Adding disc brakes

R

RAY287

New member
We have a 1940 Ford coupe that we want to add disc brakes and power steering to. We also want to add A/C and heat. We are new to the classic ford scene and are looking for advise from someone that has already been through these mods.
 
The 605 Saginaw steering box and pump work great. but you have to charge the steering column. Or go to the 55 up ford style.
 
If you sub frame you 40 with a Mustang 2 you will no longer have a traditional hot rod. You will have a street rod. Consider just adding a disc brake kit to your stock 40 front suspension. That way you keep the nostalgia.
 
RAY287 said:
We have a 1940 Ford coupe that we want to add disc brakes and power steering to. We also want to add A/C and heat. We are new to the classic ford scene and are looking for advise from someone that has already been through these mods.
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You have stated what you are going to do. A few will offer info on how to do that.
More will spend a lot of time trying to convince you that you should do it their way. Most of the info these people offer is usually useless.

I can help you on the disc brakes and steering. I have done several of these conversions.
For the brakes I use Wilwood kits. Their parts fit like they should with no machine work.
For power steering on a solid axle front end, I use a power assist cylinder
from either a early 60's Nash or 60's Ford. They have a linear type control valve built in the cylinder so you don't have to modify anything in the original steering system. This eliminates any possibility of developing bump steer as most other systems are prone to on a solid axle. Makes for keeping the car a little more original also. Once you mount the cylinder, all you need is to mount a pump on the engine and a small tank (1 pint) somewhere convenient.
 
Pete said:
You have stated what you are going to do. A few will offer info on how to do that.
More will spend a lot of time trying to convince you that you should do it their way. Most of the info these people offer is usually useless.

I can help you on the disc brakes and steering. I have done several of these conversions.
For the brakes I use Wilwood kits. Their parts fit like they should with no machine work.
For power steering on a solid axle front end, I use a power assist cylinder
from either a early 60's Nash or 60's Ford. They have a linear type control valve built in the cylinder so you don't have to modify anything in the original steering system. This eliminates any possibility of developing bump steer as most other systems are prone to on a solid axle. Makes for keeping the car a little more original also. Once you mount the cylinder, all you need is to mount a pump on the engine and a small tank (1 pint) somewhere convenient.
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Pete sounds like he knows his stuff, i would do as he said.
 
Give Chassis Engineering a call, 319-643-2645, www.chassisengineeringinc.com, they have every thing you need. As some have suggested you can install a Mustang II but that is a big commitment. I installed a Chassis Engineering kit because at some point someone might restore my car to original. You have to do major surgery with the Mustang II. Correct that you also will have to change your steering column with a 605 power steering box. All are big jobs but if it is what you want it's worth it. What engine is in your car?
 
IMHO you are on the wrong site.....as good as these mods may be ,they are not what the Fordbarn is about....make your stock brakes work, get the best out of your original stuff...there are plenty of places on line to street rod an early Ford..let's keep this place for what it's supposed to be about.
 
I like Pete's reply best! I also have chassis Enginerings disc brake kit on my 37. It was all direct bolt on, and I wouldn't let anyone talk you out of disc brakes.
And for the record, more people on the Barn have modifications to their original cars then don't.
 
I'm using Engineered Components Inc. (ECI) disc brakes on my 41 pickup, stock spindles and steering. Works great, call and talk to Ralph.
 
Ok easy to put discs on the front but how does one upgrade the rear brakes on the stock '40 rear axle? '48 self adjusting drums?
 
RAY287 said:
We have a 1940 Ford coupe that we want to add disc brakes and power steering to. We also want to add A/C and heat. We are new to the classic ford scene and are looking for advise from someone that has already been through these mods.
Click to expand...

Check out Speedway Motors ,they have everything you need and also have tech support should you need it .JMO
 
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