| Tracker | -- 04-17-2013 @ 5:27 AM |
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Has anyone here had experience with installing disc brakes on a 51 Merc ? If so, could you comment on your experience and how well it worked ? I see online sellers of 51 Mercury disc brake kits for the front but not the back. It says that the addition of the brakes makes the front wheels go outwards but does not say by what amount....does it change the appearance of the car ? Any help or comments on this mod would be much appreciated. Thanks
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| supereal | -- 04-17-2013 @ 9:56 AM |
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Changing any brake system to discs requires re-engineering for safety's sake. It involves calipers, caliper brackets and, in some cases, modified spindles and steering arms. Most of a car's braking is accomplished by the front wheels, and a proportioning valve is necessary to balance the force. Front only disc brakes were used extensively in the 70's, usually because providing a method of incorporating the parking brakes hadn't been devised. Dual master cylinders were taking over, as well. Any conversion should be bought only as a complete kit. It isn't a cheap conversion, and a properly maintained and adjusted original drum/drum system should provide more than adequate braking, unless the vehicle has been modified with more power, etc. While disc brakes tend to be more powerful, it isn't likely that the front wheels should go outward unless the front end components, such as the A frame bushings and kingpins, are worn. If so, it would certainly cause dangerous steering. Most of the conversions I've seen don't change the outward appearance of the wheels unless spoked aftermarket wheels are installed. Street rodders often do that to show off their brake conversions. Most shops, ours included, won't touch brake conversions due to liability exposure.
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| fla48 | -- 04-17-2013 @ 4:03 PM |
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I agree with Supereal.
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| TomO | -- 04-18-2013 @ 8:18 AM |
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Tracker, Without seeing the site that is selling the kit, I would guess that they are saying that the replacement spindles will offset the wheels changing the front track width. This will change the steering geometry also. The following web site shows that the spacers are required, but do not give dimensions. http://www.performanceonline.com/blog/2009/04/49-51-mercury-car-disc-brake-conversion-kit-55-bolt-pattern/ I agree with all that Supereal said about disc brake conversions. The car manufacturers design the braking system to stop a car with a specific weight and horsepower. The kits being sold use parts from vehicles that have similar spindles, but not necessarily the same weight and tire size. I think that the Cavalier calipers used are for a car with less weight and tires with a smaller cross section. Remember that the quality of the friction material, condition of the drums and the condition of the tires all affect how well your car stops. Tom
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| trjford8 | -- 04-18-2013 @ 1:44 PM |
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I have not done disc brakes on a Merc, but have done conversions on earlier (pre 48) Fords using stock suspension. Talk with others who may have made this conversion to see if it is worth it or not. It's a cost vs benefit situation. The wheels may or may not move outward depending on the width of the rotor that is used for the conversion. It usually moves them outboard 1/2 to 3/4".
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| Tracker | -- 04-18-2013 @ 5:03 PM |
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Thanks to every one who responded to my post for help on installing disc brakes on my 51 Merc Convertible. After changing out the 7.60 X 15 bias ply tires to equivalent 7.10 in BFG Radials not only has the steering greatly improved but the stopping as well...the latter I don't know how but it stops as it should now and I am inclined not to attempt the disc brakes. I'm not that good a mechanic anyway. The most knowlegable people in the antique car hobby are to be found right here on this forum and as always I am greatful for all your comments, experience and helpful suggestions. Tracker
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