'48 Drum brakes vs. discs?

PhoenixFear said:
Speedway sells an entire disc brake setup for the front for $320, or their basic kit is $100. The calipers and that stuff I can get dirt cheap locally. Either way it is a lot cheaper than even rebuilding the hydraulic brake setup in my opinion.
I'm not sure if my battery tray makes any difference, it is mounted under the passenger side. I don't have the stock pedals, unfortunately I have a swinging pedal setup that I plan to ditch for something else.
This is still in the planning stage. I'd just rather come up with a setup that works for me rather than just rebuilding the brakes that are in it now and hating it. I wouldn't know how this setup is to begin with, it may work just fine.
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You might check if the Speedway kit fits 5 x 5.5 wheels if that matters to you.
 
Like others have said - the 48 drum brakes are more than adequate for stock tires which is what I have. They stop my '47 as well if not better than disc brakes stop my modern cars. I've driven this car to the top of Pike's Peak, Death Valley, Route 66, and Yellowstone and have never had any problem with the stock hydraulic brakes. I can't imagine why you would be disappointed in them nor find any advantage to disc brakes - unless you like skidding your tires at a stop more than I do.:rolleyes:
 
It's not that I need it to stop like a race car, it's just that the places I plan on driving it I'll not want to worry about braking. I live in a pretty high traffic area, full of people who don't care about driving.
 
PhoenixFear said:
It's not that I need it to stop like a race car, it's just that the places I plan on driving it I'll not want to worry about braking. I live in a pretty high traffic area, full of people who don't care about driving.
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I'm in your corner in your thinking about stopping power/ability! Car guys have a grasp of all this brake stuff, based upon practical experience and hands on building brake systems(i.e.- HP vs stopping ability). But, that includes...what... 0.001 percent of drivers. Whereas, 99% of drivers today don't seem to know where the heck to check the engine (motor:D) oil , let alone have a clue how brakes work. These days, with four cylinders making 100s of HP, it's 'pedal to the metal then brakes to the metal'...especially here in lalaland left coast. Yup, and all that affects your safety/welfare/brakeing capability.
YOU are doing good exhibited by doing your research / concerns now for safety. Good luck with your research:).
 
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PhoenixFear said:
The kit fits 5 on 5.5. Here's the link to the complete kit. It uses F150 rotors, '71-76 GM calipers and pads. All that I'll need I believe is a master cylinder that I already need, and hoses and maybe a proportioning valve.
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Complete-Disc-Brake-Kit-1937-48-Ford-5-on-5-1-2-BC,1997.html
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ECI has the same thing. Just buy the adapter and get everything else at the local Auto Store. Just make sure you get USA made stuff. Fits great and so easy to adapt.
I had them on my '35 Tudor after going through the later drum conversion and then on to the Buick finned thing. I didn't like either setup.
Once I did the ECI disc conversion WOW..... I never again worried about stopping.
I'm putting them on my '29 AV8 roadster and my '32 pickup.
Can ya tell I'm sold?
BTW, Steelies always look good to me.
That's my 2 cents worth.
 
PhoenixFear said:
The kit fits 5 on 5.5. Here's the link to the complete kit. It uses F150 rotors, '71-76 GM calipers and pads. All that I'll need I believe is a master cylinder that I already need, and hoses and maybe a proportioning valve.
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Complete-Disc-Brake-Kit-1937-48-Ford-5-on-5-1-2-BC,1997.html
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This is why I bought the ECI kit:

Speedway:
"Will NOT work with early Ford factory wire or steel drum brake wheels. You will need to use a later disc brake steel wheel or aftermarket wheel."
 
So the ECI kit will work with wire wheels? I was thinking no matter what disc setup I use I'll need to swap out the wire wheels. Not that disc brakes will offer any good improvement with tube tires on other than the ability to skid the tires easier like what was mentioned. However it would be nice to have the option to throw the wires on in case I go to a show or something.
 
With the ECI front disc setup on my '35 Tudor I ran '47 truck steelies w/o any problems.
Not sure what Speedway setup is?
I'm about to see if I can run '35 wires with this setup on my '32 pickup. I have the adapter rings. I'm being told it won't work? I'll know shortly. If it doesn't. I have a set of old 40's Ford steelies I will use.
 
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