Is it a fairly straightforward job to change over manual drum brakes to power disk brakes on a 67 or 68 bird? The kits seem incredibly expensive, do you really need the kits or can you put one together on your own? I was wondering if there needed to be something added or changed to supply more power for the brakes (in addition to changing over the brakes themselves). If anyone has done this could you send me your thoughts - was it a nightmare job, easy, any complications? Thanks!

Niki

The kits are not that bad a deal when you consider what goes into them. Spindles. Rotors. Calipers. Backing plates. Bearings and seals. Master cylinder. Vacuum booster. Lines and hoses to connect. Distribution block.

Add up the parts and see where you end up.

Shop for kits that use standard parts for ease in future brake jobs.

Something to consider is the type of driving you'll be doing. If you’re going out to do some performance driving or racing, yea it might be worth investing in a brake upgrade.

If you're going to be using it as a street cruiser/grocery getter like my cammer; there's nothing wrong with a properly adjusted set of non power drum brakes. Heck, last Wednesday night I had someone pull out right in front of me! Scared the $#!+ out of me, but the brakes did their job. It's a good thing I was a brake tech many moons ago.

I currently have power drums, mt 68 Camaro had power disc/drum. After I installed all new brake cylinders etc. on the drums, I can tell you first hand there was little difference between them. I guess if you are racing your bird it might be worth the investment, otherwise, I think it's a waste of money all in all. JMO

Thanks everyone for the responses! I guess it is a matter of training myself...I am a heavy braker...and I am having nightmares about the drums not stopping me. I have disks on my daily driver and am very used to them stopping me on a dime. I guess it makes sense to make sure they are properly maintained, try them, then decide. But are they hard to depress compared to the power assist drums? How much difference is there in that respect? Anyone ever upgrade their manual drums to power assist drums?

BTW Tom I hope you gave them a piece of your mind!

Niki

I went from manual drums to power drums after owning my bird for 2 months. Was the easiest upgrade and had the most impact. All I did was simply add the booster. I used the same master cylinder, brake lines etc. I had the pull and bend the lines a bit but the entire project took me less than two hours and as stated was the best thing I could have done. I then later went on to replace all the drum hardware (springs and brake cylinders etc.) and they work VERY well. I am no mechanic but I did all of this myself and adjusted them etc. and they work great. Good luck!

I went from drums to 4 power disks and am quite happy with them. Install was relatively easy and altho I don't race 's nice to know I have them on there if I need them. Kind of look good thru the Rally II's too.

Having said that drums are OK for general driving too.

unless your going to drive the road courses there isn't much concern to drum brakes. it will be difficult to depress the pedal with manual brakes compared to what your used to. if you want to maintain the same feeling as your daily driver i would go with power assist! the upgrade will offer the biggest improvement to your system overall! also i have talked to people with drums and people with disc brakes for comparison as i have a drum brake car as well. i have also driven a manual brake vehicle and i would go power assist! drum brakes work just as well in most cases for general driving compared to disc brakes. like the prior posts say, unless your racing it shouldn't be necessary.

Thanks for your responses everyone! I don't really plan on racing, but my brother works at Skip Barber Racing School which means I have access to the track. Not that I'd be racing against anyone, but I might bring it out on the track just to (safely!) see what it could do. I think adding the power assist might be a good compromise for now, then move on to front or full discs if I needed them. So glad to hear other people have found it pretty easy to do!

EXTREMELY E-Z to do with the kits supplied today. i have found complete quality kits for just over 500$. this includes everything along with the power booster and all hardware required to install it. spindles as well! add $125 for 2" dropped spindles and a bit more for drilled and vented rotors!

Andy if you remember the source for the kit you used could you forward it on to me? thanks again!

Niki

its a company located near the indianpolis area. i dont have th ebooks handy as there packed away in storage right now but most companies are all inclusive! ive even seen kits for under 400$ but the extra cash is spent buying a power booster front the local parts shop as this kit doesnt include it! if i remember ill try to look in my mag box for it but i dont think i brought it along for the stay.

If you plan on lowering the car you may want to avoid the 2" drop spindles and go with shorter springs or cut your stock springs. Some good reading about drop spindles here.
http://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16609