Disc Brake Conversion - General Questions

[Plymouthy Adams]

Volare rotors?

... I've never even seen a Volare... they still make parts for those? Maybe being Canada, they all rusted off the roads up here but still common in the US.

Anyone know what the AAJ Brakes uses?

Also, what's an "all in one rear disc/drum combination"... I've seen discs or drums, but not all-in-one. Or do you mean disc front drum rear?

no..not disc in front and drum in rear..I mean as I said, combo drum and disc...you need to get out a bit more...just because you are not familar does not mean they do not exist..just because you have not seen a Volare does not mean they are all gone and that parts are not available..I would further surmise that you have not so much as tried to find if the part is avaialble through your local..I believe you need to get your car closer to home and get your hands dirty, get a book, read up on how things work so that you may have a general clue as to how to get to where you want to be with your car...dream sheeting is fine..but nothing beats tried and true wrench turning.

[THRobinson]

no..not disc in front and drum in rear..I mean as I said, combo drum and disc...you need to get out a bit more...just because you are not familar does not mean they do not exist..just because you have not seen a Volare does not mean they are all gone and that parts are not available..I would further surmise that you have not so much as tried to find if the part is avaialble through your local..I believe you need to get your car closer to home and get your hands dirty, get a book, read up on how things work so that you may have a general clue as to how to get to where you want to be with your car...dream sheeting is fine..but nothing beats tried and true wrench turning.

I don't know much about this stuff... that's why I'm on a forum asking. If the forum isn't here for asking questions... then what's the point in having it?

The comment about the Volare wasn't if they exist, but rather to say that they're an older uncommon vehicle, especially in Canada, and if a conversion kit exists that uses something more modern/common I'd rather use it. Ford Rangers for example, disc brakes, same lug pattern, still in production... if I had the choice between using parts for a Volare from the '70s and a Ranger from this decade, I'd choose the Ranger.

I'm on here to gather information, plan ahead, figure out costs and potential problems so that when I'm in front of the car I can work on it and not run back/forth to a computer checking information and waiting for responses.

As far as getting out more to learn about this stuff... that's what I bought the Dodge for.

[Plymouthy Adams]

I don't know much about this stuff... that's why I'm on a forum asking. If the forum isn't here for asking questions... then what's the point in having it?

The comment about the Volare wasn't if they exist, but rather to say that they're an older uncommon vehicle, especially in Canada, and if a conversion kit exists that uses something more modern/common I'd rather use it. Ford Rangers for example, disc brakes, same lug pattern, still in production... if I had the choice between using parts for a Volare from the '70s and a Ranger from this decade, I'd choose the Ranger.

I'm on here to gather information, plan ahead, figure out costs and potential problems so that when I'm in front of the car I can work on it and not run back/forth to a computer checking information and waiting for responses.

As far as getting out more to learn about this stuff... that's what I bought the Dodge for.

not to argue but I will comment that you have seemed to ignore advice given, nay-sayed what you do not know..as you said, here to learn, then digest what is given, if questionable, research further before you spit in the man's eye..I was always taught that we have two ear and two eyes an one mouth as it is twice as important to hear and see than to speak..as a fellow member said to another earlier, I will not trouble you further..

[THRobinson]

I haven't ignored anything... been writing down notes. Just asking for clarification on stuff, and exploring options, and some questions have not yet been answered.

... re-reading through now and not even sure what has been ignored?

You certain we're reading the same threads? I had another post about rims where you said "I tried to explain modern wheels earlier but it fell on deaf ears so I gave up" yet the only previous post you had in that thread was about lugs vs studs.

As AndyDodge said "do your searches for info and ask as many questions as you want until YOU are satisfied, no one else."

I want to know about all my options, not just 1 or 2, and still never heard anything about discs changing the wheel offset or if during the conversion can I do anything to change the offset to allow for a bigger selection of rims.

[greg g]

The general area if concern is the caliper casting to the wheel rims, several folks have used several of the available options using both stock rims and aftermarket. You need to decide which direction you would like to go and then assemble th kit and parts you need to do the conversion. Most of these things are bolt on conversions but as with anything where factory engineered parts are being modified or replaced there might be tinkering and field adjustments that need to be made during the process.

All of these are going to require a moderate level of mechanical aptitude and proficiency with hand tools. Some drilling a tapping.

[THRobinson]

The general area if concern is the caliper casting to the wheel rims, several folks have used several of the available options using both stock rims and aftermarket. You need to decide which direction you would like to go and then assemble th kit and parts you need to do the conversion. Most of these things are bolt on conversions but as with anything where factory engineered parts are being modified or replaced there might be tinkering and field adjustments that need to be made during the process.

All of these are going to require a moderate level of mechanical aptitude and proficiency with hand tools. Some drilling a tapping.

Ya, I think definitely some mod work will be in order... makes me wish I had a brake assemble on my desk just for study.

Body wise and interior, I'll be fine. Brakes/engine... that's my 2 main concerns. Can't "wing it" when it comes to those.

