Need advice on the best disc brake conversion for '65 Belvedere

[kiwigtx]

Hi guys,
My buddy MowPar has asked me to do the 'puter tapping, and ask about the best options out there for converting his '65 Belvedere II 426W to a front disc setup. Currently running 4-wheel drums as factory. Last week he converted to a dual cylinder Master, and the difference was noticeable, as well as somewhat safer. But the plan always was to see about disc's up front. I know there are a lot of options, but we are looking for what someone HAS used and is successful - and is an easy direct bolt-on product or kit. Not looking to change out spindles etc.
Looking forward to all the positive feedback.....thanks.

 

[5.7 hemi]

Wilwood has a kit that uses the stock spindles.

 

[kiwigtx]

Forgot to mention...the car is running 14" wheels - currently original 1965 Torque Thrusts - installed when the car was only 2 weeks old. Quite keen to keep the disc brakes inside the 14's. Thanks.

 

[badmopar67]

Might have to go with 74 dart disc brakeset up to keep them inside the 14 inch rims

 

[HT413]

Hmmm, I know I'm the only guy using them on this site, but give scarebird a call. You should get by under $400 or so. They make brakets and spacers that adapt more modern oem equipment. Mine uses 1998 Ram calipers and 1972 ford rotors, if I recall, but they're easily sourced at any local auto parts store and the kit goes right together.

https://scarebird.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=64&product_id=101

The only issue I have with them is their ridiculous name.

 

[themechanic]

Hmmm, I know I'm the only guy using them on this site, but give scarebird a call. You should get by under $400 or so. They make brakets and spacers that adapt more modern oem equipment. Mine uses 1998 Ram calipers and 1972 ford rotors, if I recall, but they're easily sourced at any local auto parts store and the kit goes right together.

https://scarebird.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=64&product_id=101

The only issue I have with them is their ridiculous name.

Quote from the page you linked to, "...We use 1970-72 Ford full size rotors (11-3/4", same wheel bolt pattern and pilot size) and 1994-99 Dodge Ram 1/2 ton pickup calipers. This will NOT clear your OEM 14" rims, but will clear the stock 15" rims."

 

[hemidart1]

I just had a swap done last month on my '65 Belvedere. I bought this kit from Jegs : 555-630201 ROTORS & BRAKE LINES , 555-630202 SPINDLES & HARDWARE KIT
The resto shop I use and trust had used it on another few other early b body cars and said it was the best. Not sure though if it clears 14 inch wheels

 

[HT413]

Quote from the page you linked to, "...We use 1970-72 Ford full size rotors (11-3/4", same wheel bolt pattern and pilot size) and 1994-99 Dodge Ram 1/2 ton pickup calipers. This will NOT clear your OEM 14" rims, but will clear the stock 15" rims."

Yeah I saw that, but if interested, give him a call, I bet he can work something out. The guy is an encyclopedia of oem brake fitment.

 

[badmopar67]

Would need a kit with 11 inch rotors to fit 14 inch wheels (look up kits for a 74 dart you will have to change the spindles also. No big deal.)

 

[wedge69]

update

The 14" wheels are going to give you a fit ! 90% of all disc brakes ran 15" wheels.
BUT a cuda set up May clear ?
You can also look into dart and aspen/Volare .
I just found the paper work I thought I had. It has all the #'s and info on doing the swap with factory parts.Says to run 14" wheels use rotors off a Diplomat,Volare,etc.
I am going to try to copy this and past it for all to see.
If you would like send me a self addressed envilope and I will send you out a copy !

 

[RedHot67]

Quote from the page you linked to, "...We use 1970-72 Ford full size rotors (11-3/4", same wheel bolt pattern and pilot size) and 1994-99 Dodge Ram 1/2 ton pickup calipers. This will NOT clear your OEM 14" rims, but will clear the stock 15" rims."

Sounds great!
I currently have SSBC disc brakes installed but they aint no good at all.

