BRAKE SWAP QUESTIONS

H'YAMULE · 01-14-2001, 12:51 PM

Hi all, I have a 65 coupe, original 200, now with 302. I want to upgrade from manual drums to power disks up front. I know Stainless Steel Brakes has kits for this, but I also know you can use a Granada as a donor for this. Which is the least troublesome and expensive? Any suggestions?
Thanks

Rev · 01-14-2001, 09:28 PM

The SS brakes may be some better, but they're $1000 and you would still have 4 lug wheels. I got a kit from Jim's Mustangs in Ca. that used the Granada front disks. The only parts that weren't brand new were the spindles and calipers. New MC, rotors, bearings, seals, hoses, lines etc. Calipers were rebuilt. Cost was $600.

There isn't enough room for a standard power booster and a dual chamber MC between the fire wall and the shock tower on the '65-66. Trans Am Racing does make a smaller one that will fit for another $450 (includes correct MC for power brakes). I like my non power front disks just fine. Don't even want power brakes now that I've got the front disks.

One thing to watch out for is the actuating rod from the brake pedal arm to the MC. On the original in my'66, the arm was captured in the rear of the MC, thus limiting rearward motion of the brake pedal. On the new dual chamber MC, there was no provision for capturing the actuating rod. If one pulled backwards on the brake pedal the rod would fall out of the MC resulting in no brakes at all. I made a stop that attatched to the steering column housing that physically limits the backward movement of the brake pedal arm and prevents this problem.

You could go the junk yard route and mabe do this conversion for $250-300. I like the idea of having mostly new parts. Hope this helps a little.

Rev

------------------
'66 Coupe, 306, 300 HP, C-4, 13.97 e.t., 100.3 mph
1/4 mi.

H'YAMULE · 01-15-2001, 01:57 PM

Thanks Rev, does Jim's have a web site(I tried imputing Jim's mustang.com, but had no success) or do you still have their phone number? That sounds like the best option for me. Thanks again.

gp001 · 01-16-2001, 09:04 PM

I'm not sure if I remember this correctly, but you may want to confirm just to be on the safe side. When I did the swap (SS front kit)I remember something about it only working on V8 spindles. Also, I think you need 15 inch diameter rims (minimum) for rotor clearance.
On a side note, the Trans Am power dual master cylinder is ABSOLUTELY AWESOME. Looks great, fits great, WORKS GREAT.

------------------
347, 279/284 .493/.510, TFS TW, Stealth, 750, Flowtech hdrs, Dr. Gas X, 2 Chmbr Flowmaster, MSD 6AL-Dist.& SS coil, Art Carr C-4, Currie 9" w/3.55, alum Drv Shft, susp mods, 4 wheel power disc
In a 66 coupe

Rev · 01-20-2001, 03:27 PM

Sorry for the slow response. I've been off line for a full 5 days trying to get my &*%#@! DSL activated. Great now that it works.

Jim's Mustang
1626 N. Magnolia Ave
El Cajon, Ca., 92020
(619)562-0912
1-800-350-4446

$549.95 for the basic kit, but an extra $50 for the dual cyl. MC, and then I think there is shipping. Don't forget what I said about the actuating rod. Have fun.

Rev

------------------
'66 Coupe, 306, 300 HP, C-4, 13.97 e.t., 100.3 mph
1/4 mi.

H'YAMULE · 01-20-2001, 10:45 PM

Thanks Rev, I know how frustrating the internet can be, I'll call them Monday and see about ordering a kit. That will save a few bucks(which there aren't a whole lot to spare). I appreciate the input.

Rev · 01-20-2001, 11:24 PM

Make sure the 6 cyl. steering stuff will work OK with the Granada spindles. Just thought of that.

Rev

------------------
'66 Coupe, 306, 300 HP, C-4, 13.97 e.t., 100.3 mph
1/4 mi.

