1955 Eldo Disc Brake Conversion

[swimbikerun]

What do you guys think about doing one of these full disc conversions. They look like they come with all 4 discs as well as new master cylinder and Booster. I bought one that I want to drive a lot so I'm just trying to do some modernizing to keep it safer with all the idiots on the road.

[bcroe]

Having owned a couple 70s cars with 4 wheel discs, I
much prefer the disc in front and drum in rear arrangement. 
Avoids the proportioning and emergency brake issues,
and of course must have a dual circuit master cylinder. 

Plan on replacing everything that touches brake fluid,
that happens on all my cars.  Bruce Roe

[Cadillac Jack 82]

My 4 drums on all of my classics (less my 66 Merc that had disc) have been more than sufficient to stop those vehicles even at high speed.  Just make sure the stock components are in good shape and you'll never have to worry about them.

[TJ Hopland]

Usually the biggest catch with a vast majority of the conversion kits is you can't use the stock wheels which usually also means stock hubcaps because they way the attached to the wheels was different over the years.  Also beware of kits where they are using unique consumable parts that are only available from them.   That was why I have been a fan of Screbird.  They sell you brackets then tell you to get rotors off say a 83 pickup and calipers from a 91 mini van or what ever happens to work for that specific car.   You don't want to end up needing some pads and find out they went out of biz and you are screwed.

My opinion on if you need to or not depends on where you live and how much you are gonna drive.   I have been in cities were most days you could practically drive without working brakes and be fine.   Other cities you darn near have to change pads as often as you change oil. 

[Poncholover]

Front disks are usually more than suitable for all but extreme situations, do your research. Scarebird ha a great reputation but the hurtle is always replacing the Treadlevac.
I passed on a pretty nice '57 Pontiac years ago, partly because of the very shoddy conversion.
Definitely do it right or you will devalue your car.

[swimbikerun]

Thanks all, I may even look into a modern booster or newer I should say. If I'm in stop and go traffic it takes everything I've got to stand on the brakes. I'm taking it in tuesday for a full tune up.

[fishnjim]

Originality or safety?   Take your pick.
Classic brakes is another option.  I've got this.   www.classicdiscbrakes.com

If the wheels are in good shape, you can keep your drums and be just fine but pre-self adjuster so adjustment needs to be kept up.   I suspect the shoes or drums need a adjust or are thin.   That's several tons of car to stop with "new" brakes designed when not many on the roads and it's competing with many lighter cars with faster better brakes.   Expect some thrills!
I don't trust those early power brakes, too many failures.   
I prefer to shop conversion out as the liability to me on DIY is stiff.   A really good mechanic can make a modern booster fit, but easier from the kits.     

[swimbikerun]

Originality or safety?   Take your pick.
Classic brakes is another option.  I've got this.   www.classicdiscbrakes.com

If the wheels are in good shape, you can keep your drums and be just fine but pre-self adjuster so adjustment needs to be kept up.   I suspect the shoes or drums need a adjust or are thin.   That's several tons of car to stop with "new" brakes designed when not many on the roads and it's competing with many lighter cars with faster better brakes.   Expect some thrills!
I don't trust those early power brakes, too many failures.   
I prefer to shop conversion out as the liability to me on DIY is stiff.   A really good mechanic can make a modern booster fit, but easier from the kits.     

For me it's safety. I'll keep you posted on this. I want to drive this alot. Didn't buy it to just look at it. I'll keep the original parts if someone wants the original stuff. It's too much fun to drive to let it sit.

[TJ Hopland]

Interesting that Classic Disc Brake Parts says the Cadillac kit lets you use stock wheels.  That's an improvement over what used to be available.  I didn't see any mention on their site about replacement parts.