Dan

 

[themechanic]

http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/showthread.php?29138-disc-brakes-for-14-inch-wheels

 

[GrabberOrange69]

I"ll continue to add fuel to the fire, but I believe you're going to have real trouble using the original TT 14" wheels. Back in the day, the first TT wheels designed for use with disk brakes were the TT "D"s (the D meaning disc brake) in 15x6 and 15x7, made in 1965. They were built for mid-year Corvettes with discs in 15x6 (5x4.75" bolt), and the Shelby GT350 in 15x7 (these have the same bolt pattern as our Mopars - 5x4.5").

The later re-issue TTDs in 14 and 15 inch all have clearance for OEM discs - but those were built much later the 60s vintage.

You may have some luck finding a disc brake kit that will fit OEM STEEL, wheels, but not vintage TTs (they are much thicker in the rim area).

I have a set of vintage "knock off" TT wheels from JCPenney (the El-Tigre wheels) in 14" on my '65 Mustang with a Grenada disc brake swap. It took some grinding on the caliper and the wheel to get the 60 vintage wheels to fit.

Just my .02 cents, good luck, and happy hunting.

 

[Riverdawg]

I don't think anyone mentioned this article yet from Mopar Action (disc-o-tech). http://www.moparaction.com/tech/archive/disc-main.html I printed the parts lists and it mentions options for using 14" wheels. I too am wanting to switch my 65 Coronet to disc's but will have to wait a while because the money needs to go to getting it road worthy. This is my first real muscle mopar, (can't count the 74 Fury 4-door, my first car) and I want to drive it for a while before I get the money for the resto-moding or restore.

 

[themechanic]

The Ramman (aka Wayne) has a YouTube video about disc brake conversions with info on what will or won't fit 14" wheels.

 

[kiwigtx]

Might have to go with 74 dart disc brakeset up to keep them inside the 14 inch rims

Looks like this will be the plan. MowPar had another friend drop by with a '74 Dart, and they tried the wheel from the Belvedere - fits with approx 2mm clearance, which apparently is workable with a small shave on the caliper.

So thanks to all the above suggestions, all very helpful and good advice :icon_pray:

Hopefully we can source the '74 Dart spindles, calipers and rotors locally, otherwise it's a trip Stateside on the innerweb :icon_winkle:
We are going to need a good source for the caliper rebuild kits and brake pads....not looking to go Chinesium if we can help it. Any hints on the best shops to source these parts appreciated...again thanks to all of you guys. :headbang:

 

[Plucked Chicken]

Here's where I got my kit and complete stainless pre-formed lne kit for my '62 Dart wagon.

Basically '73-'76 A-body parts with 11" rotors. The kit came with a 15/16" bore MC but the peddle felt spongy in my non power set-up. Switched to a 1 1/32"bore MC part #NMC1515 from a '71 Dart and the peddle is much better without being too hard.

http://www.getdiscbrakes.com/

 

[OldBill]

update

The 14" wheels are going to give you a fit ! 90% of all disc brakes ran 15" wheels.
BUT a cuda set up May clear ?
You can also look into dart and aspen/Volare .
I just found the paper work I thought I had. It has all the #'s and info on doing the swap with factory parts.Says to run 14" wheels use rotors off a Diplomat,Volare,etc.
I am going to try to copy this and past it for all to see.
If you would like send me a self addressed envilope and I will send you out a copy !

Good to Know! I think I will head to my local yard and look for a Diplomat - ect and see what I can cook up for my 64 W/ 14 wheels.

 

[Tempest 455]

Wilwood has a kit that uses the stock spindles.

Ditto on Wilwood. I have them on my '65.

 

[Dodge 330]

I wanted to run 14" Fenton 5 spokes initially. I used the Wilwood pro street kit that uses a vented (not drilled) rotor and bolts to the drum spindle. I did shave a little off the Wilwood caliper for clearance, but it worked fine. It shaved a LOT of weight off the front, too.