52-59 Ford Owners Group FAQ's

Testing

 

THIS IS AN OPTION FOR YOUR DELETED SOCIAL GROUP.

You 52-59 fellas get together and figure out if you want Technical or General info posts or mix it all together.

Moriarity and I are trying to keep the peace and not get the Ford Barn all riled up if at all possible with Off Topic over there.

 

I am going to start pasting the FAQ stuff here, please don't interrupt by posting while I am doing it. this may take a while

 

Note regarding forum update - A bunch of the links were broken when the forum was updated, and with no search function in the social forums, finding these links isn't easy. I've updated a bunch of them, but if you find a good forum post discussing one of the items that says "need link", feel free to PM me the link and I can make the update. Thanks!

Hey guys,

So, I was thinking it would be great if we had a sticky thread full of answers to the most common questions posted here. Sort-of a repository of all of the great info that has been found by the gurus who have already done it. I know it would be super helpful for me.

What do you guys think of this? I’ll start a list of all of the info I’ve complied so far for my car and maybe we can just keep adding to it over time…

Disclaimer - There is a lot of variation and inconsistency on cars built nearly 60 years ago on multiple different assembly lines around the country. In other words, what fits perfectly on one '52-56 Ford may not necessarily fit perfectly on another '52-56 Ford. Some fitment and modification may be needed.

Also, I have tried my best to compile accurate information to the best of my knowledge and reading comprehension, however I have also included a link (where possible) to the thread discussing this info so you can do your own reading and determine if the item listed is correct for you. If you see an error, something that needs clarification, or if you can confirm the suggestion works for a particular model/year not listed, please let me know (via PM) and I will update. MOTOR SWAPS
5.0 EFI swap http://www.midnightdsigns.com/Mustang/Engine.htm
Small Block Ford, AKA SBF (260/289/302/351W)
FE Ford: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/ford-fairlane-500-1957-engine-swap-v6-to-fe390.953789/
Notes - 260/289/302 engines are your best bet for an easy fit. 351W engines will fit, however they are slightly wider at the heads, which may cause clearance issues (such as headers, steering box, etc). Head and block info:
http://diyford.com/ford-cylinder-heads-valvetrain-interchange-small-block/
Clearance between the water pump pulley and radiator can be tight, especially when using the v-belt 70-78 Windsor pump (5.700" hub to base). For v-belt applications, a short water pump (5.440" hub to base, pass side inlet, 65-73 SBF and some later tucks) should be used. A Ford Motorsport M-8501-E351S can also be used for even more clearance. The FMS short pump will require custom pulleys, available from CVS Racing
Depending on the thickness of the radiator used, and the water pump used, an electric cooling fan may be required
Motor/Trans Mounts ('54+)
- 1986 Lincoln MKII/Thunderbird/Mustang 5.0, Anchor part # 2725 (L) and 2726 (R)
- 1963 Falcon 260 mounts, Anchor # 2220 (L) and 2221 (R) - In my experience, these are a better option if you are having firewall/trans tunnel clearance issues, as they position the engine lower and further forward. These are the mounts I used with my '54 302/T5 swap because I was running into firewall/throttle linkage clearance issues with the Lincoln mounts.
- Prothane 6-501-BL - Prothane Motor & Transmission Mounts - The matching mount for C4 or AOD is this: http://www.jegs.com/i/Prothane/311/6-1605/10002/-1?parentProductId=762286
- T5 transmission mounts - Energy Suspension 3-1109G(need link). I ended up using a universal trans mount kit (Prothane#311-6-501-BL) on the stock crossmember for my '54 w/302/T5.
- Butch's Cool Stuff also offers a bolt-on engine/trans mount kit... SBF in a 17" 52/53, SBF in a 15" 52/53, SBC in a 52/53, 54/56 V8, 54/56 I6, and others. They also offer a 5% discount for group members or a 10% discount for HAMB alliance members.
Y-Block Swap in a 52-53 Ford Scroll down to post #21 http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/anybody-got-a-y-block-in-a-shoebox.177373/
Notes
- Here is an album with good photos of the minor modifications that need to be made to the motor mount pads on the factory crossmember for '54+ cars when using the factory style SFB mounts above.
- Polyurethane mounts are less prone to separation than the Anchor parts that are now made in India/China.
- Above applications are for 260/289/302 swaps. For 351W swaps, clearance may be an issue. See Rockabillykat666's thread part 1, and part 2 regarding 351W fitment experiences and ideas.
1952-54 Ford gas tanks These always seem hard to get and cost more,Good News! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/1955-gas-tank-in-a-54.985110/
Oil Pan
- '52 and '53 Fords - dual sump oil pan from a fox-body Mustang.
- '54-'56 Fords - front sump oil pan should be used (use Melling 68-S pickup).
Fuel Gauge Tips: http://www.tanksinc.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=results/category_id=159/mode=cat/cat159.htm

