Disc Brake conversion kits for 356

[DBCouper]

I tied a cloverleaf hitch around the box. lifted it with my 50# fish scale, and it blew the end out of the scale. My neighbor's bathroom scale reads 66#.

You're far to modest, Justin. I've seen the projects challenged and accomplished by you and others on this board. Very impressive! I have virtually no 356 support in this neck of the woods, so I rely on boards like yours for info on techniques, specs, and products to get my jobs done. When I rebuilt my engine about 5 yrs ago, I searched for months to find a machine shop operator who was willing to listen and learn. None had any experience. I got lucky .... and learned a few things from him, as well.

I'd just like to express my appreciation for people like you, Justin, who are willing to invest the time and effort to design, build, and manage precious resources like this. Without these boards, I'd be spending a lot more time and money experimenting .... and often losing.

And, thanks to Jack for the lead on brake drum relining. $295.00 per side may cause me to rethink this whole rear disc brake ordeal.

Dave

[JTR70]

Thanks for that post Ashley! Like a broken clock I'm right twice a day.

Sergio, Welcome aboard! Were you asking who the manufacture was for David's front disc brake system?

David, thanks once again! From my perspective its hard to look at it any other way. All my small victories along this journey with my projects have been so hard fought with mistake after mistake being made; All equaling a lot of "redo" work! If my (or others) posts can help keep you from making similar mistakes then its well worth the time I personally have spent keeping it updated. Thankfully, however I am not alone, there are several very talented guys who generously share their experiences! This site would be nothing without all who contribute here! My thanks to you David for also becoming part of it!

Justin

[JTR70]

Al asked me to add his comment to this disc-brake discussion. Thanks Al!
Justin
Quote from Al Zim:
The Porsche factory had better than good success with drum brakes. The
advantages were less unsprung weight in the drum system since it was
aluminum and lighter wheels (because of a larger center opening) Disc brakes
were used because the 911/912 cars were going to have them and they were
less prone to fade. The solid disc brakes did not overcome fade so in 1967
with the advent of the 911S and also the sportomatic transmission the
factory introduced vented brake rotors. As the horsepower of the engine
increased the rotors got larger and wider and the calipers received larger
brake pads.
Disc brakes still enjoyed a strong following since most people thought discs
were better than drums. The other factors leading to disc brakes was the
cost. Brake drums were expensive, brake shoes were not being relined and
wheel cylinders were only produced by ATE.
It is a debatable point weather stopping your car is more important than
steering it either way these are two necessities that cannot be overlooked.
It has been prudent to change your tires and restore your brake system every
10 years. German brake products were deteriorating at this point in time.
What you are faced with is a complete restoration of you brake system. New
wheel seals front and rear, new wheel bearings on the front and a careful
check of the rear wheel bearings, new brake rubber hoses, replacing metal
brake lines that are rusty, replace all the wheel cylinders, replace the
master cylinder (many individuals like to two stage master cylinders for
safety) Check the brake drums for cracks in the steel liner DO NOT TURN THE
DRUMS, reline the brake shoes, and clean the backing plates. This service
usually runs between 1500 to 2,000 dollars. While you are there you should
have the king and link pins checked and adjusted if they need to be redone
it usually runs in the 800 dollar range including checking the trailing arms
on the front to make sure they are within tolerance. Nobody ever checked
them after an accident and now very few shops have the tools check them now.
Find a shop that has experience with 356 cars, you cannot afford the
consequences of one that does not. You have been fortunate that your car has
survived 50+ years. Like and old person it needs to find the fountain of
youth. You are welcome to give me a call regarding my suggestions.
Copyrighted 2014 all rights reserved al zim

[John Pierce]

Justin,

Thanks for forwarding this information.

John

[JTR70]

My pleasure John!

I've been meaning to share this really trick, custom, one-off street-rod Annular disc brake design I found for the old wide-five Chevy bolt pattern. Certainly not for 356 but very 356-like and could certainly get the juices flowing for a custom 356 application.



Impressive CAD design.


Into reality..



Here's the really cool part: Individual four piston design mounted all around. What a cool idea!!

[mr. warehouse]

That's a sweet set up for sure.

[Trevor]

Here's the really cool part: Individual four piston design mounted all around. What a cool idea!!

Man what a nightmare that would be to bleed.

[JTR70]

Yes, very trick but not practical.

[Ryles]

Who now sell an accurate granular brake system for my car? I'm not expecting a perfect reproduction, but something close to it.

[JTR70]

Ashley Page does some of the most beautiful fabrication work I have seen.
Below are some shots he said I could share of a 356C disc brake upgrade he was commissioned to build for another hot rod 356 that's being built.

Fully vented and slotted with Brembos!
Note all the new 935 RSR calipers in the background that he offers.

Alloy hats and custom adaptor for C-spindles.

Forgot to ask him if the rotors float??

Same for the rear, fully vented and slotted. Trick, trick, trick. Says, he can build one more set... Any takers??
Justin

[mr. warehouse]

Contact info?
I know of an Outlaw 356 in my shop that needs those.

[AMP]

Thanks for the kind words Justin but it pales next to your work.

Mr. Warehouse you can reach me at apage@prosystembrakes.com.
I have everything for another set. You will have to have C front spindles and rear virtical links for a "bolt on" fit.

[roy mawbey]

Well have to say, that work looks so impressive, really super. Makes my old drums look as though they belong in the Arc!!

Great photo's.

Roy

[JTR70]

Nice of you to say Ashley but I just fill in rust holes. I don't produce parts like this; I'm the guy buying from developers like you and if I were running disc's I'd own this set for sure!

Can't wait to see them on "curb Appeal" Greg.

[mr. warehouse]

Nice of you to say Ashley but I just fill in rust holes. I don't produce parts like this; I'm the guy buying from developers like you and if I were running disc's I'd own this set for sure!

Can't wait to see them on "curb Appeal" Greg.

Seemed like a great idea, but I have dropped spindles, so no go....