner ones were gone too, so I ordered inner and sleeves that took 5 days to get.
I re installed the old ones for the time being.

spindles off !! The lower ball joint on and off

**slepysal** · 09-21-2015, 11:08 PM

The new spindles on. I test fit it before the upper ball joint rivets were cut off,and yes they were a pain!!!

the 5 lug disc off and on !!

the free 15 x 8 Ralleys with 236/60r15 I had to use a 3/16 spacer

**slepysal** · 09-21-2015, 11:20 PM

I had ran my torsion bars cranked down so when I installed the drop spindles this is what it looked like when it came off the jack stands . Way cool but no way I could drive it on the roads in San Jose !!

and why driving would be a no go:

I had to tighten the t bars up before:

after:

Gianyveedub · 09-21-2015, 11:24 PM

slepysal, next time hit me up and I'll drive up to you. Looking at your post is making me want to finish mine that I have yet to finish. Thanks for the motivation

**slepysal** · 09-21-2015, 11:38 PM

On to the master cylinder/ booster . I purchased an aluminum unit and a 7 inch booster and a proportioning valve , from different suppliers.

I ran into a few problems . First with the lines that came with the valve not fitting right and leaking so I ordered some new ones that took 3 days to get.
Second I didn't think the 7 inch single booster would work so I ordered an 8 inch dual unit... 3 days out.
The old master cylinder

I used some spacers to mount the booster brackets help clear my clutch master .

**slepysal** · 09-21-2015, 11:52 PM

Booster fit like a glove , drilled a new hole on the brake arm for the clevis pin installed new push rod . the blue gloves are covering the brake lines

Master cylinder installed

**slepysal** · 09-22-2015, 12:02 AM

Then came the "FUN" part of bleeding the brakes. Try as I might it just wasn't happening. This really took longer then I expected it . I bench bled the master cylinder off and on the truck and I couldn't get it!!
Yesterday (2 weeks after I started and in another Bay Area heat wave!) I called the local parts house and ordered a master cylinder for a 1977 Corvette.
I got home had it bench bled in under 10 minutes and installed it.

System bled and now the disc brakes are done! All that's left is to swap out the tie rods.
not sure on the tires wheels will see.

doobiebro · 09-22-2015, 12:29 AM

I knew you can do it Sal!.

**slepysal** · 09-22-2015, 12:35 AM

Again thanks to all who responded to my " Motivate me" thread, it worked.
As mentioned this should have been an easy swap, that took me way to long.
My recommendation is before you do it make sure you have everything you need parts as well as tools.
It took me two weeks to finish but that's kind of deceiving.
I started Sunday morning but only had two hours.
Monday the temp pushed into the very high 90's and I wasted time going to get the need tools. Three trips in all.
Tuesday was even hotter . Keep in mind I was working in the driveway under the sun ( boo hoo) not in the garage. About all that got done was making the front hard lines
Then it was back to my job, vacation was over. By the time I got home I had maybe 1/2 of daylight,
Saturday I had to work,add to that was the waiting for parts to arrive.
The hardest part was cutting the rivets off the ball joints and bleeding the brakes.
It is a fairly easy job that under normal conditions can be done on a long Saturday.
The injury report: One badly smashed right finger ,one bruised left hand, a good bump on the head , assorted scratches on arms ,skinned knuckles as well as sunburned . Plus the fact that my 52 year old knees are thrashed !!!

Next install the cast iron headers . That will be down the road the wife wants me to paint

verdell · 09-22-2015, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slepysal

Then came the "FUN" part of bleeding the brakes. Try as I might it just wasn't happening. This really took longer then I expected it . I bench bled the master cylinder off and on the truck and I couldn't get it!!
Yesterday (2 weeks after I started and in another Bay Area heat wave!) I called the local parts house and ordered a master cylinder for a 1977 Corvette.
I got home had it bench bled in under 10 minutes and installed it.

System bled and now the disc brakes are done! All that's left is to swap out the tie rods.
not sure on the tires wheels will see.

Sal,

I just switched over from 6-lug discs to 5-lug discs and now I'm not getting hardly any brake pedal at all. We bled them good last night and I have no fluid leaks at all. I'm hoping it's the MC. I'm puzzled because everything worked before I took off the 6-lug rotors. Exactly what was your bad MC doing?

