Power Brakes

I have a 1959 Ford Thuderbird, 352 motor and no power brakes. What to do ??? Is it a matter of adding a power booster to the current system or going with front disc brakes ?

And how does one go about adding front disc brakes to a car that didn't come with them ?

If going to front disc brakes is the answer, do I swap out the 14" wheels for 15" ?

any help would be greatly appreciated

 

You'll definitely need to go with larger wheels if you want discs. You can do it yourself with parts from a granada or later bird - the 64-66 flairbirds seem to be a good fit. There are also a variety of kits available from some of the bird suppliers or from Jamco, if you want to spend a little more cash and have a full kit.

You can swap the master for one with a booster, if you just want power on your existing brakes, later t-birds boosters should be able to fit without too much trouble.

 

I believe '60's Torino spindles and disc brakes will fit without much work.

 

if you are going to convert to disc why not go with a booster? thats a heavy car, and its worth it to me to have the extra power. You can use 14's i have 14's on my 63 with discs. Granada had 14" wheels and discs that you should be able to make work. lincoln vesailles will work for a rear if you want to go 4 wheel disc. Wheel vintiques 14 inch steelies are the right dimensions to fit over disc calipers. BTW

Contact ECI Hotrod brakes. The guy there(i dont remember his name) he will talk to you and answer all of your questions. He knows his stuff.

 

Thank you...this is my first build and as you know its a big learning process.

 

also go over to squarebirds.org theres a lot of very knowledgeable folks over there.

 

cool, thanks

 

Are you sure theres no power brakes, my tbirds booster sits behind the firewall, next to the steering column.....as opposed to in the engine conpartment...