Low Budget: convert 4-wheel drums to 4-wheel discs for $800!

[Garhett]

I converted from 4 wheel drums to 4 wheel disc about 6 years ago for less than $500 turn key. I went to my local dealership and looked up the spindle casting number for a '69 camaro with front discs and then looked up what cars it came on. I found a donor car in a local junk yard (I think it was a '72 Nova) and popped the whole assembly off which was a perfect bolt on for my '69. The front brakes cost me $70 bucks.

I then replaced the rear axle with an original disc brake axle out of a '78 "smokey and the bandit" trans am. The rear end only cost me $350 but the install turned out to be a little more difficult because I had to move the spring perches but after a little measuring and welding I was good to go. I'm sure there is a better rear end to use that would be a better fit, but I got a good deal on it.

Problems?
- My original e-brake cables wouldn't work and I never got replacements because they supposedly cost $300.
- I had to get a longer brake line to connect the rear axle.
- I still have the maunal master cylinder that was for the 4 wheel drums. It seems to be proportioned fine but it just doesn't move quite enough fluid for the discs. (It will lock them up on the second pump.) My research has led me to believe that a master cylinder for a '69 corvette with 4 wheel disc is what I need.

Disclaimer:
I did this swap 6 or 7 years ago. Do your research before buying to double check me.