Speedo Cables Here is a chart showing the lengths and the ends and the part numbers you will ATP brand at PepBoys and O'Reilly's and Autozone. Most common used here is the ATP Y-801 http://atpautomotive.com/cables?subcategory=713
Guides to 6 volt to 12 volt conversions: file:///home/jeffb2/Downloads/6%20volt%20electrical%20system%20conversion.pdf And also this: https://darksidersrealm.forumotion....lt-positive-ground-to-12-volt-negative-ground

Headers
-
- Hedman Part # 88400 (1949-59 Ford cars) actually listed for a 1965-69 Mustang 289-302 No clearance issues with these and actually better steering box clearance than most manifolds offer,usually best deal is this place: These are a copycat of the Patriot H8433. https://www.ebay.com/itm/325704465751?



















Another one that fits: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...hikZQ4Kl9ABF2IwjXVuVgLIKNnJEfQAs24aAmSx8P8HAQ
Pictures of the fit: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/another-sbf-header-for-53-woohoo.1058469/ NOTE: These Patriot headers are NOT a direct fit on a 351W as we found out later use them ONLY for a 302/5.0 swap.
Headers for a 302/5.0 swap with GT40P heads https://www.ebay.com/itm/Small-Bloc...40P-/271014972300?hash=item3f19c04b8c&vxp=mtr
Radiators
See Page 5 of this "Sticky"for pictures of a radiator swap.
Early Mustang radiators seems to almost bolt in;

1964-66 measures 16 3/8" X 19 7/8"
1967-69 measures 16 3/8" X 16 7/8"

V6 rad has pass side top port and driver side lower port and V8 rad has both ports on the pass side. If buying a V8 Mustang radiator, these measurements are for the small block (289/302) radiators). 390/427 radiators are bigger. NEW ! 11/25/20 If you are running the early short 289 water pump or have the 223 Six cylinder now there is a radiator that is a direct bolt in for 1952-56 Fords: https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-Row-Perf...949-1953-Ford-Cars-Chevy-Engine/123914986055? ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649 Thanks ! To member Greaser 35

Ebay has loads of inexpensive options, many with custom options like bigger ports, multiple cores, with or w/o trans cooler ports, etc.
Water Pumps and pulleys and Harmonic Balancers: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/sbf-short-water-pump-pulleys.303600/
ElectricFans for clearance: http://www.fordmuscleforums.com/cooling-articles/482048-junkyard-upgrade-dual-electric-fans.html
Steering and Brakes

• Power Steering Box
  • 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Delphi 600) box (requires adapter plate, frame notch, and shortened column)(some info, but not the original thread)
  • Note: Search eBay for "Ford Delphi Power Steering" for kit which includes box and plate.
  • Borgeson part # 800115 (requires modifications to column) Jeep Delphi Steering Box installation with pictures https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...o-jeep-delphi-600-power-steering-box.1103324/ DIY Electric Power steering https://www.hotrodders.com/forum/35...l-safe-no-ebay-module-needed-pics-454530.html

• Power Steering Pump
  • Saginaw pump brackets (for use with conversion steering boxes)
  • SBF - Borgeson PN 802409 - A thread with photos/info on my installation)
  • SBF - Tom's Bronco Parts SBF pump bracket + TBF tension adjusting bracket
  • Y-Block - Borgeson 802411 Electric Pwr Steering post #12 http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/power-steering-add-on.1019325/ AND https://www.killbillet.com/forum/th...ing-from-a-saturn-vue-into-54-ford-customline

• Thermactor Plug (required for adapting 5/8"-11 holes on some newer and aftermarket heads to 7/16"-14 for alternator/power steering pump mounting. Ford PN F4ZZ-6E086-A, over $20/ea at the dealer - Thermactor Plug set of 4

