I have read a lot of articles on the hamb and other sites about donor cars to swap spindles onto the 64 for power disc brakes. I have also read about conversion kits. I am wondering if there is a donor car for parts that i can use the factory spindles from the 64. Thanks
If I had heard of the Wilwood kit before doing my car, I would have gone that route. I was able to use my spindles using a bearing adapter.
I think most use an adaptor kit that uses the '64 spindle with a bearing spacer and caliper mount bracket that allows you to use a late model (Fairmount???) rotor and GM caliper . That is what I used on my '62 Monterey (same spindle as a '64 Galaxie). Swapping the whole knuckle/spindle seems like a h***le and added possibility for a suspension geometry nightmare.
There are no donor cars that will allow fitment of OEM disc brakes onto your drum brake spindles. Best choice IMO is the '70-72 full-size Ford discs but these require using the complete ***embly including the spindle. Downside to these is they still used the spring-type floating caliper that is known for uneven wear. Ford switched to the superior sliding style caliper in '73 but also switched to the larger 5-on-5 wheel bolt pattern on the rotor. It is possible to swap the later caliper and mounting bracket to the earlier spindle for the best of both. All of these parts aren't so easy to find in the boneyards anymore... As far as the aftermarket goes, I'll agree with Bob and say that the Wilwood kits are the best bang for the buck. Simple bolt-on install to the drum brake spindles and lightweight aluminum 4-piston calipers for superior braking and lower unsprung weight. Two downsides; one, because these are aftermarket designs, repair/replacement parts aren't available everywhere. Two, these are rigid-mount calipers (not floating) and you need to stay on top of the front wheel bearings, not allowing them to get 'loose' as they don't like excessive rotor runout. Not a big deal, but something you need to watch. These are what I choose for my '60 Sunliner. ANY disc conversion you'll find for your car will require you to trade up to 15" disc brake wheels as there are NONE that will fit inside a 14" wheel.
good info. I currently have 15" wheels. I do like the ease of the bolt on kit, but dont like the fact that parts are not available off the shelf. But i really dont want to change the spindles. I have a line on a 79 cougar which i have learned is a direct swap onto my galaxie, but i need to swap spindles. time to really think this through. Thanks
Old donor cars are not so avaliable these days. The '79 Cougar may be a good enough of a deal to jump at. With those you have to make sure that the tapers between the ball joints, tie rods match the donor spindles. Best case a too-small hole can be opened via a tapered reamer.
Try Mercurystuff.com, they have some good info, I used 74 LTD II spindles on my sons 63.5 Galaxie, it was a bolt on, Rockauto had discs for $43 ea. , calipers about $30 ea., used a 1.0 bore dual master , bolted on with a summit adjustable pushrod, had to add in an adjustable proportioning valve at the rear line and 2 residual valves, it stops really well, just a thought.
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