Converting to Disc Brakes using Lincoln Town Car Rear Setup

mdwhit
mdwhit Expert Adviser
edited November -1 in HUDSON
Looking for some opinions…



I was in an auto wrecking yard yesterday looking for some parts for my generic driver and notice a 1991 Lincoln Town Car. I know that there were discussions long ago concerning using the rear disc brake setup from a 1991 Lincoln Town Car to convert to front disc brakes on a stepdown.



My questions are:



1) Is this still a good way to go if one wants to convert to front disc brakes on a stepdown?

- I know that I can buy a kit from a couple of different sources that I have seen mentioned here on the forum (the cost would be much greater though than buying the parts from the Town Car).

- I also know that I would have to have the Hudson hubs turned down on a lathe, and would have to come up with a mounting plate for the calipers.



2) What would I need to take off of the Lincoln Town Car?

- I know of course, that I would need the rotors (funny looking rotors, what with the little drum built inside for the emergency brake…).

- I also know that I could either rebuild and use the Town Car calipers, or buy new ones.



3) Can I modify and use the caliper support plates that are bolted to the axles of the Town Car (it does not look like it to me…)?



One thing that I noticed on the Town Car that I do not like is that the rotors are solid with no vent vanes. The pictures that I have seen on the forum shows vent vanes on the rotors for better cooling. The rotors look to have minimal wear though..



Unfortunately, I have to make this decision by tomorrow, before 5 PM PST. The wrecking yard is having a half off sale, but it ends tomorrow.



Thanks in advance for your input everyone.

Michael

Comments

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    I have never heard of a junk yard having a half off sale! Thats a new one to me.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Before you buy, please look at Speedway Motors web site or catalog. They have been doing race cars and hot rods for years. I know there rear kits work well and they may have or tell you what you need.



    Also Fatman Fabrication that make front ends also make drop spindles, I sent them a set of outer spindels for a 36 Desoto and they made the new pcs. to bolt right on to my a arms and run the original drums on the new spindles with a 3" drop. They could do this and make or may have spindles to take a modern disc. set up.



    Another option I have done is check all your bearings and spacers to install a Chevy or Ford Disc and hub, then fabricate the caliper mount.

    Goog luck and if I hadn't just put all new drum brakes on my step down I would work on it with you.



    PS the reason I went back to drums is they work fine and in spite of what all say, I've done some of these recomended changes and wondered why for years and dollars later'

    Good luck
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    If I'm not mistaken, there is a part made of unobtainium in the lincoln swap. this might be confirmed by going back and searching the disc brake conversions. I have a LaBud's system on my '54 and I love it! Sadly I don't think Bill is making any more kits.
    Rick Pridemore had a very nice kit, and those I have known that used it are happy with it.
    Finally back online
    Bob
  • mdwhit
    mdwhit Expert Adviser
    Thanks guys for your input...



    I am still in the long and (very) slow process of puting my Hudson back together, and it will be a long time before I ever get it running again, so I have time to ponder what to do. It was just that seeing that Lincoln Town car in the wrecking yard...well, it was a temptation. I am going to pass on it for now though, but thanks for taking the time to give me the input that I can use in the future.



    Glen, Down the road, I may check into Speedway motors, and others as well. And the idea that Ford or Chevy, etc. parts might be compatible makes sense too. For sometime though, I have been thinking (like you) that the drum brakes may just be fine.



    Bob, I understand that some people did the Lincoln conversion back in the early nineties, so it would make sense that someone would have probably made an adapter plate. I do like the looks of the LaBud system. I have not seen the Pridemore system though.



    Michael



    PS: Chuck: Here in Southern California, there are two wrecking yard chains (Ecology & Pick Your Parts) that have quarterly half-off sales. You pay two bucks to get in.
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