• Drum Brakes - Mustang drum upgrade to save you some big bucks. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...p1gc8laNbVtcfDUBzg_aem_5kroE9dmyYA76mw59nWfvA
• https://www.performanceonline.com/brake-shoes-rear-1964-72-ford-mustang/ and https://www.performanceonline.com/brake-shoes-front-1964-71-ford-mustang/

• Power Brake booster install: http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=145936&page=7

• Disc Brakes
  • Front, Use Granada parts (requires minor spindle modification)(need link)
  • Rear, Lincoln Versailles (very rare) Consider Ford Explorer 8.8" rear end swap comes with locker and disc brakes not expensive. https://www.performanceonline.com/1937-72-ford-car-brakes-brake-parts/

• Disc brake kits and power brake boosters using Granada or Camaro parts and modified spindles can be found on Ebay.

• Dual Bowl Master Cylinder Conversion Sadly the member that posted this on youtube removed it,sharing it has helped a lot of guys over the years we thank him for sharing it while it lasted but sure wish he would have left it up.
• This may help in the meantime see post #6 here https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/tonight-i-am-not-happy.1103171/#post-12515347 with a 1952-56 you will need a 20" section of 3/16" brake line for the new line you will be adding and some adapter fittings.

Suspension

• Front Cross member fabrication: This man makes the cross members on demand Phone # 1(919) 471-8942 to fab your own see http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/54-front-cross-member-build.996263/

• Drop Spindles
  • Fat Man Fabrications - '54-'76 Ford Drop Spindles (not listed in their catalog or on their website, so you may need to call or email).
  • Drop N Stop - '54-'64 Fod/Merc or '55-'60 T-Bird. 1.5" or 2.5" drops available. Also available with disc brakes.

Springs and shocks.

• Aerostar springs - Moog PN CC850 ('90 Ford Aerostar van) Lowers 2.5" - 3" Front on all 1949-59 Ford cars
  
• '49-'59 - KYB Gas-A-Just KG4503 Front(Stock or 2" lowered) With Aerostar coils Ask members on the forum for advice the KYB KG5514's seem to be causing some issues so I no longer can recommend them and KG5517 (R) (stock) lowered? The Gabriel 82026 for the front seems to be fine as they are shorter than the OEM shocks. See below thread)

• Thread detailing Aerostar springs and shock selection - http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/aerostar-coil-springs-on-my-54.1007457/

• Original Aerostar thread - http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...coil-springs-49-thru-59-ford-and-merc.260795/

• For Gabriel gas shocks fronts are 82026 and rear 81270 if you carry passengers in the rear you may add the Gabriel High Jacker air shock part# 49105

• Gabriel Shock Chart http://gabriel.com/products/docs/Gabriel_Mounting_Codes_Oct2012.pdf

1954-59 Ford IFS Rebuild Articles (thanks Baggs)
- Parts 1, 2, and 3
1954-56 1 1/8" SWAY BAR https://www.larrystbird.com/product/front-sway-bar-kit-5456-1-18/
WHEEL BACKSPACING: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/wheel-backspacing.999008/

Note - You can also get a free inch or two by removing the lower A-arm spring plate from the arm (drill out rivets) and inserting 1" square bar stock drilled and bolted between the plate and arm. Here is an example.(need link)

Helpful Stuff for Y-Block Fans: http://yblockguy.com/

Parts upgrades Electrical Tips: http://www.madelectrical.com/electrical-tech.shtml

One wire Alternators tech http://www.rodauthority.com/tech-st...rs-are-they-better-or-just-easier-to-hook-up/
T5 Swaps : http://www.hemmings.com/magazine/mus/2004/07/T-5-Transmission-swaps/1280831.html
6 to 12 volt conversion: http://darksidersrealm.forumotion.c...lt-positive-ground-to-12-volt-negative-ground

• Power Wipers - New Port Engineering PN NE5254FM

• Rusty floor panel replacement: http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=145936&page=7

