Disk brakes

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nmunn
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Disk brakes

Post by nmunn »

I know this is a well discussed topic, but before I hit the order button I wanted to get one last set of input.

My 65 corsa turbo needs brakes. While I’m in there I plan to do a complete job including all components and lines.

So my question is front disks, are they worth it. At the end of the day it’s not a lot of extra cost, but I’m just unsure of the value and does it create new issues - like do I need a proportioning valve.

Thanks in advance.





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bbodie52
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Re: Disk brakes

Post by bbodie52 »

While the larger 1965 and later Corvair drum brakes were a significant improvement over the smaller Early Model Corvair passenger car brakes, they are certainly not "state of the art". Tire improvements can help you to realize better handling and braking if you upsize wheels and tires to take advantage of modern rubber that is available if you move beyond the limitations of 13" tires. To some extent, your driving patterns and habits determine how much benefit you would realize by upgrading to front or even four-wheel disc brakes. Hopefully some of the material listed below will help you with those decisions...

Some "food for thought" can be found at the following website, including a page on Corvair brakes...

Welcome to the Corvair Autocross Page
:link: http://autoxer.skiblack.com/index.html

Corvair Brakes
:link: http://autoxer.skiblack.com/brakes.html

Sizing Corvair Wheels and Tires
:link: http://autoxer.skiblack.com/tires.html
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nmunn
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Joined: Tue Sep 05, 2017 3:57 pm

Re: Disk brakes

Post by nmunn »

Great site! Thank you. I think I am going to do the fronts, like I said not a lot of extra $ and why not.
64powerglide
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Re: Disk brakes

Post by 64powerglide »

I'll probably get a lot of flak but I don't think disc brakes on the front of a light front end car is a good thing. The fronts are going to grab especially on wet or damp roads & that could lead to a bad situation. My old motorhome has disc on the front & don't like the way that handles in a quick stop situation. If they were antilock you would still be able to steer while hard braking. :my02:
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terribleted
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Re: Disk brakes

Post by terribleted »

I have had the larger Clark's front disc kits on a couple cars (drivers so I have had a lot of miles, well over 75,000 miles in fact, on them and many panic stop or avoidance situations) and found that they far out perform the stock drums. They are well balanced and are less prone to lock up than the drums. In fact I do not recall the front discs ever locking up before the rear drums. It is much easier to steer when your front brakes are not locked up. I can not comment on the smaller setup for use under 13" wheels as I have never driven that setup.
Corvair guy since 1982. I have personally restored at least 20 Vairs, many of them restored ground up.
Currently working full time repairing Corvairs and restoring old cars.
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nmunn
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Re: Disk brakes

Post by nmunn »

Good feedback. Wouldn’t a proportioning valve solve the issue of balancing the front disk vs drum rear issues?


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terribleted
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Re: Disk brakes

Post by terribleted »

Not needed that I have seen. Never had one in my cars. I have always used the disc kits in conjunction with the regular dual master cylinder conversion and the result has been excellent. One of the first things I do to any corvair I have owned is convert to a dual master cylinder....much safer than the single.
Corvair guy since 1982. I have personally restored at least 20 Vairs, many of them restored ground up.
Currently working full time repairing Corvairs and restoring old cars.
https://www.facebook.com/tedsautorestoration/

Located in Snellville, Georgia
nmunn
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Joined: Tue Sep 05, 2017 3:57 pm

Re: Disk brakes

Post by nmunn »

Ty, you used the Clarks larger disk option?


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terribleted
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Re: Disk brakes

Post by terribleted »

Yes I have never tried the unit that fits under 13" wheels.
Corvair guy since 1982. I have personally restored at least 20 Vairs, many of them restored ground up.
Currently working full time repairing Corvairs and restoring old cars.
https://www.facebook.com/tedsautorestoration/

Located in Snellville, Georgia
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