**slepysal** · 09-22-2015, 09:43 AM

I bought the first one about 3 years ago,and it sat on the shelf. I think that the seals may have gone bad.
The problem I was having was that I was unable to get the master to bleed. I bench bled it off the truck and it was fine. When I couldn't bleed the system I bled the master on the truck and there was air in it again!
I picked up a rebuilt unit ,and that solved the problem.
You can plug up your ports on the cylinder and see if it holds pressure.Man I can't stand it when a simple thing becomes a pain. Hopefully you fix it keep us posted.
Oh one more thing check your brake hose too

**slepysal** · 09-23-2015, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gianyveedub

slepysal, next time hit me up and I'll drive up to you. Looking at your post is making me want to finish mine that I have yet to finish. Thanks for the motivation

Quote:

Originally Posted by doobiebro

I knew you can do it Sal!.

thanks to you both for sharing pics on your disc brake swaps !
Giany whats left on yours?

Gianyveedub · 09-24-2015, 12:10 AM

slepysal, I have to make a union from the old clutch line to the new clutch master cylinder. I also have to bleed the system, but that is it. Some day I will have time to spend a whole day finishing up.

**slepysal** · 09-26-2015, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gianyveedub

slepysal, I have to make a union from the old clutch line to the new clutch master cylinder. I also have to bleed the system, but that is it. Some day I will have time to spend a whole day finishing up.

Not much left !!Try royal brass in San Jose for the union.

**LostMy65** · 10-06-2015, 07:01 PM

Good job.
My 65 is on a 62 frame.
I'm looking forward to cranking my torsion bars back up when I get my drop spindles installed.

**slepysal** · 10-07-2015, 12:14 PM

I plan on installing some Langon cast headers , that will let me crank them down again !

bigwin59 · 10-07-2015, 01:10 PM

Thanks for the pictures, I guess my son will get disc brakes for his ride later this month.

forestb · 10-07-2015, 04:33 PM

Those have got to be either the smallest jack stands or the largest break booster I have ever seen.

**slepysal** · 10-07-2015, 11:26 PM

Yup its a master cylinder for oversize disc brakes.

Just a funky camera angle,normal master,regular jackstands

forestb · 10-08-2015, 11:45 AM

I'm sorry but how is it being suspended? I don't see anything holding it up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by slepysal

Yup its a master cylinder for oversize disc brakes.

Just a funky camera angle,normal master,regular jackstands

Brad54 · 10-08-2015, 06:07 PM

Who's spindles did you use, and where did you source the calipers and dust shields? They look used, just wondering if they were.

And who's master cylinder/clutch master conversion kit is that?

-Brad

**slepysal** · 10-09-2015, 02:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brad54

Who's spindles did you use, and where did you source the calipers and dust shields? They look used, just wondering if they were.

And who's master cylinder/clutch master conversion kit is that?

-Brad

Brad the spindles are Mcgaughy's purchased new.The Calipers were sourced at a local parts store (72 c10 )rebuilt with a piss poor paint job. the dust shields were purchased at pick and pull.
The master cylinder was a local parts house rebuilt 77 Vette unit with an ebay 8 inch dual diaphragm booster.
The clutch master was sourced from MP brakes,but I dont think they sell it anymore here is a link on what I did
http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...=clutch+master

**slepysal** · 10-09-2015, 02:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forestb

I'm sorry but how is it being suspended? I don't see anything holding it up.

In the picture its just sitting on jack stands..... picture on post 11 shows it mounted.

**slepysal** · 01-28-2016, 01:00 AM

Update: I wish I had done this earlier! Very happy with it. If you are thinking of converting to disc all i can say is do it!

09-21-2015, 10:47 PM	#1
slepysal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Jose NOR*CAL Posts: 3,080	1960 disc brakes Well I got it done !!! Thanks for the motivation Of course things didn't go as smooth as they should have. I started on the Sunday before Labor day which was the start of a heatwave here in the Bay Area. Ran into some issues with the left lower ball joint and the upper ball joint rivets were not fun. I had to make up 3/16 hard lines for the front ( originals were 1/4). I had to buy a 1 1/8 socket ,a 3/8 caliper hex socket and a 3/8 drill bit , all of which seemed to have diapered from my tool box. here is the parts that I started with : the original drums : __________________ 1960 Apache long bed fleet L6 250 Clifford intake 2 bbl carb. Langdon cast headers with dual exhaust and bellflower tips. T-5 5 speed, power steering and power disc brakes. "Over, Around or through it... " Last edited by slepysal; 09-22-2015 at 12:03 AM.