01-14-2001, 12:51 PM	#1
H'YAMULE Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Willis, Texas Posts: 20	BRAKE SWAP QUESTIONS Hi all, I have a 65 coupe, original 200, now with 302. I want to upgrade from manual drums to power disks up front. I know Stainless Steel Brakes has kits for this, but I also know you can use a Granada as a donor for this. Which is the least troublesome and expensive? Any suggestions? Thanks

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01-14-2001, 09:28 PM	#2
Rev Registered Member Join Date: Nov 1998 Location: Houston, Tx. Posts: 3,887	The SS brakes may be some better, but they're $1000 and you would still have 4 lug wheels. I got a kit from Jim's Mustangs in Ca. that used the Granada front disks. The only parts that weren't brand new were the spindles and calipers. New MC, rotors, bearings, seals, hoses, lines etc. Calipers were rebuilt. Cost was $600. There isn't enough room for a standard power booster and a dual chamber MC between the fire wall and the shock tower on the '65-66. Trans Am Racing does make a smaller one that will fit for another $450 (includes correct MC for power brakes). I like my non power front disks just fine. Don't even want power brakes now that I've got the front disks. One thing to watch out for is the actuating rod from the brake pedal arm to the MC. On the original in my'66, the arm was captured in the rear of the MC, thus limiting rearward motion of the brake pedal. On the new dual chamber MC, there was no provision for capturing the actuating rod. If one pulled backwards on the brake pedal the rod would fall out of the MC resulting in no brakes at all. I made a stop that attatched to the steering column housing that physically limits the backward movement of the brake pedal arm and prevents this problem. You could go the junk yard route and mabe do this conversion for $250-300. I like the idea of having mostly new parts. Hope this helps a little. Rev ------------------ '66 Coupe, 306, 300 HP, C-4, 13.97 e.t., 100.3 mph 1/4 mi.

01-15-2001, 01:57 PM	#3
H'YAMULE Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Willis, Texas Posts: 20	Thanks Rev, does Jim's have a web site(I tried imputing Jim's mustang.com, but had no success) or do you still have their phone number? That sounds like the best option for me. Thanks again.

01-16-2001, 09:04 PM	#4
gp001 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: So. Cal. Posts: 244	I'm not sure if I remember this correctly, but you may want to confirm just to be on the safe side. When I did the swap (SS front kit)I remember something about it only working on V8 spindles. Also, I think you need 15 inch diameter rims (minimum) for rotor clearance. On a side note, the Trans Am power dual master cylinder is ABSOLUTELY AWESOME. Looks great, fits great, WORKS GREAT. ------------------ 347, 279/284 .493/.510, TFS TW, Stealth, 750, Flowtech hdrs, Dr. Gas X, 2 Chmbr Flowmaster, MSD 6AL-Dist.& SS coil, Art Carr C-4, Currie 9" w/3.55, alum Drv Shft, susp mods, 4 wheel power disc In a 66 coupe

01-20-2001, 03:27 PM	#5
Rev Registered Member Join Date: Nov 1998 Location: Houston, Tx. Posts: 3,887	Sorry for the slow response. I've been off line for a full 5 days trying to get my &*%#@! DSL activated. Great now that it works. Jim's Mustang 1626 N. Magnolia Ave El Cajon, Ca., 92020 (619)562-0912 1-800-350-4446 $549.95 for the basic kit, but an extra $50 for the dual cyl. MC, and then I think there is shipping. Don't forget what I said about the actuating rod. Have fun. Rev ------------------ '66 Coupe, 306, 300 HP, C-4, 13.97 e.t., 100.3 mph 1/4 mi.

01-20-2001, 10:45 PM	#6
H'YAMULE Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Willis, Texas Posts: 20	Thanks Rev, I know how frustrating the internet can be, I'll call them Monday and see about ordering a kit. That will save a few bucks(which there aren't a whole lot to spare). I appreciate the input.

01-20-2001, 11:24 PM	#7
Rev Registered Member Join Date: Nov 1998 Location: Houston, Tx. Posts: 3,887	Make sure the 6 cyl. steering stuff will work OK with the Granada spindles. Just thought of that. Rev ------------------ '66 Coupe, 306, 300 HP, C-4, 13.97 e.t., 100.3 mph 1/4 mi.