Tech Tips

Justifying the Cost of a Disc Brake Conversion Kit

We recently received a note from the owner of a 65 Mustang asking us to justify the cost and expense of converting his car from drum to disc brakes. We field this question on a regular basis, so we thought it made sense to share our thoughts with our readers.

Most classic car owners are willing to invest large sums of money on custom paint jobs, new interiors, and re-built or upgraded engines restorations. At the same time, many of these same owners balk at investing restoration funds on new brakes. Obviously, we think this is a mistake, but even if didn’t sell brakes, we would urge classic car owners to consider swapping out inefficient drum brake systems for disc brake technology.

Many of the modifications made to classic cars are designed to improve the performance or appearance of the vehicle. Although some will say that upgrading brakes is a performance issue (and it is), converting from drum to disc brake technology also enhances safety. There are so many variables, including distracted drivers and wet, slippery surfaces, beyond our control. What’s more, 95% of the cars we pass on the road are equipped with disc brakes.  These vehicles stop much more quickly than the 65 Mustang with factory original brakes prompting this post. Put another way, the difference of just five feet in better braking performance can mean the difference between an accident and a close call where both the driver and the vehicle emerge unscathed. So, what is the true value of safety? The pictures below tell the story….

65 Mustang - Drum Brakes Accident

 

65 Mustang - Drum Brakes Crash

 

65 Mustang - Drum Brakes Performance

We don’t know the specific chain of events that led up to this, and as you can see, this crash was not life threatening. At the same time, you have to wonder, would equipping this car with disc brakes have helped the driver avoid this accident? Maybe not, but I sure like a vehicle’s chances with disc brakes over drums. Disc brakes stop quicker and more efficiently than a drum/drum system. You’ll never clear the road of crazy or distracted drivers and slippery roads are a function of mother-nature, but you do have control over the type of braking system installed on your car. Knowing you have the option to upgrade the brakes on your vehicle more than justifies the cost…just our two cents.

Master Power Brakes carries a complete line of make/model/year disc brake conversion kits designed specifically for your car. Our drum-to-disc conversion kits are affordable, easy to install, and most importantly, they will increase the odds of keeping you, your passengers, and your car safe. If you have questions or comments, give us a call or drop us a note …we would love to hear from you!