Restoration Part Sources & Catalogs
Be aware that many of these vendors are now using offshore rubber goods from China and India that do not hold up well,best advice ask before you order.
MACs Auto Parts
Bob Drake Reproductions
Dennis Carpenter
Obsolete & Classic Auto Parts
C&G Early Ford Parts
Joblot Automotive
Tee-Bird Products Inc (has pass car parts also)
Larry's Thunderbird & Mustang Parts (has pass car parts also)
John Mummert's Y-block parts
Steele Rubber,mostly USA made but more costly,again ask before you buy.
Vintage Ford Parts sources http://www.vintagepartsource.com/ford parts.htm
Sheet Metal/Replacement Panels
EMS Automotive
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/9InchAxles.shtml TECH on 9" Ford rears
Detailed Specs/Information
Help for those with the 223 Six motors: http://fordsix.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=18
A great resource for detailed specs and info for almost any car made after 1945.

Thanks to Retro Jim, JeffB2, old lady's mad, Fairlane Dave and others for all the great info that has helped me a ton! Post up any other great info you have and we can add to the list and hopefully we can make this a sticky. Also the best money you can spend on your Ford is the Ford Parts Manual it is in two parts,one shows all the part numbers and part two has blown up illustrations of where all the parts are located,by using the part number and Google you can track down the parts and find the best deals, to get one at a price better than even ebay contact our member here:http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/members/danman55.70276/ Dave may even have a bonus for you. More about Ford Engine swaps: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...yet-incomplete-ford-v8-swappers-guide.199198/ MEMBERS MAP : TO FIND MEMBERS IN YOUR AREA: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?ll=28.030920659148595,-109.79292485848384&z=4&mid=1wZ6B6pRQk4kRkwcXIhqGEfPNwpc

 

How to figure rear end ratio: https://www.rodauthority.com/news/whats-gear-ratio-find-out/
Explorer rear ends will fit just have to move the spring saddles a little. Get a 97 - 01 and get disc brakes. 96 down get drum brakes.

Ranger rears work also but the spring saddles are on top and need to be moved to the bottom . Rangers have smaller brakes.
HOW TO NARROW the 8.8" http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/8-8-rearend.1051093/
. 9" rear end facts:http: //www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/9InchAxles.shtmlhttp://

if going with the power booster kit . get a double diaphram booster not a single.

mid 80s tbird trans mount works also.

heater core # 399025 availible at most parts stores. very slight modification to the housing using a round file.

mid 80s tbird sway bar for a swaybar upgrade.

cheapest place to get rear springs is jcwhitneys. HERE is some great info on what to look for when shopping for an 8.8 http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Ford-8_8-axle.shtml and how to narrow without welding: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/explorer_8-8_swap_no_welding.shtml more 8.8 Tech here: http://www.thefabricatorseries.com/...d-explorer-88-rear-axle-part-1-prelude-and-qa

 

Actually , Ford 8" rears from 65 to 69 Mustangs along with Mavericks , Comets will fit .
The 9" Ford rears from 1957 to 59 from cars & wagon will fit along with Cougar rears from 67 to 69 will fit to .
You need the rear to measure 57" give or take 1/2" from the outside of the brake drum to the other brake d
Jim, Here is another chart from Hemmings http://www.hemmings.com/partslocator/axles.html Newer 8" info: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/1952-56-rear-end-swap.1026934/#post-11623044 UPDATE https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/ford-8-in-differential-carriers.

 

Another helpful Chart: http://www.mustangsandmore.com/ubb/FordRearDimensions.html And https://m.roadkillcustoms.com/ford-...7UfJEdCjJp0zF5DDPCElCMWemcEJSnuOo5dU_N1saPyXc

Last edited by a moderator: Nov 20, 2022
Custom_Crestline, Feb 25, 2011EditHistoryDeleteIPWarn!Report!
SHARE POST#4Like+ QuoteReply

 

If you can find a Lincoln Versailles for the rear end, ust the front spindles/brakes as well. they bolt on without machining

2cdans, Feb 26, 2011EditDeleteIPWarn!Report!

