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Disc Brakes on a 62 Cadillac

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Gambler62, Mar 9, 2014.

  1. Gambler62
    Joined: Feb 1, 2014
    Posts: 12

    Gambler62
    Member
    from Medford OR

    Anyone know what modern car I can swap the disc brakes onto my 62 Cadillac. I want to do a disc brake conversion on my Cadillac.
     
  2. need louvers ?
    Joined: Nov 20, 2008
    Posts: 12,901

    need louvers ?
    Member

    Check out Scarebird disc brake conversions. I helped a buddy do some on a '61 a couple of years ago and it was far cheaper than rebuilding the stock drums.
     
  3. From what I have read , the first Cadillacs with stock disc brakes (around 1967?) can be mounted up without too many problems. Try one of the Cadillac forums
    http://forums.cadillaclasalleclub.org/ You will find it is a fairly common swap.
    Good luck!
     
  4. Gambler62
    Joined: Feb 1, 2014
    Posts: 12

    Gambler62
    Member
    from Medford OR

    I will check those sites out. I think I need to replace my spindles and get an entire kit. If I can find a set on Craigslist for a 68-74 Cadillac that would be great. The original drum brakes **** trying to stop a big car like mine.
     
  5. need louvers ?
    Joined: Nov 20, 2008
    Posts: 12,901

    need louvers ?
    Member

    That is sort of the point of the ScareBird kit! They use the stock hub, then a late model slip over rotor and caliper so that everything is available at your local parts store when it comes time to rebuild. As I said, when I did this deal on a friends car a couple of years ago it was many times cheaper than rebuilding the stock drums.

    The other problem you have with changing spindles and such is that EVERY manufacturer's suspension geometry changed from the early sixties to the late sixties/early seventies. Just because the later spindles bolt into place doesn't necessarily mean that it's steering arms and such are in the correct place to retain Ackerman and steering geometry. There are lots of '50s and '60s Ford guys that have bolted on later disc brake spindles and then wondered why their cars feel "floaty".

    Trust me, check out the ScareBird stuff... I've used it on about six customer cars so far...
     
  6. southerncad
    Joined: Feb 5, 2008
    Posts: 1,135

    southerncad
    Member

    You should also try the guys at the modified caddy forum @ modifiedcadillac.org
    They might have an "easy" fix for ya'.
     
  7. txturbo
    Joined: Oct 23, 2009
    Posts: 1,771

    txturbo
    Member

    I have a 63 and it stops great. I haven't had any problems.
     
  8. Gambler62
    Joined: Feb 1, 2014
    Posts: 12

    Gambler62
    Member
    from Medford OR

    I think you miss understood what I was saying. I agree with the ScareBird kit! Not talking **** on it. I already ordered it last night along disc brake kit. I found out I can use the same spindles. As for the drum brakes I personally don't like them I rather have greater stoping power with the disc brakes. Some people keep the original brakes and thats fine. Thank for the advice its helped me out a lot.
     
    Last edited: Mar 11, 2014
  9. txturbo
    Joined: Oct 23, 2009
    Posts: 1,771

    txturbo
    Member

    I'm just saying that the drum brakes are more than enough to stop these cars. So if yours aren't stopping it then you probably have issues with the system that converting to discs by itself won't fix. For example.... If your rear brakes aren't working correctly then it still won't stop very good even with disc brakes on the front. Did you order a master cylinder/ booster ***embly also? CPP has one for these cars. They also have a 13" rotor kit. You also may have to use different wheels with the disc brakes if you are still running the stock wheels.
     
  10. Gambler62
    Joined: Feb 1, 2014
    Posts: 12

    Gambler62
    Member
    from Medford OR

    I ordered the entire brake set master cylinder/ booster ***embly for the conversion. I did not have problem with the system before I ordered the kit. I changed the rear brake shoes lines and wheel cylenders and hardware a few weeks ago car stoped fine. I just like the idea of modern brake system. I'm suprised with how easy it is to find parts for this ride.
     
  11. txturbo
    Joined: Oct 23, 2009
    Posts: 1,771

    txturbo
    Member

    Ok....just making sure. Some people think a disc brake conversion is a cure all fix. I will probably convert mine also after the interior is done. It looks better with the large wheels and pad change is easier than shoes. Although those giant drums are a conversation piece at the local cruise nights. :D
     

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