The right drum brake conversion kit can dramatically improve stopping power, reliability, and safety without sacrificing originality. This article highlights five well-regarded options, focusing on compatibility with GM drum brake spindles and straightforward bolt-on installation. Each kit is evaluated on installation ease, components included, and overall performance potential for mid-size and full-size GM vehicles.
| Product | Brand | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Speedway Motors Bolt-On Rear Disc Brake Conversion Kit (GM 10 & 12 Bolt) | Speedway Motors | Bolt-on, includes brackets, rotors, calipers |
| Inline Tube 1964-77 GM Rear Disc Brake Conversion | Inline Tube | Cross-drilled and slotted rotors, parking brake kit |
| SSBC A120D Drum to Disc Brake Conversion Kit | SSBC | Stainless steel brakes, warranty |
| Speedway Motors Deluxe Disc Brake Kit (1955-1964 Chevy Full-Size) | Speedway Motors | Bolt-on, complete kit, fits stock spindles |
| Speedway Motors Deluxe Front Disc Brake Conversion Kit (1955-1964 Chevy Full Size) | Speedway Motors | Front conversion, drilled/slotted rotors |
Speedway Motors Bolt-On Rear Disc Brake Conversion Kit
Designed for GM 10 and 12 bolt rear ends in mid-size cars, this kit provides a cost-effective upgrade to rear disc brakes. It includes two bolt-on caliper brackets, two vented rotors, two metric calipers, and all necessary hardware. Compatibility is emphasized for mid-size vehicles, with a clear note that full-size cars, pickups, or 7.5″ 10 bolt axles are not supported. Installation is presented as straightforward for DIY enthusiasts seeking a ready-to-install package.
Inline Tube GM Rear Disc Brake Conversion Kit
Inline Tube’s package covers 1964-77 GM rear disc brake conversion needs, featuring stainless steel construction and a parking brake wheel kit. The kit is positioned for vehicles requiring a complete upgrade that maintains parking brake functionality. The cross-compatibility with various mid-year GM cars makes it a flexible solution for builders seeking a modernized rear braking system without extensive fabrication.
SSBC A120D Drum to Disc Brake Conversion Kit
SSBC’s A120D kit is marketed as a stainless steel brake system with a manufacturer’s warranty and strong performance. It serves as a robust replacement option for drum-to-disc conversions, with emphasis on reliability and enduring braking performance. The kit is positioned for enthusiasts who want a trusted, durable solution with strong support from the manufacturer.
Speedway Motors Deluxe Disc Brake Kit (1955-1964 Chevy Full-Size)
This deluxe kit upgrades early full-size Chevys (1955-1964) with a bolt-on disc brake system. It targets stock spindles and integrates easily into existing drum brake configurations, aiming to deliver a meaningful reduction in brake fade and improved overall stopping performance. A complete kit reduces the need for additional components and sourcing.
Speedway Motors Deluxe Front Disc Brake Kit (1955-1964 Chevy)
Front disc brake conversion for late-1950s to early-1960s Chevys, combining 11-inch drilled and slotted rotors with GM calipers and all necessary hardware. The kit is designed to fit 1955–1957 and 1959–1964 full-size Chevys using original drum brake spindles. The drilled/slotted rotors are intended to improve cooling and reduce brake fade in modern driving conditions.
Buying Guide
- Vehicle compatibility: Confirm spindle type, axle size, and whether the kit is designed for your GM model year and chassis. Some kits are tailored for mid-size GM cars, while others target full-size Chevys. Verify the bolt pattern and rotor diameter to ensure a precise fit.
- Rear vs front conversion: Decide whether you are upgrading rear brakes, front brakes, or both. Rear conversions often focus on parking brake integration, while front kits emphasize rotor cooling and caliper sizing for balanced stopping power.
- Components included: Look for complete kits with rotors, calipers, brackets, seals, hoses, and hardware. A full kit reduces guesswork and simplifies installation, especially for first-time conversions.
- Parking brake functionality: If you require a working parking brake, ensure the kit includes a parking brake wheel or an appropriate integration method. Some earlier GM configurations rely on a dedicated parking brake mechanism that must be preserved or replaced.
- Materials and build quality: Stainless steel and vented rotors generally offer better corrosion resistance and cooling compared to basic steel rotors. Consider the environment you drive in and the expected load on brakes over time.
- Warranty and support: Kits backed by manufacturer warranties can provide peace of mind. Check for support resources, available replacement parts, and documentation for installation steps.
- Ease of installation: Bolt-on designs reduce fabrication work. Review whether machining, drilling, or spindles replacement is required, and assess your own mechanical skill level or whether professional installation is advisable.
- Performance considerations: Drilled and slotted rotors typically improve cooling and reduce fade, but some setups may emphasize cost or compatibility over ultimate track performance. Balance daily usability with desired braking behavior.
- Maintenance needs: Some systems demand specific pad compounds or rotor maintenance to sustain optimal performance. Plan for periodic inspection and pad/rotor replacement timelines.
The selections above cover a range of GM drum-to-disc conversion options, from rear-only upgrades to full front-and-rear packages. When evaluating a kit, prioritize compatibility with your car’s year, model, and spindle configuration, then weigh installation effort against long-term reliability and performance under everyday driving conditions.