Can someone explain to me why I see so many people using manual front disc conversions? Does the power not make a huge difference because of the weight of our cars? How do manual and power discs compare in Emergency stops? How is pedal effort?

It seems that most people prefer manual to power from what I've been reading, and I was just curious why. Anyone wanna chime in?

Brado

Sometimes it's cost, sometimes complexity, sometimes it's going with what you know will work.

Obviously, pedal pressure is higher with manual brakes but there is no difference is braking force in a properly-engineered system.

And in retrofits, when incorporating a booster, you have the opportunity to screw two things up -master cylinder and booster size.

It also makes a difference when running a big cam. If you can't see at least 14 in/hg at idle, your power booster will not function well. This leads to adding a vacuum reserve tank, which is only marginally successful in many applications, or using an electric vacuum pump. I have to use a vacuum pump since my engine makes only 10 in/hg at idle.

If I had to guess, I'd say most folks go with manual brakes so that they have to deal with only one thing -the master cylinder.

Howdy. On the 66/67 Fairlanes there's a real clearance issue with the booster and the valve covers. You need to be real careful. That may be one reason for the prevalence of manual brakes on these cars. FWIW, Scott
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66 Fairlane GT
Daily Driver / Survivor

Personally, I found myself the owner of a manual steering, manual all drum brake vehicle after driving power everything for years. I fought the initial urge to convert everything to power, I did! When I performed the drum to disk brake conversion it was like the invention of sliced bread!

Maybe there is a satisfaction in knowing something simple and un-assisted can perform the things that the world of complexity and automation has sold a society. Maybe it is not to late, we can fight and still achieve some kind of individuality!!! Then again, maybe not!
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MET

quote:

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Originally posted by fair67cp:

Maybe there is a satisfaction in knowing something simple and un-assisted can perform the things that the world of complexity and automation has sold a society.

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Howdy. For some perverse reason I kept the four wheel drums on my 66 Fairlane GT out of a desire to keep it original. I did make it a dual circuit system with a balancer on the rear, all new hardware, and Porterfield R4S shoes. Actually it works quite well in the dry, of course in the wet it is just plain dangerous unless you can hit them lightly first.

Actually I spent only a little less than an SSBC conversion, but if I had to do it over again I'm not sure which way I'd go. No argument that discs are better, though!

Haven't run out of room at the end of the drag strip yet!

- Scott
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66 Fairlane GT
Daily Driver / Survivor

You all want to hear something funny? I never, ever rear ended another car until I bought the first vehicle with anti-lock brakes. It was a 1989 Ford Ranger with only rear anti-locks. The very FIRST year I had it I rear ended two whole cars!!! I must have gotten used to them after that because I've been okay since!
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MET

Just another part of the puzzle....we spend all kinds of money to make our cars go fast and then spend more money to get them to stop! I haven't driven a manual disc car but when I convert mine from drum to disc I'm leaning toward power. With the hydraboost MC you don't have to worry about vacumn and there is room even with the FE under the hood. Don't get me wrong, it will be tight with power but it can be done and still have clearance of the valve cover.

Mike
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1966 500XL 390 C6 Mostly stock at the moment.

I was just curious, because I'm going to build the car to haul the family around in just about daily. If it's perfectly safe to have manual disc's, and easier to install on a budget, then thats cool. I've had run ins with manual drums and hated the way they faded when hot, and almost didn't work at all when wet.

How much pedal effort are we talking to get manual discs to make a good stop? I used to drive a 1966 Buick Special Deluxe with manual drums all around, and after a few months of driving, I would go in circles if I took off running!

Brado

These old cars are solid, no doubt but when it comes to safety they are not up to the task. I think they can be made a bit safer. In my opinion they should be made as safe as possible, especially if they are going to haul the kids. The brakes are a must, maybe not power but at least a good disc setup. The interior should be isolated from the gas tank. There is a kit for the early Mustangs and it may work with the Fairlanes, if not ,I don't think it would be a difficult fab job. Shoulder harness belts are a must for the front and I think should be considered for the rear. Imagine a sudden stop from 40-50 and the only think holding in your kids, in the back seat, is a strap across their abdomen, not a good recipe for success or survival. Some people do not know that the 66 Fairlane steering column shaft is integral into the box, in other words if your body hits this at speed, it ain't gonna surrender but you will. If I keep the GTA and decide to haul the kiddies I will have all of these added and any others that will preserve my precious cargo.

Amen Jemmons, that's exactly what I'm trying to do. I've been told that I can grab a 68-70 Steering column and it'll retrofit into my car. I'm gonna steal buckets from a '73 cougar or a fox body or something that I can put shoulder harnesses in, and it shouldn't be too hard to put them in back as well. Then disc brakes up front and good tires.

Anyone want to start a thread about beefing up the saftey and daily drivability or our cars?

Brado

I am so glad I bought a 69 with factory discs and shoulder belts

one less "to do" on my list...
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69 Fairlane 500, 351w, 2200 stall C-4, 9" with 3.50 and trac-lock

Here in New Zealand one of the coroners is trying to get lap belts banned due to the damage they cause if you are in an accident. His main concern is the internal injuries suffered by the wearer and was quoted as saying you would be better off not wearing the lap belt at all.
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66 hardtop downunder

i think lap belts in general are only there to keep you from being ejected from the vehicle. otherwise, you're a victim of physics.
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This Ain't No L-Kamino!

I bet that there is someone out there who has figured out a way to make these cars safer with better restraints. It seems like a difficult task with a hardtop car. Would love to see pictures and an "How to" article on this subject. I want to drive my Fairlane everyday.