P1800 Disc Brake Conversion

J

Juergen

Well-known member
I tried to post this on the HAMB but it was removed because I did not have it in the right forum. I could not think of a better forum than the Hot Rod Forum and it would have been nice to be told what was the correct forum. So I'll try here.

One of the first attempts to get a disc brake conversion on early Fords was to utilize the disc brakes from a P1800. [I know about Kinmont but that was not a conversion as much as a new design]. Does anyone know of the old magazine article(s) that described this conversion?
 
I agree, you were right the first time but I think brake upgrades are generally acceptable here. Now, what is a P1800? Is that a Volvo?

Charlie Stephens
 
Correct if this was posted in traditional hot rods on the HAMB it would be moved. A better place would be in Traditionaly styled hot rods.
Haven't heard of the Volvo conversion , but I guess if you have some laying around any thing is possible. We're these a 4 wheel disc car. ?
 
Using Volvo discs in the 70's on early Ford spindles was a common upgrade to discs. Then along came the kits from Super Bell Axle and Magnum Axle and the Volvo modification fell out of favor as the rotors etc became difficult to find.
 
I know new and perhaps even better stuff exists, but I have this old set and .... you know old is neater than new.
 
I have a set collecting dust in my garage, waiting for a new project or home. It is an eas7 conversion that works well on cars through '40 after that the solid rotors get too hot under heavy braking. Volvo 122 calipers and rotors will work too. Did many of these years back on a friend's large collection of '40's. Used either Volvo or Hurst/airhearts and both worked well. The main advantage of Volvos were price and ease of parts availability.
 
The volvo shared the smaller ford bolt pattern - 5 on 4-1/2".

Later ones do not.

Mart.
 
I think I would go with the Speedway conversion if I was in the market. Finding parts for a P1800 seems needlessly complicated.
 
I've had a set (Volvo 122) in use since '87 with no problems (using syn fluid).
Came from an article from R&C Quarterly, I think, that gave the bracket dimensions and bearing swaps. A small spacer is needed for the inner bearing. PM me if you would like for me to run it down for you.

I also put them on the rear end, for 4 WDB. Yes, it will stop.

What I don't like is they're obtrusive (highboy roadster) and too new for my car. Changing out to Buick finned drums.

Since this is a restorer oriented board, you might get some more info on the HAMB Tradional Styled forum.
 
Thanks to all who responded. Your help and comments are greatly appreciated. I can get to know the pros and cons of the conversion. Special thanks to Kahuna and hotrodA for getting me to know the hows of the conversion.
 
Juergen, I have an article in Mar/Apr 1988 Hotrod Mechanix that details using the 1964 and later 122S or similar Volvo hubs. If you would like a copy of it, I will try to scan it tomorrow and email it to you.

hotrodA, how are you doing?
 
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