Four wheel discs on a Stepdown

[Deleted User]

On this '54 Hornet 4-door I'm getting, I going to run a modified 308 with a GM 700R4 OD automatic, front discs, and a Lincoln Verseilles 8' rear with the discs it comes with. This will be the best-stopping '54 anywhere! Some questions I have for anyone who has modified their Stepdown brakes follow:



What master cylinder do/did you use, and did you mount it in the stock Hudson spot, or did you go with a drop pedal and run a master cylinder on the firewall? What kind of proportioning valve did you use? What front brakes did you use, and how are they holding up? What provisions do you have for an e-brake?



My plans are to use the stock Hudson front suspension and the stock rear springs. Any ideas?

[Deleted User]

Talk to Wes Kitchens He has a 4 wheel disc set-up on his car. He used the LaBuds set-up on the front with a Currie 9" ford rear, and made a bracket to mount the mastercylinder in the stock location. He said it would stop on a dime and give you 9 cents change. Seriously, Wes did a great job on his brake set-up. If not mistaken, the rest of the suspension is stock.
Bob

Unknown

Sorry I can't just email you some pictures, but I was "cleaning up" my computer, and removed some things I shouldn't have removed. Now, I can do everything I always have been on it, ......I just can't send or receive Email. I'm waiting for my Brother-In-Law to get into town, so he can fix the problem I made.

I'm on my way to work now, but I'll post some pictures on this site tonight.

Wess

Unknown

I used a late '70s Corvette m/c on my '49 p/u that I had. But I used an AMC Pacer front suspension with a '96 Cougar independent rear, 4 wheel discs all around.

rambos_ride

Wes has also posted pictures on other "disc brake" threads

here's a link to one thread

http://www.classiccar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5863&highlight=disc+brakes

2 front disc brake kits discussed are Labuds and Pridemore - I'm not sure of their current availability and pricing?

I believe some fine forum member here not too long ago went through a vary detailed discussion of his Pridemore kit if I remember correctly - haven't found the thread yet...

Unknown

Thanks for the help Dan. Patrick, do a search under........wkitchens disc....and you will find all the info you asked for in your thread. I'm pleased with ALL the changes I made. Front and rear suspensions are all stock. I think LaBuds is the way to go. If you see on some of the threads, the other kit didn't supply ALL the the parts needed. The Currie rearend, had a parking brake built in, but that rear cost me $2400. If you need any more info, you'll have to private message me, since obviously I'm a better mechanic, than a Computer Geek.(ha)

[Deleted User]

Rick Pridemore told me at the Pigeon Forge meet in Oct '06 that he would no longer be offering his conversion. This may have changed but that was the word as of Oct. 2006
Bob

[Deleted User]

Barry used an underdash mounted brake booster and is really clean looking. I'm going to try that set-up on mine if I can.

Jay

Unknown

Hello Rambo

Is there a problem in trying to put a subframe in the commodore8 coupe, I really enjoy your jouney with your ride. Thanks

[Deleted User]

Lots of good ideas! I need to puit together a parts list for the swaps coming up and get things together so I can put it all together later this year.

[Deleted User]

I was recently told that Rick Pridemore had changed his mind and will again offer his disc brake kit. You would just have to contact him to make sure. He is in the roster.
Bob

[Deleted User]

The Dana 44 in your car already is stronger than the Versailles rearend you are going to install.



Fairborn Studebaker owner Phill Harris, can direct you to rear disc brake systems for the Dana 44 rear end that will work on the Hudson. You would even be able to retain your "fail safe" mode of operation via the parking brake mechanism.



I would definitely consult with Phil, as he has 'been there and done that" with the Dana 44 such as the '54 Hudson would have. He also has a preferred disc brake system vendor for the Stude/Hudson type rearend.



http://www.fairbornstudebaker.com/



I haven't undergone such a modification, but researched it out for future projects of my own. I like what I found and will probably go that route when the time comes.



Another link to a Stude disc brake system that is transferrable to the Hudson with later model rearends.



http://www.steeltechsolutions.com/REAR_DISC_PAGE_CODE.html



go down to the Stude/Packard/Avanti section



Mark