Classic/Antique Car Repair: installing power brakes on 54 Chevy Belair, 54 chevy disc brake conversion

Question
QUESTION: I don't have all the information because I'm asking this question on behalf of my Dad who has a 54 Belair. He wants to install power brakes on to it. I've done some research and know there are kits out there as well as folks who've fabricated a Power brake system. From what I know his car is pretty much original, but doesn't have power brakes. I guess I need to know something in general and would ask more specifics as I get info. I would probably proceed with the idea that he doesn't have disk brakes installed and whether or not that would need to be done first or they'd need to be installed along with the power brake unit. I's appreciate any help you can give. Thanks much.....Milt

ANSWER: Hello Milt,

The first question you need to determine is whether your Dad wants to keep his car original or wishes to improve the safety of the car for modern driving. A second question to help answer the first is whether he plans to drive the car regularly or just occasionally?

Depending upon these answers I could either recommend installing a factory system (which were available in 1954) or going to a more modern system as you suggest.

Let me know!

Bob   

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Bob,

         He wants a modern system for safety reasons that allows for disc brakes front and back, although he'll start w/ discs up front and drums in the rear. He drives it occasionally to local car shows. He has a 235 6 cylinder w/ a powerglide transmission and the frame is original. He did mention something about installing it underfloor. I appreciate your help on this, and I hope I've answered some questions you needed to know so you can give me the best answer you can. again thanks.....Milt

Answer
Hello Milt,

Thanks for the additional information. Although I think front and rear discs on a car like this is overkill, ( a good disc front, drum rear system should be great for a street, maturely driven car), any good conversion will allow for upgrade to rear discs in the future should your Dad desire.

The easiest and safest way to accomplish this conversion is to go for a pre-engineered conversion kit of which there are many for your Chevrolet. Why?? you will be going from a single to a double master cylinder, extra/new lines front to rear and the addition of something called a proportioning valve to help avoid premature lockup of the 2 dissimilar brake methods. A pre-engineered kit will have all parts, including fasteners, to accomplish the task, sized and correctly adjusted for bolt in installation.

There are many sources to get these kits. A few I'm aware of is MASTER POWER BRAKES and SUMMIT EQUIPMENT.

Good Luck!!

Bob