Disk Brake Conversion Kit
Has anyone out there had experiences with the disk brake conversion kit for pre-1965 Thunderbirds -- or, for that matter, any car?
I really feel like I've had enough with the brakes on my 64. I know that when new, the Thunderbirds were not known for having very good brakes; in fact they were among the worst. In 1965 they went with front disks, and suddenly went from the worst to the best.
Part of the problem is a very sticky feel to the brakes. It seems there is a certain threshold, from light brakes to heavy brakes. No in between. Sometimes it sticks -- and I can tap on the pedal to unstick it. All hoses and lines are new, cylinders are new, booster is new; it's all been inspected again and again, everyone says the brakes are great but I still hate them. My guess at this point is master cylinder, but I'm getting tired of spending time and money for brakes that aren't exactly ideal even if perfect.
The rest of the problem is the fact that I've gotta hold the steering wheel hard to prevent swerving if I suddenly have to brake hard. THIS I believe is simply normal, part of having drum brakes in the first place.
As for conversion kits, how well do they perform? Do they indeed, as advertised, fit on the car with no additional mods? Will original 64 wheels fit? I've just bought a set of Tru-Spoke wires; it would be a shame for them to not fit. Are pads easily replaceable, and available -- or do I have to special-order them from Taiwan? Will the brakes feel like "normal" cars, or do I need to pull a string and hold my mouth just right and yell Ollie-Ollie-otsenfree to stop the car? Bottom line, will I actually be better off getting this kit, or am I trading one headache for another?
I want to hear your experiences.
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