It's no secret that disc brakes are a huge improvement over drum brakes, but until recently there were a few options that did not exist, so rodders had to make due with older technology. Now thanks to companies like Engineered Components Inc. a wider variety of disc brake kits are available, as in the case of the early Ford 5-on-5 1/2-inch bolt pattern.
The vehicle used in this story was built to the highest standards 10 years ago, but because the owner wanted to retain the early bolt pattern and no disc brake kits were offered at the time with the 5-on-5 1/2-inch bolt pattern, the original drum brakes were retained. When the car, a '42 Ford Convertible with a 350/350 combo, recently changed hands and saw more driving activity than it had in the previous years, it became evident that the original brakes were not going to cut it. In fact, it was after two complete failures of the drums after 20 minutes of city driving that it was decided something HAD to be done.
As mentioned earlier, advancements have been made so a simple call was made to Engineered Components Inc. and the rest follows in the photos once the kit arrived.
All the components you will...
All the components you will need to convert your stock, fat-fendered '37-48 Ford to disc brakes with original Ford 5-on-5 1/2-inch bolt circle is supplied by Engineered Components Inc. with additional pieces (remote fluid reservoir and power booster adapter) supplied by Chassis Engineering Inc. This kit will also work on earlier cars using '37-48 Ford spindles.
With the factory '42 drums...
With the factory '42 drums up front (late-model Ford 9-inch drums in the rear) stopping was both lacking and hazardous. The unremarkable best performance of the original binders was 60 mph to stop in 275 feet, after that the brakes would quickly fade and have even less stopping power to the point of being dangerous.
Here can be seen the results...
Here can be seen the results of the failure of the stock '42 drum brakes. This drum got so hot that the paint was baked off the perimeter.
Inside a cracked lining is...
Inside a cracked lining is further evidence of failure of the original drum brakes.
The first step is to remove...
The first step is to remove all the original brake components down to the bare spindle.
Begin the assembly by securing...
Begin the assembly by securing the inner bearing adapter to the spindle using a piece of 1 1/2-inch steel pipe and a large hammer.
Install the caliper mounting...
Install the caliper mounting bracket to back side of the spindle with supplied nuts bolts and spacers. The mounting is designed so that the nuts are secured be the shoulder on the inner surface of the spindle.
After installing the bearing...
After installing the bearing race into the new rotor, clean the rotor to remove protective coating and any debris.
Before packing the bearings...
Before packing the bearings with grease assemble the rotor on to the spindle. Once evertything fits go back and pack bearings.
Attach the brake caliper to...
Attach the brake caliper to the caliper bracket with the supplied allen bolts.
With all parts moved that...
With all parts moved that might potentially get in the way the brake booster and master cylinder (on a Chassis Engineering adapter bracket) is loaded into place.
Installing the Chassis Engineering...
Installing the Chassis Engineering remote fill can is as simple as finding a good spot and drilling two holes to attach in place.
The size of the rotor and...
The size of the rotor and caliper used in the Engineered Components Inc. kit requires that a 15-inch or larger rim be used and since this car was previously using a 14-inch wheel tire combo a new pair of Coker 195/75R15 tires were mounted on fresh pair of powdercoated 15x7 Gennie Wheel Vintiques rims.
This tight fit illustrates...
This tight fit illustrates why it's mandatory to run 15-inch or larger wheels.
Stopping was improved remarkably...
Stopping was improved remarkably (over 100 feet!) with consistent stops made in the 160-foot range.
Consistent skid marks will...
Consistent skid marks will result in a much-improved piece of mind every time this owner takes control of the wheel.