I'm working on a '58 biscayne currently. I am thinking of converting from manual drum brakes at least to power and possibly to disk front and drum rear power brakes. What are my (cheap) options? Any salvage options for this? The other question I have is the generator on this car isn't charging. I checked with a multimeter and am getting little to no voltage out of this thing. It's a 283 2bbl car. Should I replace the generator, or convert to alternator? What is my best option for this as well?
Rear brake interchange is 58-64 for everything; someone probably makes a kit to do disc on the front; then just use a salvage yard booster/master/prop valve combo, it should bolt up, make sure to get the pushrod the right length. Alternator requires some wiring changes but is much more reliable and if you make a sleeve for the bottom it should be about a bolt on. In fact, some Chevy generators have a spacer that can be altered and used.
I disagree with the much more reliable comment.(no offense) A common often repeated statement. I've had a lot more problems with alternators than with generators. An alternator almost burned my truck down. I don't bad mouth alternators because of it. The alternator was used with unknown mileage. How many miles on your Chevy? To me it is the lazy mans way out. Just order a chrome one wire alternator with a credit card and bolt it on. You don't need to know anything but the web site. Everybody wants to learn about the old engines but bail and out and pop a one wire POS on it. sermon over there are plenty one wire preachers out there I have to stand up for the often ridiculed generator. I'm an idiot but I cant stand one wire alternators and electric fans. I took a working alternator off of my current project because they were not available in 62. This still is a hotrod site isn't it?
I have no idea how many miles are truly on it. I know it has a rebuilt 283 in it which has around 1000 miles or so on it.
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