disc brakes et alia

[fredm666]

G'day all!

I recently purchased a 1955 Ford Customline, and would like to pick your brain on disc brakes.
Do you think I can fit a disc brake kit for an early Mustang or Falcon in my Customline? Wheels are 15in.

Next thing is an under-dash A/C system, do you have anything to recommend? I'm not looking to keep originality, just some comfort when driving in summer and nothing big.


p.s. yes, I know it is a Mustang forum, but I still own my '64 D-code, so... 

[GEOFF289]

Not cheap but this would sort you out on the braking front.

https://www.rodshop.com.au/ford-disc-hq-cal-to-1949-1955-ford

Classic Auto Air has an AC kit for a '55 Fairlane, which is what a Cusso was in the US. Might be some issues with a RHD drive car but probably not too tricky to overcome.

https://www.classicautoair.com/shop/complete-ac-systems/1955-ford-fairlane-air-conditioning-system/

[fredm666]

Not cheap but this would sort you out on the braking front.

https://www.rodshop.com.au/ford-disc-hq-cal-to-1949-1955-ford

Classic Auto Air has an AC kit for a '55 Fairlane, which is what a Cusso was in the US. Might be some issues with a RHD drive car but probably not too tricky to overcome.

https://www.classicautoair.com/shop/complete-ac-systems/1955-ford-fairlane-air-conditioning-system/

Thanks Geoff.
to the rodshop kit I need to add discs, calipers, brake booster and master cylinder.

regarding the AC, I saw the same kit on an Australian website and think it was around AU$2,500. The only issue is the compressor bracket, that might not fit with original exhaust pipe (in the engine bay).

[fredm666]

Classic Auto Air has an AC kit for a '55 Fairlane, which is what a Cusso was in the US. Might be some issues with a RHD drive car but probably not too tricky to overcome.

https://www.classicautoair.com/shop/complete-ac-systems/1955-ford-fairlane-air-conditioning-system/

I was wrong, that kit is AU$3,890 on the website I saw...

[jiffy]

Thanks Geoff.
to the rodshop kit I need to add discs, calipers, brake booster and master cylinder.

regarding the AC, I saw the same kit on an Australian website and think it was around AU$2,500. The only issue is the compressor bracket, that might not fit with original exhaust pipe (in the engine bay).

I bought their '63 Galaxie kit late last year - hope to be fitting it mid-year this year.

[fredm666]

I received a quote for the disc brake conversion kit (including master cylinder and booster) from an Aussie company, kit apparently made by MP Brakes in the US. Price is $2,720, do you think it is a good price?

It might be this one with master cylinder and booster: https://www.mpbrakes.com/pc_product_detail.asp?key=687755395143474DA42D61C5F3C22A19&catid=5154504AC39C44DEA82714E2BF275B1D


The same company provided a quote also for an underdash AC system, different from the one in the other message, and similar to a '64-'66 Mustang aircon unit. Price is $2,729 all included (compressor bracket, compressor, condenser, etc.).

[GEOFF289]

I haven't actually checked but my immediate reaction is that you should be able to do the brakes for less than that with the Rodshop kit and readily available local calipers, rotors, booster and master cylinder. Or somewhere like Hoppers Stoppers down here would be worth an enquiry. They are well regarded.

https://hoppers.com.au/tech-info/information-sheets-customline/

I reckon most of the under dash aircon kits from outfits like Classicautoair or Vintage Air are the same for all cars with just the bracketry being car specific. The compressor, condensor, evaporator, drier etc. will be universal.

[fredm666]

doing a quick calculation: Rodshop kit is $495, a decent master cylinder plus booster is $700/1000, disc and calipers $1500 (Wilwood on Rodshop website), plus some extra for hoses and fittings and maybe bearings.
I can probably find a cheaper disc+caliper, maybe around $1000?
It seems easy to get to $2500/2800.

thanks for the Hoppers Stoppers contact, I will check them out.

[GEOFF289]

I guess if you want Wilwood stuff it will run to that sort of money but a quick bit of googling suggests to me that you could get the components for a lot less than those figures. I reckon $1,500-1,700 all up including the Rodshop kit.

[fredm666]

I guess if you want Wilwood stuff it will run to that sort of money but a quick bit of googling suggests to me that you could get the components for a lot less than those figures. I reckon $1,500-1,700 all up including the Rodshop kit.

You are probably right, I will need to start a serious search.
I don't really want Wilwood, or any super expensive brand, because honestly I don't need it (even though it would be nice to have). I can see booster and master cylinder at $200/250, but I'm wondering the quality they might have.

I checked Hopper Stoppers and their rotors+calipers are the same price as Wilwood.

[fredm666]

I guess if you want Wilwood stuff it will run to that sort of money but a quick bit of googling suggests to me that you could get the components for a lot less than those figures. I reckon $1,500-1,700 all up including the Rodshop kit.

I just checked few shops around Perth, including Supercheap/Repco, and this is what's coming up:
- Calipers $270+,
- Rotors starting at $80 to $220+ each (brand DBA, Bosch or similar),
- Booster $400+ (it's possible to find something slightly cheaper),
- Master Cylinder plus proportioning valve $300+,
- Hoses $70+.

Of course I still need to check if those rotors and calipers will fit my car.

the search continues 

[jiffy]

I got this setup for the '63

https://piratejack.net/1957-1968-ford-full-size-galaxie-front-power-disc-brake-conversion-kit-valve/

[fredm666]

I got this setup for the '63

https://piratejack.net/1957-1968-ford-full-size-galaxie-front-power-disc-brake-conversion-kit-valve/

Did you find that in Australia or did you buy it from US? If US, was the shipment expensive?

[jiffy]

I bought it from the US, and had it shipped in. Shipping was $300AU

[fredm666]

I bought it from the US, and had it shipped in. Shipping was $300AU

that's not bad

[fredm666]

Hi all,
I ended up buying the MP Brakes conversion kit and installed end last year.
It's a great kit, the Cusso brakes like a new car. If you need a disc brake conversion, I recommend looking at that brand.

The only issue was fitting the original factory wheels. They didn't fit by 5mm, as caliper was rubbing on the rim...
Same size but modern rim, no problem at all; at least I was able to keep the tyres.

[pmb0186]

Hi,
I have played the air condition game.
Story.
I bought a complete under dash unit from a 66 supposedly a working when removed.........not
I installed it into a RHD car after changing the seals in the compressor, new hoses, new dryer, replaced missing parts, new Tx valve, flush, new oil and gas cost around $3500.00.
It worked for a few year before the compressor leaked again, after resealing and more gas it lasted another year.
Since I have changed the compressor to a sanden compressor.
What I learned if I did it again.
I would have bought the head unit only and from the start install new sanden compressor, condenser and modern dryer. I would have saved money any less grey hair.

[pmb0186]

Further to forgot cooling upgrades, fan shroud and 5 blade fan