Has anyone converted their 1965-66 Cadillac to front disc brakes? What master cylinder and booster do I need? What spindles and brakes work? Street Rod magazines are LOADED with disc brake kits but the Cadillac is never mentioned. Will the large Chevrolet car or truck parts work? Any help appreciated. Anyone with technical info please answer. Thanks! "EZ"
The subject of converting to disc brakes comes up fairly often here, you can click on "Search" in red up to your right then put in "disc brakes" as your search subject (search All Forums) and read the many posts that come up.
Also, some of the guys at the Modified chapter have installed disc brakes, join up with the MCLC (Modified Cadillac LaSalle Club) and ask there too, membership is free at .......
http://www.modifiedcadillac.org/index.htm
Thanks Geoff!! I really appreciate the reply.
"EZ"
Hi: I converted my 64 Cad M/M hearse to disc front brakes. The spindles on yours are the same to 1969 and they do not have to be changed. All you need to do is find used back plates and the front brass metering block from a 69 and then buy all new parts for a 70 Cad (rotors, single-piston calipers, longer brake hoses, 5/16 steel brake line). The only problem I encountered was bending and double flaring the front lines and then matching the curvature of the original lines. I replaced the 64 brass metering block for the one out of the 69. One last thing, I kept the original master cylinder and booster (even though most people suggest to change them) and ran the front of the discs from the rear M/C port after I took out the metering insert. You may want to change M/C and booster. My hearse weighs 3 1/2 tons and now I can stop it at a lot better than I ever could before. Lots of info and pics at
http://groups.msn.com/196364CadillacCiommunity. hope this helps. john k
Thanks for the info John!!
Try MPBrakes.com
I installed a Master Power Brakes disc conversion kit on my 69 Skylark years ago - NEW spindles, booster, master cylinder, lines, rotors, calipers, how to video, tech support - and am still impressed by the quality of the product...andthe safety afforded whenever I drive my car!
About three years ago in The Self-Starter, All Cadillacs of the Forties and Fifties out of Sylmar, California, advertised that they perform these brake conversions. Not sure if they still do, but give Ed Cholakian a call anyway at (818) 361-1147 and hell steer you in the right direction.
Tim Coy, Art Director
The Self-Starter
I converted my 66 Deville Convertible to front disc. I went to a junkyard and got the whole spindle assembly from a 69 Deville (spindle, dust shield, rotor and caliper). A 70 will also work. It was a direct bolt in. I did not have to change the ball joints. I then got a power brake booster and a mastercylinder from Autozone. I had to drill out the mounting holes about a 1/4inch outward for it to fit. The brake pedal bolted right up. After modifing the brake lines that attach to the master cylinder, Ihad to splice an inline prop valve in the rear lines. This set up worked fine. Any questions, please feel free to ask.
Thanks guys! I appreciate all the input. Im trying to locate some 69 caliper brackets and dust shields if anybody knows where I can find some Id appreciate it!
Thanks.
"EZ"
Good tread, I like it. Not too many folks care about keeping it Cadillac on these disc brake changeovers. Not to mention it is so much less then the kits.
I haven't priced the brake parts at a Pick N Pull for several yrs. Whatare these used parts going for there now or very recently since this post? How do they sell them, complete wheel assembly for cheaper or piece by piece only?
Brandon
Hello Curtis,
I would be sure to talk to Ron Paige Metcalf, RPM Co, about Cad Disc Brake Conversions.
This man spent a Career Restoring 41 Cads, then slowed down, to manufacture Disc Brake kits for Later Cads. I bought a kit with Double Diaphragm Master Brake Setup for My 60 Cad, just finishing the Bolt-in System. No fabrication Req'd, all was furnished by Ron.
I believe the Discs and Calipers on Mine are 68 Cad. The Power Master Brake Cyl /Diaphragm is Corvette.
RPM Phone is 1-877-329-1885. You will need to leave a message.
He is in Hemmings under Power Steering Systems
Good Luck, Pete
Brandon,
If I remeber correctly, it cost me a total of $350 dollars to get all the parts. I recently got rid of the rear prop valve and bought a disc/drum GM style propvalve from summit and had to re-do all the brak lines at the M/C. I felt better with this. Plus later on I have the flexibility of attaching a brake warning light. This cost me an extra $75 with the prop valve and lines.
I may have an old used pulled MC from '70, and should fit the '69 booster. Will that be good enough? when did Cadillac 1st offer a brake warning light? What is the 1st year for full sized Cadillac rear disc as an option and that would fit '64 if any? I'm not looking for expensive modding, just OEM looking changeovers.
is there any known Cadillac or GM wheel (rim) that will accept my '64 wheel covers (disc) or a good looking OEM locking spoked cover of the 70s or 80s?