09-21-2015, 10:58 PM	#2
slepysal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Jose NOR*CAL Posts: 3,080	Re: 1960 disc brakes The tie rods came out and apart! I had ordered only the outer ones. I was unable to break them loose from the sleeve, and upon further inspection the inner ones were gone too, so I ordered inner and sleeves that took 5 days to get. I re installed the old ones for the time being. spindles off !! The lower ball joint on and off __________________ 1960 Apache long bed fleet L6 250 Clifford intake 2 bbl carb. Langdon cast headers with dual exhaust and bellflower tips. T-5 5 speed, power steering and power disc brakes. "Over, Around or through it... "

09-21-2015, 11:08 PM	#3
slepysal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Jose NOR*CAL Posts: 3,080	Re: 1960 disc brakes The new spindles on. I test fit it before the upper ball joint rivets were cut off,and yes they were a pain!!! the 5 lug disc off and on !! the free 15 x 8 Ralleys with 236/60r15 I had to use a 3/16 spacer __________________ 1960 Apache long bed fleet L6 250 Clifford intake 2 bbl carb. Langdon cast headers with dual exhaust and bellflower tips. T-5 5 speed, power steering and power disc brakes. "Over, Around or through it... "

09-21-2015, 11:20 PM	#4
slepysal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Jose NOR*CAL Posts: 3,080	Re: 1960 disc brakes I had ran my torsion bars cranked down so when I installed the drop spindles this is what it looked like when it came off the jack stands . Way cool but no way I could drive it on the roads in San Jose !! and why driving would be a no go: I had to tighten the t bars up before: after: __________________ 1960 Apache long bed fleet L6 250 Clifford intake 2 bbl carb. Langdon cast headers with dual exhaust and bellflower tips. T-5 5 speed, power steering and power disc brakes. "Over, Around or through it... "

09-21-2015, 11:24 PM	#5
Gianyveedub Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Hollister, Ca Posts: 178	Re: 1960 disc brakes slepysal, next time hit me up and I'll drive up to you. Looking at your post is making me want to finish mine that I have yet to finish. Thanks for the motivation

09-21-2015, 11:38 PM	#6
slepysal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Jose NOR*CAL Posts: 3,080	Re: 1960 disc brakes On to the master cylinder/ booster . I purchased an aluminum unit and a 7 inch booster and a proportioning valve , from different suppliers. I ran into a few problems . First with the lines that came with the valve not fitting right and leaking so I ordered some new ones that took 3 days to get. Second I didn't think the 7 inch single booster would work so I ordered an 8 inch dual unit... 3 days out. The old master cylinder I used some spacers to mount the booster brackets help clear my clutch master . __________________ 1960 Apache long bed fleet L6 250 Clifford intake 2 bbl carb. Langdon cast headers with dual exhaust and bellflower tips. T-5 5 speed, power steering and power disc brakes. "Over, Around or through it... "

09-21-2015, 11:52 PM	#7
slepysal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Jose NOR*CAL Posts: 3,080	Re: 1960 disc brakes Booster fit like a glove , drilled a new hole on the brake arm for the clevis pin installed new push rod . the blue gloves are covering the brake lines Master cylinder installed __________________ 1960 Apache long bed fleet L6 250 Clifford intake 2 bbl carb. Langdon cast headers with dual exhaust and bellflower tips. T-5 5 speed, power steering and power disc brakes. "Over, Around or through it... "

09-22-2015, 12:02 AM	#8
slepysal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Jose NOR*CAL Posts: 3,080	Re: 1960 disc brakes Then came the "FUN" part of bleeding the brakes. Try as I might it just wasn't happening. This really took longer then I expected it . I bench bled the master cylinder off and on the truck and I couldn't get it!! Yesterday (2 weeks after I started and in another Bay Area heat wave!) I called the local parts house and ordered a master cylinder for a 1977 Corvette. I got home had it bench bled in under 10 minutes and installed it. System bled and now the disc brakes are done! All that's left is to swap out the tie rods. not sure on the tires wheels will see. __________________ 1960 Apache long bed fleet L6 250 Clifford intake 2 bbl carb. Langdon cast headers with dual exhaust and bellflower tips. T-5 5 speed, power steering and power disc brakes. "Over, Around or through it... "

09-22-2015, 12:29 AM	#9
doobiebro Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Chaparral NM Posts: 688	Re: 1960 disc brakes I knew you can do it Sal!. __________________ CURRENT & PAST CHEVY TRUCKS 60 C-10 Apache short step side 62 C-10 short step side 66 GMC Long bed fleet side 305 V-6 77 C-20 Custom Deluxe (Blue Goose)