 

So..... the ranger rearends work what years?? they have the small ford bolt pattern right? Thanks in advance, Here is a link to that http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/index-axles.shtml Also you can narrow an 8.8 easily there is a youtube video that shows how they do the 7.5's and the same will apply as both have a long and a short axle,the axle tubes are not real thick so weld with as low a temp as possible. VIDEO is Here: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/8-8-rearend.1051093/ Narrowing the 8.8" Two Part video

Last edited by a moderator: Nov 14, 2019
Highway Horrors

 

Great idea, as for the shocks if you want higher end Bilstein shocks designed for your lowered front end get part number 55-R230 from RCD Classics

If you buy the kit from Jamco and order the upgraded shocks. The ones that comes with it are to long ask for the part number above.

http://1hot54.blogspot.com/
1hot1954, Mar 22, 2011EditDeleteIPWarn!Report!

 

Regarding Ranger rear axles; look for 1990-92 are 56.5", they got wider after that. Also, look for a super cab 4X4. The four cylinder and some small sixes had the small rear end, (7.5) which may be OK for putzing around, but the small brakes had trouble stopping a Ranger. The ten inch brakes will bolt on any housing, find the backing plates and drums off the same donnor. The 8.8 in my 55 is 56 5/8 outside to outside. It came with a 3.73 Traction Loc. Ranger and 8.8 axle information is here: http://therangerstation.com/tech_library/index-axles.shtml

Last edited by a moderator: May 7, 2017
Ole don, Jul 13, 2011EditHistoryDeleteIPWarn!Report!

 

Here are some rear end widths for better upgrades . You might have to make some changes for spring & shock perches but this will give you a good start . There are also some good 9" rears that started in 1957 as well as some that were in the early to later 60's Mustangs & Cougars that will fit under you Fords as well ! There are some good rears to look for below that will work also from other makes of cars . Mopars had very strong rears as I used them before and never broke one either . I am referring to the 8 & 3/4"sure grip rears .
A Ford 8" rear will hold just about anything you put to them up to about 500 HP . After that I HIGHLY recommend a Ford 9" rear ! Also another really great rear were the mid to later 50's Olds rears . They were great drag rears that held up very well too .

I hope this list will help many out with their projects ! Choosing a rear end ratio: https://spicerparts.com/calculators/transmission-ratio-rpm-calculator

Jim





Ford Outside
WidthYearModel
56.50--1969-1977 Maverick 8"
57.00--1974-1978 Mustang II 8"
57.25--1957-1959 Ford, Ranchero, Station Wagon
57.25--1965-1966 Mustang
58.00--1966-1977 Bronco
58.00--1964-1965 Falcon
58.00--1977-1981 Granada/Versailles
58.50--1977-1981Versailles
59.25--1967-1970Mustang, Fairlane, Comet, Cougar
60.00--1967 Cougar
60.00--1958-1960--Edsel
61.00--1964-1971 Ford Full Size
61.00--1949-1951 Mercury
61.25--1957-1972 Ford F-100 Pickup
61.25--1960-1964 Ford Full Size
61.25--1971-1973 Mustang
61.25--1967-1973 Torino, Ranchero, Fairlane
63.00--1970-1979 Ranchero & Torino
63.00--1972-1979 Ford Full Size & Intermediate
63.50--1967 Fairlane (Coil Springs)
65.25--1973-1986 Ford F-150 Pickup
65.25--1978-1986 Bronco
65.25--1973-1986 Ford Van 3/4 Ton
68.00--1972 Ford Van 3/4 Ton
69.25--1977-1986Ford E-150 Van

Outside
Width Year Model
54.25--1983-2004 Chevy S10 2WD, GMC S15 2WD
57.75--1962-1964 Chevy II/Nova
57.75--1965-1967 Chevy II/Nova
58.00--1978-1988 Chevy Malibu, Monte Carlo
59.50--1968-1982 Corvette
60.00--1955-1964 Chevy Car
60.00--1967-1969 Camaro
60.25--1968-1979 Chevy II/Nova
60.50--1984-1995 Corvette
60.50--1964-1967 Chevelle
62.00--1955-1959 Chevy Pickup
62.50--1968-1972 Chevelle
62.50--1970-1981 Camaro/Firebird
Mopar Outside
WidthYearModel
55.60--1960-1976--7 1/4 A-body
55.60--1973-1976--8 1/4 A-body
55.60--1966-1972--8 3/4 A-body
55.60--All--8 3/4 A-body
56.00--1932-1934 -All Mopars
57.40--1963-1977--8 1/4 A-body
58.54--All--8 1/4-F-body
58.54--All--8 1/4- M-body
58.54--All--8 1/4- J-body
59.00--1935-1936-- All Mopars
59.14--1966-1972--9 3/4- B-body
59.20--1962-1972--8 3/4- B-body
60.00--1937-1948-- All Mopars
60.70--All--8 3/4- E-body
60.70--All--9 3/4- E-body
62.00--All--8 1/4- B-body
62.00--1971--1974-8 3/4- B-body
62.00--All--9 1/4- B-body
63.40--All--8 1/4- C-body
63.40--1971-1974--8 3/4- B-body S.W.
63.40--Al-l-9 1/4- C-body

