As we cruise into a new era of driving, ensuring the safety of our beloved Classic Cars remains paramount. One of the most crucial aspects of classic car restoration and maintenance is the braking system. While the charm of vintage vehicles is undeniable, their original braking systems often lag behind modern safety standards. This article provides a comprehensive overview of brake upgrades for classic cars, focusing on enhancing safety and performance without compromising the vehicle’s classic appeal.
The Importance of Brake Upgrades in Classic Cars
Imagine a scenario: you’re enjoying a leisurely drive in your beautifully restored 1960s classic car, AM radio playing your favorite tunes. Suddenly, navigating a winding road, you encounter an unexpected sharp turn. The original drum brakes, designed for a different era of driving, may not provide the stopping power needed in today’s traffic conditions. This was a lesson learned firsthand by many classic car enthusiasts. Early braking systems, particularly those before the late 1960s, often relied on single-circuit systems. In these systems, a failure in any part of the brake line could lead to complete brake failure. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 105 in 1967 pushed for better braking performance, leading to the adoption of dual-circuit systems and disc brakes in many American cars by the early 1970s. For classic cars predating these advancements, upgrading the brakes is not just about performance; it’s about significantly improving safety and peace of mind.
Key Considerations Before Starting Your Brake Conversion
Before diving into a brake upgrade for your classic car, several factors need careful consideration to ensure a successful and safe conversion.
Wheel Size and Clearance
The first crucial element is determining compatibility with your existing wheels. Many classic cars from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s came equipped with 14 or 15-inch wheels. These smaller wheel diameters can restrict the size of brake rotors and calipers you can install when converting from drum to disc brakes. Ensure that any brake conversion kit you consider is compatible with your wheel size, or be prepared to upgrade your wheels as well.
Proportioning Valve: Balancing Front and Rear Braking
Another vital component in a brake upgrade is the proportioning valve. This valve is essential for disc/drum brake setups. It regulates brake fluid pressure, allowing full pressure to the front disc brakes for maximum stopping power while reducing pressure to the rear drum brakes. Without a proportioning valve, the rear drum brakes can easily lock up under hard braking, causing the rear of the car to fishtail and potentially leading to loss of control.
Brake Booster and Vacuum Requirements
Consider whether you plan to use a brake booster to enhance braking power. Vacuum boosters are common, but they require sufficient vacuum from the engine intake manifold to operate effectively. Typically, you need at least 18 inches of mercury (psi is incorrect unit here) of vacuum. If your classic car has a performance camshaft, it might produce less vacuum at idle. In such cases, an electric vacuum assist pump and canister might be necessary to ensure the brake booster functions correctly, providing the desired power assist for easier and more effective braking.
Budget and Parts Availability
Budget is always a key factor in any car restoration or upgrade project. Brake conversion kits for classic cars vary widely in price, from moderately priced to very expensive. When choosing a kit, prioritize companies that offer readily available replacement parts, such as brake pads and rotors. This long-term parts availability is crucial for future maintenance and repairs. Companies like Scarebird specialize in kits that utilize readily available, modern vehicle parts, making future maintenance more convenient and cost-effective. For example, Scarebird offers a kit for 1949-53 Ford cars that uses 1970-73 Mustang rotors and 1988-91 Chevrolet/GMC 1500 work truck calipers – parts easily sourced from most auto parts stores. This approach not only simplifies maintenance but often reduces the overall cost.
Common Classic Car Brake Upgrade Options
There are several common and effective brake upgrade paths for classic cars, each offering different levels of improvement and complexity. Here are three popular options:
1. Dual Master Cylinder and Brake Booster Upgrade (Drum Brakes)
One of the most basic yet significant safety upgrades is converting from a single-circuit master cylinder to a dual-circuit system and adding a brake booster to an all-drum brake setup. Single-circuit “death pot” master cylinders pose a significant safety risk because a single leak can disable the entire braking system. A dual-circuit master cylinder separates the front and rear brake systems, so if one circuit fails, the other will still function, providing partial braking capability. Adding a brake booster further enhances braking power, making it easier and more responsive.
Consider a 1964 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88, originally equipped with a single-circuit drum brake system and no power assist. While a complete disc brake conversion kit might not be readily available or compatible with stock wheels for this model, upgrading to a dual master cylinder (like one from a 1966 Cadillac, which can be a direct bolt-in) and adding a brake booster can significantly improve safety and braking performance. Although it requires running new brake lines to the front wheels, the improvement in safety and braking feel is substantial.
2. Front Disc Brake Conversion with Dual Master Cylinder
A step up from just upgrading the master cylinder is converting the front drum brakes to disc brakes while also installing a dual master cylinder. This approach provides a significant improvement in stopping power, as disc brakes are inherently more efficient at dissipating heat and providing consistent braking force compared to drum brakes, especially in the front where most of the braking effort occurs.
For a classic like a 1965 Mustang, a front disc brake conversion kit, combined with a dual master cylinder (often using a modern plastic reservoir for space efficiency), offers a balanced upgrade. This setup maintains the rear drum brakes while providing the enhanced stopping power of front discs, often without requiring modifications to the car’s frame or necessitating wheel changes, depending on the kit and wheel type.
3. Full Four-Wheel Disc Brake Conversion
For the ultimate in braking performance and safety, a full four-wheel disc brake conversion is the most comprehensive upgrade. This involves converting both the front and rear brakes to disc systems, along with a dual master cylinder and often a proportioning valve to balance the braking force. While this is the most expensive option, it offers the highest level of braking performance, closer to modern vehicle standards.
Consider a 1966 Chevy C10 pickup truck aiming for high performance. A full Wilwood brake system conversion, including front and rear disc brakes and drop spindles, represents a no-expense-spared approach. Wilwood is renowned for high-performance braking components, ideal for vehicles with powerful engines or those used for more demanding driving. While more costly, systems like Wilwood provide exceptional stopping power and are often considered the pinnacle of classic car brake upgrades.
Conclusion: Braking Confidence for Your Classic
Ultimately, the best brake upgrade for your classic car depends on your budget, driving style, and desired level of performance and safety. From basic dual master cylinder upgrades to comprehensive four-wheel disc conversions, there are options to suit various needs. Investing in a brake upgrade is an investment in safety, allowing you to enjoy your classic car with greater confidence and peace of mind, knowing it can stop effectively in modern driving conditions. By carefully considering your options and choosing the right upgrade, you can ensure your classic car is not only a joy to drive but also safe for years to come.