09-22-2015, 12:35 AM	#10
slepysal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Jose NOR*CAL Posts: 3,080	Re: 1960 disc brakes Again thanks to all who responded to my " Motivate me" thread, it worked. As mentioned this should have been an easy swap, that took me way to long. My recommendation is before you do it make sure you have everything you need parts as well as tools. It took me two weeks to finish but that's kind of deceiving. I started Sunday morning but only had two hours. Monday the temp pushed into the very high 90's and I wasted time going to get the need tools. Three trips in all. Tuesday was even hotter . Keep in mind I was working in the driveway under the sun ( boo hoo) not in the garage. About all that got done was making the front hard lines Then it was back to my job, vacation was over. By the time I got home I had maybe 1/2 of daylight, Saturday I had to work,add to that was the waiting for parts to arrive. The hardest part was cutting the rivets off the ball joints and bleeding the brakes. It is a fairly easy job that under normal conditions can be done on a long Saturday. The injury report: One badly smashed right finger ,one bruised left hand, a good bump on the head , assorted scratches on arms ,skinned knuckles as well as sunburned . Plus the fact that my 52 year old knees are thrashed !!! Next install the cast iron headers . That will be down the road the wife wants me to paint __________________ 1960 Apache long bed fleet L6 250 Clifford intake 2 bbl carb. Langdon cast headers with dual exhaust and bellflower tips. T-5 5 speed, power steering and power disc brakes. "Over, Around or through it... " Last edited by slepysal; 10-07-2015 at 04:17 PM.

09-22-2015, 09:43 AM	#12
slepysal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Jose NOR*CAL Posts: 3,080	Re: 1960 disc brakes I bought the first one about 3 years ago,and it sat on the shelf. I think that the seals may have gone bad. The problem I was having was that I was unable to get the master to bleed. I bench bled it off the truck and it was fine. When I couldn't bleed the system I bled the master on the truck and there was air in it again! I picked up a rebuilt unit ,and that solved the problem. You can plug up your ports on the cylinder and see if it holds pressure.Man I can't stand it when a simple thing becomes a pain. Hopefully you fix it keep us posted. Oh one more thing check your brake hose too __________________ 1960 Apache long bed fleet L6 250 Clifford intake 2 bbl carb. Langdon cast headers with dual exhaust and bellflower tips. T-5 5 speed, power steering and power disc brakes. "Over, Around or through it... "

09-24-2015, 12:10 AM	#14
Gianyveedub Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Hollister, Ca Posts: 178	Re: 1960 disc brakes slepysal, I have to make a union from the old clutch line to the new clutch master cylinder. I also have to bleed the system, but that is it. Some day I will have time to spend a whole day finishing up.

10-06-2015, 07:01 PM	#16
LostMy65 But Found Her 25yrs Later! Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Oregon City, Oregon Posts: 10,518	Re: 1960 disc brakes Good job. My 65 is on a 62 frame. I'm looking forward to cranking my torsion bars back up when I get my drop spindles installed. __________________ I lost my 65 - Found it 25 years later: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=426650 66 C20 Service Truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=428035

10-07-2015, 12:14 PM	#17
slepysal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Jose NOR*CAL Posts: 3,080	Re: 1960 disc brakes I plan on installing some Langon cast headers , that will let me crank them down again ! __________________ 1960 Apache long bed fleet L6 250 Clifford intake 2 bbl carb. Langdon cast headers with dual exhaust and bellflower tips. T-5 5 speed, power steering and power disc brakes. "Over, Around or through it... "

10-07-2015, 01:10 PM	#18
bigwin59 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: SoCal Posts: 36	Re: 1960 disc brakes Thanks for the pictures, I guess my son will get disc brakes for his ride later this month.



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10-07-2015, 04:33 PM	#19
forestb Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Burbank, CA Posts: 3,591	Re: 1960 disc brakes Those have got to be either the smallest jack stands or the largest break booster I have ever seen. Attached Images

10-07-2015, 11:26 PM	#20
slepysal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Jose NOR*CAL Posts: 3,080	Re: 1960 disc brakes Yup its a master cylinder for oversize disc brakes. Just a funky camera angle,normal master,regular jackstands __________________ 1960 Apache long bed fleet L6 250 Clifford intake 2 bbl carb. Langdon cast headers with dual exhaust and bellflower tips. T-5 5 speed, power steering and power disc brakes. "Over, Around or through it... "

10-08-2015, 06:07 PM	#22
Brad54 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Athens, Georgia Posts: 1,456	Re: 1960 disc brakes Who's spindles did you use, and where did you source the calipers and dust shields? They look used, just wondering if they were. And who's master cylinder/clutch master conversion kit is that? -Brad __________________ '61 Suburban daily driver: off the road due to 180-pound 8-pt buck! '62 K-10 long-step project '61 C30 Camper, aka "Valdez" There's no cool like Old School

01-28-2016, 01:00 AM	#25
slepysal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Jose NOR*CAL Posts: 3,080	Re: 1960 disc brakes Update: I wish I had done this earlier! Very happy with it. If you are thinking of converting to disc all i can say is do it! __________________ 1960 Apache long bed fleet L6 250 Clifford intake 2 bbl carb. Langdon cast headers with dual exhaust and bellflower tips. T-5 5 speed, power steering and power disc brakes. "Over, Around or through it... "

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