68 Camaro Drum to Disc Brake Upgrade for Improved Performance and Safety

Converting a 1968 Camaro from Drum to Disc Brakes

The 1968 Chevrolet Camaro is an iconic muscle car that has captivated automotive enthusiasts for decades. One area where many owners choose to upgrade their classic Camaro is the braking system. While the factory-installed drum brakes were sufficient for the era, modern driving demands more reliable and powerful stopping capabilities. Converting your 1968 Camaro from drum to disc brakes can greatly enhance both the performance and safety of your vehicle.

Understanding the Upgrade

Drum brakes, while simpler in design, are often less effective than disc brakes, especially under heavy braking conditions. Disc brakes provide better heat dissipation and stopping power, which is crucial for performance driving. This conversion not only boosts the braking efficiency but also adds a modern touch to your classic Camaro, improving its overall performance on the road.

The Benefits of Disc Brakes

1. Improved Stopping Power Disc brakes have a larger surface area and better cooling properties, leading to shorter stopping distances and more consistent braking performance. 2. Better Heat Management During prolonged use, drum brakes can overheat and lose effectiveness (a phenomenon known as brake fade). Disc brakes alleviate this issue thanks to their exposed design, allowing heat to dissipate more efficiently.

3. Easier Maintenance Disc brakes are generally easier to service compared to drum brakes. They require fewer adjustments and have parts that are often easier to replace.

4. Enhanced Safety With better stopping power and less fade, disc brakes contribute to overall vehicle safety, allowing for more confident driving in various conditions.

Steps for Conversion

Converting to disc brakes is a project that can be tackled by a moderately skilled DIY enthusiast. Here are the essential steps

1. Gather Required Parts Before starting the conversion, you'll need to gather specific components. This generally includes - Disc brake rotors (usually 11 or 12 inches in diameter for the front) - Calipers (often aluminum, which are lightweight and provide excellent braking response) - Brake pads - Brake lines - Proportioning valve (to accommodate the different pressure needs of disc brakes) - Spindles (the part that holds the wheel hub) - Other miscellaneous hardware (brackets, bolts, etc.)

2. Lift the Vehicle Safely Start by lifting your Camaro using a hydraulic jack and secure it on jack stands. This ensures safety while you work underneath.

3. Remove the Old Drum Brake Components Begin by removing the wheels and then detach the drum brake assemblies, including the backing plates and springs. This may require some elbow grease due to rust or stubborn bolts.

4. Install the New Spindles The new disc brake setup typically requires new spindles that accommodate the larger rotors and calipers. Replace the old spindles with the new ones and ensure they are installed correctly.

5. Mount Rotors and Calipers Attach the new rotors and calipers to the spindles. This step may require specific adapter brackets depending on the parts you’ve chosen.

6. Connect Brake Lines Install the new brake lines and connect them to the calipers. It’s vital to ensure there are no kinks in the lines and that they are secured to prevent any leaks.

7. Install the Proportioning Valve A proportioning valve helps in managing the distribution of brake force between the front and rear brakes. Install it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Bleed the Brakes Once everything is in place, you’ll need to bleed the brake system to remove any air. This step is crucial for ensuring optimal braking performance.

9. Test Drive After all components are installed and the system is bled, take your Camaro for a careful test drive in a safe area. Check for proper braking response and listen for unusual noises, ensuring everything is functioning correctly.

Conclusion

Upgrading your 1968 Camaro from drum to disc brakes is an excellent way to enhance both performance and safety. The conversion process, while involved, can be quite rewarding and is a great way to personalize your vehicle. With better stopping power and reliability, you’ll not only enjoy a more confident driving experience but also preserve the legacy of the iconic Camaro in modern times. Whether you’re cruising down the boulevard or carving through mountain roads, a disc brake conversion is a worthy investment in your classic ride.