Stop on a Dime: 1964–1972 Chevelle Front Disc Brake Conversion Guide

Stop on a Dime: 1964–1972 Chevelle Front Disc Brake Conversion Guide, Upgrading your vintage GM A-body muscle car’s factory-original drum brakes to front disc brakes is essential for safe modern driving, as front brakes handle 70% to 80% of stopping power. Before beginning, ensure your frame mounts and floor pans are solid with our 1964-1972 Chevelle & El Camino Rust Repair Guide.

• • Factory-Style 11-Inch Kits: Retain stock 14-inch wheels and a factory look, aligning with our Restoration vs. Pro-Touring Upgrades discussion.
  • Performance Big-Brake Kits: Use 12-inch+ rotors and require 15-inch or larger wheels for superior heat dissipation.

• • Wheels: Ventilated rotors, pads, calipers, brackets, and spindles.
  • Hydraulics: Dual-reservoir master cylinder, booster, proportioning valve, and hoses.
  • Hardware: Wheel bearings, seals, pins, and bolts available via our Chassis and Suspension and Hardware/Bolt Kits sections.

1. 1. Safety First: Secure the vehicle on heavy-duty jack stands on a flat surface.
   2. Remove Wheels and Drums: Take off wheels, grease cap, cotter pin, spindle nut, and slide off the drum.
   3. Disconnect Hydraulics: Place a drain pan and disconnect the flexible brake hose using a flare nut wrench.
   4. Unbolt Backing Plate: Remove steering arm bolts and upper anchor bolt to lift off the backing plate.
   5. Clean Steering Arms: Disconnect and retain the steering arms for your new disc setup.

1. 1. Mount Spindles and Brackets: Bolt on new spindles, original steering arms, and caliper brackets to factory specs. Reference Chevrolet Performance Technical Resources.
   2. Pack Bearings and Mount Rotors: Pack bearings with high-temp grease, viewing safety standards on CarCare.org. Assemble the rotor, bearings, and cotter pin.
   3. Install Calipers: Insert pads and mount calipers, ensuring bleeder screws point upward to prevent trapped air.
   4. Connect Hoses: Secure new flexible hoses to calipers and frame hard lines.

1. 1. Bench Bleed: Bleed the new dual-reservoir master cylinder in a vise with fresh fluid.
   2. Swap Valve: Install the new disc/drum combination proportioning valve to regulate fluid pressure.
   3. Plumb Lines: Connect hard lines from the master cylinder to the proportioning valve and wheels.

1. 1. Bleed the System: Starting at the passenger rear and moving forward, bleed all four corners until free of air bubbles.
   2. Double-Check: Inspect for fluid leaks and ensure hoses do not bind during full wheel turns.
   3. Bed the Pads: Perform gentle stops from 30 MPH to 5 MPH in a safe area to seat the new brake pads.