Last edited by a moderator: Nov 19, 2019
Retro Jim, Sep 6, 2011EditHistoryDeleteIPWarn!Report!

 

1. 
   
2. 
   Here is a heater hose that will take care of the problem when you run a hei in a 302 eng. Use heater hose number nbh 9813, this is a long one or nbh 9806, this is a short one they have a 90 degree bend on one end use a straight heater hose nipple in the manifold these are napa numbers this worked fine in my 55
   slicks
   
   Slicks, Sep 6, 2011EditDeleteIPWarn!Report!
   SHARE POST#10Like+ QuoteReply
   
   

 

The link below will give you a PDF of the Gates Molded Hoses for your cooling needs. They are broken down by part number with the size below. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1520180&d=1325105434

54HotRod, Jan 1, 2012EditDeleteIPWarn!Report!

 

If you are thinking of an engine swap here is some good info you may want to save http://www.carnut.com/specs/fengdim.html However one part that needs correction is the SBF which like SBC's also had a short and long water pump the short pump and balancer from 1965-69 will shorten an SBF overall by 2 1/2"

JeffB2, Jan 3, 2012EditDeleteIPWarn!Report!

 

For the front sump pans I recommend http://kmjperformance.com/sbf-ford-...ark-blue-small-block-windsor-260-289-5-0.html good prices! the pickup is a Melling part# 68-S available at Autozone for $16.49 always change the oil pump drive shaft part# IS-68 $11.99 or if you use a HP pump get the H.D. shaft available from A.R.P.

Last edited: Aug 28, 2018
JeffB2, Jan 7, 2012

 

As you know the '52-56 Fords do not have self adjusting brakes this is how to upgrade your Ford with drum brakes http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/self-adjusting-brakes-for-a-54.899224/#post-10196463

Last edited: May 24, 2014
JeffB2, Jan 29, 2012

 

how can one tell if they have the long or short water pump by looking? and is it possible to fit the 65-69 pump and balancer on a later 302 (80s early 90s) if any of us has one? Yes,the early pump has a passenger side lower hose the long pump is 1970 and later and the lower hose is drivers side,you must match the year of the pump to the same years of pulleys,Ford also made three different length of balancers to make things more confusing. This will explain it in detail,scroll down to my post:http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/sbf-short-water-pump-pulleys.303600/

Last edited by a moderator: Jan 29, 2015
dwaynerz, Jan 29, 2012

 

Great youtube video on the dual master conversion here was removed by previous member Any way the master cylinder we recommend for drum brakes is the Duralast M1485 from Autozone (Why a rebuilt ?) That is because most new ones are now made in China or India and the castings, are not always that accurate internally,the rebuilts are usually USA made Bendix or Raybestos look underneath for markings.

Last edited: Aug 28, 2018
JeffB2, Mar 19, 2012

 

more stuff for the sticky thingy. pertains to water pumps and v belt pulleys among other things they offer.

http://runne-rite.com/index.html

dwaynerz, Mar 24, 2012

 

New guy question based on Retro Jim's Front Disc brake grocery list above. Why do you recommend using '80 Monte Carlo calipers with the '78 Granada rotors? Why not stay with the '78 Granada calipers as well? Guessing it has to do with the master cylinder you also listed but I just want to understand it before making a purchase.
Thanks

Dos Cincos, Apr 17, 2012

 

that would be because the co. making the aftermarket brakets made them to be used with gm metric calipers.

http://s200.photobucket.com/albums/aa99/old_ladys_mad/55 ford fairlane/
old lady's mad, Apr 17, 2012

 

If I recall the caliper is larger and you would gain a larger pad contact area= better stopping.

JeffB2, Apr 17, 2012