Brake upgrade questions

[KNUB1945]

I would like to convert my 55 210 to disc on the front but I'm not sure the 14" American torq thrust d made in the 60's will clear the calipers or not. Anybody know?

[markm]

Have any buddies with a first gen Camaro or 68-72 Chevelle , Nova with disk, if they fit those they will fit a 55-57 converted, Factory wheel were brake specific in that era, so were many aftermarket.

[KNUB1945]

Thanks, markm

[markm]

If those wheels clear disk brakes, you should have no issues with a Chevelle rotor on a 56.

[chevynut]

KNUB1945, the only issue with the Chevelle rotor is that it pushes the wheel out by 7/8" per side. If the car is lowered, or if the suspension compresses significantly while turning sharp, it could cause rubbing of the tire against the fender. If you have a stock-height car it will typically not be a problem, but it looks weird to me to have the tire nearly even with the fender lip. Again, that depends on how big of a tire you have, and the wheel offset. If you're going to buy a disc brake kit anyhow, get one that doesn't push the wheels outboard. They make near-zero offset disc brake kits for stock or dropped spindles.

[KNUB1945]

KNUB1945, the only issue with the Chevelle rotor is that it pushes the wheel out by 7/8" per side. If the car is lowered, or if the suspension compresses significantly while turning sharp, it could cause rubbing of the tire against the fender. If you have a stock-height car it will typically not be a problem, but it looks weird to me to have the tire nearly even with the fender lip. Again, that depends on how big of a tire you have, and the wheel offset. If you're going to buy a disc brake kit anyhow, get one that doesn't push the wheels outboard. They make near-zero offset disc brake kits for stock or dropped spindles.

My plan is to use 1979-81 firebird rear rotors and 1964 impala hubs with 1969 Chevelle calipers.Do you see any problems with this setup?

[Rick_L]

60s built 14" wheels are likely not going to fit. Wheels made starting in the mid 70s possibly will.

A 14" Chevy Rally wheel made for disc brakes will clear the Chevelle rotors/calipers. Aftermarket wheels made with the same style on the backside will also fit. I think this means 70s and up wheels.

[BamaNomad]

The '68-69 Camaro/Nova 14" disk brake wheels will clear, whether Rallye or not. by 1972, I think almost any Chevy 14" wheel will clear the brakes.

Re your '60's 14" Torq Thrust... no idea, but I'd suggest trying them on any late 60's or early 70's disk brake Camaro or Chevelle etc.. to ensure they clear.

[markm]

Sure glad people pay so much attention on here.

Have any buddies with a first gen Camaro or 68-72 Chevelle , Nova with disk, if they fit those they will fit a 55-57 converted, Factory wheel were brake specific in that era, so were many aftermarket.

All Camaros are disk brake 70 up, Chevelle/ Monte 73 up, Nova 75 up prior to these dates drum was std. and disk was an option.

[chevynut]

My plan is to use 1979-81 firebird rear rotors and 1964 impala hubs with 1969 Chevelle calipers.Do you see any problems with this setup?

I don't know what the 64 Impala hubs do to the wheel mounting width. That would be my only concern. The calipers are fine, as long as you can find the appropriate mounting bracket. Are you lowering the car?