Chevy Cars 1959-64 Front Disc Brake Conversion PDF Manual

Tools Needed:
1/2″ Inch Drive Deep & Shallow, Socket Set, Combination Wrench Set, Line Wrenches, 1/2″ Drive Torque Wrench, Pliers, Side Cut Pliers, Hammer
A Section Of 2 1/8″ OD Pipe, Drum Brake Spring Pliers, Jack, Jack Stands, Safety Glasses, Drum Brake Adjuster, 3/8″ Allen Or Hex Wrench, Locking Pliers Or A Pipe Wrench, Gloves.

Wheel/tire assembly from the car, Photo #1a. On some cars, brake drums were riveted or pressed to the hub so you may need to remove the entire assembly, hub and all as I did on the right side. If the drum will slip off like shown on the left hand side, all the better. You may need to use a brake adjusting tool to back off the brake shoes due to rust and wear before the drum or hub assembly can be removed. Using an old screwdriver, pry off the dust cap from the hub center and remove the cotter pin from the spindle nut with pliers. Remove the spindle nut with a 1-1/16” wrench or socket. Removal of the spindle washer, hub and drum assembly is shown in Photo #1b. Your spindle should now look like the
one in Photo #1c. Most of the time, the bearings and grease seals will come off with the drum/hub assembly, however, if they remain on the spindle it’s no biggie. Remove these being careful not to damage the spindle surface where the grease seal rides at the inner most part of the machined surface

Photo #2: Remove the brake shoes and hardware using the brake spring pliers and retainer tools. A word of caution – brake shoe linings (the friction material bonded or riveted to the brake shoes), especially old ones, contain asbestos. The use of a dust mask is a good idea when dealing with brake linings. If you have any questions or would like more information on the removal process, the brake section of your shop manual is an excellent source for additional step by step procedures and photos. I found the information referenced under section 6 in the 1963 shop manual supplement (P/N 517063) as well as the 1961 passenger car shop manual (P/N 517051) Photo #2. Photo #3a, 3b & 3c: Using 5/8” box end wrenches or sockets, remove the bolts and nuts securing the backing plate to the spindle and knuckle, Photo #3a. Grab that old screwdriver
again or a punch or chisel and straighten out the special “French” locking washer that keeps the wheel cylinder anchor pin from coming loose. Take a 15/16” deep socket and remove that anchor pin and wheel cylinder from the spindle, Photo #3b. You should now have something that resembles Photo #3c. Photo #4: If it has not disintegrated over time, remove the flat round cork gasket from around the spindle flange Photo #4.
This gasket is not necessary with the disc brake conversion. Clean the knuckle/spindle with solvent (careful, remember no turkey BBQ for the local fire department) and a wire brush. You can paint the knuckle at this time if you want to. Ensure that no paint gets on the spindle, especially that sealing surface on the inner most part of the spindle.

Bracket Installation:
Photo #5: You are now ready to install the brackets; they are marked “L” and “R” left and right. You can bolt them on opposing sides. The bracket kit see, (P/N 520065) as laid out and ready to install. I sprayed some argent silver paint on the round spacers to keep the rust down. Wait for the paint to dry before installation. Install the CORRECT side caliper bracket Using a 3/8” line wrench, disconnect the brake line that comes into the brake hose mounted to the upper left on the frame. This may be stubborn so soak it in penetrating fluid and repeatedly tighten and loosen. Treat this part of the project gently. This is a good time to look at your ride somewhat more intimately. Be nice to it and it will be nice to you. Be rough with it, and you will be really sorry; you may need to replace some plumbing, not just a hose. Once this is accomplished, pull out the retaining clip with your pliers, where the hose and line meet the bracket at the frame. Since we are removing the entire backing plate assembly, including the drum brake wheel cylinder, hose removal is not necessary for this installation

Download Chevy Cars 1959-64 Front Disc Brake Conversion PDF Manual