From what I'm reading and from the photo's I've seen... the biggest part of the conversion is the metal plate/adapter to hold on the calipers. That's why I'm wondering if a more current Ford would offer an alternative. Especially if while doing it I can grab the rear off the same vehicle.

[Andydodge]

If you have a look at the pics I posted of the adapted discs on my car you'll see that the caliper uses a circular plate to bolt onto, this is what I dreamed up 35yrs ago and variations on it are whats used by the various disc brake adaptions since. the mopar, well Plymouth/Dodge stub axle is very similar to a late model, ie, 1970's disc braked car in that the stub axle itself is the same o.d. allowing for the disc brake inner/outer bearings to fit straight on. generally the threads on the stub axle have to be cut about 1/2" further in and the cotter pin hole redrilled, also the end of the stub axle may have to have 1/2' or so cut off as it is too long........thats it to get the rotor mounted.

For the caliper that circular plate that uses the upper and 2 lower steering arm bolts is what the caliper bolts onto........its usually about 3/8" plate, well mine is, and in my case has a pair of 1/2" thick by 2" steel slugs welded to the 3/8 plate as the caliper mount. This slug is then drilled & tapped thru it and the 3/8 plate to bolt the calipers on.......voila'......disc brakes........

This is what I did on mine and from the different pics I have seen the US adapters are basically the same, albeit using different brakes etc and are a bolt on setup, but always best to double check with the supplier............anyway don't worry about asking questions..........regards from Oz, Andy Douglas

[Alshere59]

I believe you will find the disk drum combo is shown in this web site. Look at number 11.

http://www.jeep4x4center.com/jeep-brake-parts/grand-cherokee-zj/index.htm

It is in fact a parking brake drum and disc for driving. I have the jeep rear end in mine so I had some idea on what to search for. (It also has the same lug pattern) If there is another application that acts in concert with the disc I am not aware of it.

Al

Edited March 27, 2012 by Alshere59

[PatS....]

The Volare/Aspen was a very common car in Canada but they were "consumable" cars...nothing special other than really tough and many were used as taxi's and cop cars. And they were very prone to early and fatal rust in the east where they use alot of salt

They served their 500,000 plus miles and they were scrapped, hence you see very few on the roads nowadays but you can still buy parts over the counter at any parts store.

The Volare/Aspen were essentially "upgraded" Valiants, but the Valiant was a MUCH better car IMHO:)

This article from R&C may help you some. PlyDo is now, for all intent and purposes, out of business but Charlies kit is very similar...simple and trouble free, like the PlyDo kit was, with GREAT customer service.

http://www.rodandcustommagazine.com/techarticles/0409rc_1951_plymouth_brakes_upgrade/index.html

Same car, more upgrades, more pictures.

http://www.rodandcustommagazine.com/techarticles/135_0501_1951_plymouth_suburban_wagon/index.html

(these links don't work in FireFox...use IE)

(you don't need to bend the steering arm for just the disc brake kit, the upper shock mounts are HIGHLY recommended)

Edited March 27, 2012 by PatS....

[yourpc48]

I used the Rusty Hope kit and after gathering the brake parts at NAPA, it was a one day swap. Using a new stock master cylinder and am very happy with the brakes. Use the stock 15 inch wheels with no issues for fitment what so ever.

Here is the parts list from AutoZone or Napa

Disc Brakes

GM Caliper A-184071/72 / N-2422032/33

Pads A-MKD154 / N-TS7070AM

78 Volare Rotors A-YH141145 / N-4885566

Caliper Bolts A-50022 / N-82205

Inner Wheel Bearing N-BR6

Outer Wheel Bearing N-BR2

Seals N-19500

Voalre Grease Caps N-730-2436

Wheel Nuts N-641-2024

Cotter Pins N-8080-4788

Brake Hoses N-36959

Banjo Bolts N-82703

I have been looking for this list. Thanks for posting this. I went through the list and some of the part #s have changed. I think this is a current list of the same part numbers.

A=Autozone N= Napa

Disc Brakes

GM Caliper A-C160/161 / N-2422032/33 NAPA #s have changed to SE4623/22 listing shows for 2000 S10 Chevy PU. at Autozone website.

Pads A- MKD154 / N- TS TS7070AM

78 Volare Rotors A-YH141145 / N- NB 4885566

Caliper Bolts A- H5002 Maybe H5004? / N- 82205W

Inner Wheel Bearing N- BRG BR6

Outer Wheel Bearing N- BRG BR2

Seals N- NOS 19500

Volare Grease Caps N- BK 7302436

Wheel Lug Nuts N- BK 6412024

Cotter Pins N-8080-4788 cant verify this one at home.

Brake Hoses N- UP 36959 Note: These hoses are designed for silicone type fluid not petroleum base brake fluid.

Banjo Bolts N- UP 82703

[Frank Elder]

I believe you will find the disk drum combo is shown in this web site. Look at number 11.

http://www.jeep4x4center.com/jeep-brake-parts/grand-cherokee-zj/index.htm

If there is another application that acts in concert with the disc I am not aware of it.

Al

Chrysler 300.....

[Alshere59]

Chrysler 300.....

There are probably more, I just meant I did not know what they are.