Project Snowbird - 1960 Hardtop Disc Brake Upgrade

[Yellowbird]

By the way, I'm digging the '56 Chevrolets (yes I know it's a Ford Forum).

My first car was a '56 2 door hardtop, 265 power-pak, powerglide, wonderbar radio, factory a/c.

I wish I had never sold it. The older I get the more I come to the realization that I probably will not be able to afford one that was close to mine. But, who knows?

Great looking '56's!!!!!!

[toddgilroy]

Were you able to get a black booster from ABS or did you paint that, too? I think I remember your picture when you first bought it and it wasn't black.

Thanks

[simplyconnected]

I put the original wheels on today. The stock rims barely rubbed as you can see on the picture below. It was not enough to gouge the metal but enough to make noise. I bet there is a caliper out there that would work. I may ask Lucio next time I see him if there is a chance in heck something else would work...

Believe it or not, your wheels flex. If your calipers are touching the rim they are too close. How much gap should you have? I would want at least 1/8" (.125") for a bare minimum. Some 14" wheels clear that. How did your Summit wheels work? Marcelo liked his a lot. - Dave

[Daleo56]

Looks really nice. I might take you up on the experienced labor, if and when I decide to go disc. I'd love to drive the Bird and see how the brakes feels. Did you try and stick the stock rims on after the conversion? Nice to know you found the tee at hose man. I couldn't find one down here, so I ordered it on Ebay.
Nyles

Say when

I'm getting ready to do the brakes on my '58.

I noticed you painted the Scarebird brackets. What did you do to be able to coat the zinc coated brackets?

I also spoke with Ed at ABS brakes today concerning the bracket, booster and m/c. They will not sell the bracket by itself. It would appear that everything mounted up well except for the one "stoopid" bolt.
Whose combination/proportion valve did you use?

Thanks.

I only bought the MC from ABS.

I did not use a proportioning valve. Lucio at ABS said I would not need one for a 58-60 since the rear brake shoes were so small. It brakes level however I will test it hard again once I re-bleed it.

Side note: the Scarebird kit instructions say to use an adjustable valve only on the rear so it makes sense that not using a proportioning valve is ok.

[Yellowbird]

Where did you find the mounting bracket? So far 2 machine shops will not quote it for me.

Thanks

[Daleo56]

Were you able to get a black booster from ABS or did you paint that, too? I think I remember your picture when you first bought it and it wasn't black.

Thanks

Painted it and the Scarebird brackets with Satin black VHT engine enamel.

[Daleo56]

Where did you find the mounting bracket? So far 2 machine shops will not quote it for me.

Thanks

What mounting bracket?

[Yellowbird]

The booster mounting bracket. It appears to be zinc coated.

Thanks

[Daleo56]

The booster mounting bracket. It appears to be zinc coated.

Thanks

The MC, booster and bracket were all from ABS as one unit. $350 from Lucio is a good deal for all Squarebird members. It sure saves hunting around for the different pieces.

I removed the MC and taped around the bracket when I painted the booster.

[Daleo56]

Granada and Mustang rotors are 11" but that is about all they have in common. Mustang rotors have the same snout, seals and bearings as your Squarebird drum hubs so they bolt on without any machining or modifications. - Dave

Not having to change the front spindles was a huge time-saving for me. I will say however that having to change spindles forces you to replace the ball joints, tie rod ends and clean everything. I am kind of bummed that I left everything dirty under there for now.