Disc brakes for wide-5 drums

9

91A-77B

Senior Member
I want to keep the wide-5s on my '37. Anyone aware of a source for a disc conversion? Currently running 46-48 F/M hydraulic set-up. Any help appreciated. Thanks!
 
It might not be very practical to do a set up like that for the Ford wide 5. It could be done with adapters but it would change back spacing on the wheels. The adapters would have to clear the calipers too.
 
Since the wide five pattern was and still is used for stock car racing disk brakes systems are readily available. One example Winters Performance In Pennsylvania has wide five disk brake options but its going to be pricey.
Ronnieroadster
 
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Circle trackers also use 5/8th" lug studs. Usually will fit Ford original wheels tho. Newc
 
Speedway. For my 36 coupe. I bought the kit for 37-41 spindles with Mopar rotors with the 5X4.5 since I had the 57 Ford wagon 9" rear end.I then bought the adapters to mount the wide 5's.
 
I know you said that you wanted to go to disc brakes, but have you considered using Lincoln Zephyr brakes. I installed '40 Ford brakes on my '37 1/2 ton, and I never felt confident in the ability to get the truck stopped in an emergency situation. I installed re-pop LZ brakes on the front and the difference is nothing short of amazing.
Tom
 
hotcoupe said:
I installed re-pop LZ brakes on the front and the difference is nothing short of amazing.
Tom
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This is true IF you use the BOLING BROTHERS' repro parts - NOT the "SPEEDWAY MOTORS" parts. There have been several problems with the SPEEDWAY drums being out of round. The BOLING BROTHERS' drums are the 'nuts'! Plus, you can still use your '37 drum/hub package with the Boling Brothers' backing plate assembly if you wish. You DON'T need disc brakes on that car!!!

Coop


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I seem to remember that someone on the H.A.M.B. was making special wide-5 hubs for just this purpose. I did a quick look-see and couldn't find it. Maybe someone else here has a better memory.
 
tubman said:
I seem to remember that someone on the H.A.M.B. was making special wide-5 hubs for just this purpose. I did a quick look-see and couldn't find it. Maybe someone else here has a better memory.
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That was POSSIBLY a piece made for tire/wheel balancing purposes.

Coop


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V8COOPMAN said:
That was POSSIBLY a piece made for tire/wheel balancing purposes.

Coop


.
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Nah, it was different. As I remember it, the guy was casting and machining specialized aluminum wide five hubs.

I believe he quit because of high cost and low demand. (I'm an expert on that after my condenser and Tachometer Driver debacles.)
 
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Searched Boling Bros. Got Vintage Parts AZ. They are showing only non-wide-5 drums. No hubs. What's the magic with the repro L-Z set-up? Do you need everything: backing plates, shoe ***'y and hub/drums? Or just one or the other? Got the advice on Speedway. Tks.
 
Please ignore my last post. I just remembered something about an ad for L-Z brakes in the V8 Times. Pg 109 of the March/April issue has the Boling Bros. info. Looks like the set-up is for 1940+ style wheels. So back to my search for a wide-5 solution. I'll call them to see if they can help. Meantime, any other sources? Thanks for everyone's input.
 
deuce lover said:
Get these from Speedway and have the 5.5 pattern put in them
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speedway-Wide-5-Wheel-Adapter-5-on-4-3-4-Inch,29179.html
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One thing to keep in mind. I seem to remember that these use 5/8" studs on the wide five pattern. I checked the Speedway listing and it says they require their 1" bolts. From my days of racing modifieds, I think that means 5/8" studs.

They may fit, but measure before you buy.

Or maybe, get a disk brake setup that matches those adapters (5 on 4 3/4").
 
I should have included more info in my original post regarding LZ brakes. I used Boling Bros backing plates and the appropriate width brake shoe, they offer both 1 3/4" and 2" shoes. They produce quality parts, you won't be disappointed.
Tom
 
tubman said:
One thing to keep in mind. I seem to remember that these use 5/8" studs on the wide five pattern. I checked the Speedway listing and it says they require their 1" bolts. From my days of racing modifieds, I think that means 5/8" studs.

They may fit, but measure before you buy.

Or maybe, get a disk brake setup that matches those adapters (5 on 4 3/4").
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They will fit as I used them on my 36.Have to buy the 5/8 lug nuts.
 
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