Disc brake conversion on a '63?

[Guest Riviator]

Has anybody had any experiences with disc brake conversions for a '63? On eBay, Scarebird sells a bracket which you piece together eveything else, or there's Direct-Fit Brakes in Arizona which sells a total kit. I know a purist would cringe, but I live at the top of a twisty mountain road that climbs 1500 feet in a few miles, with a busy intersection at the bottom.

Thanks for any input.

[jimtash]

I'm considering this as well. Not only for safety but to still have the original drums on the side just in case I do sell the car one day.

BTW, brake fade in this car is not fun. I know from personal experience myself so yeah, do the conversion. For your own sake.

If you're talking about Town Mountain, yeah been there done that. Not too fun in the Rivi is it?

[Guest Riviator]

Hi Jim-

Thanks for the input. Amazingly enough, she does incredibly well down Town Mountain Road, providing there is no one in front of me at 15-20 mph. I just try to keep off the brakes as much as possible. Long ago, I replaced the springs and upgraded the shocks to gas which helps on the twisties. It's quite surprising how fast I can go up the mountain. Watch out bicyclers! I also replaced the ten year old 225/75 Michelins with new 215/75 Goodyear Weatherhandler LS's, last week, which are a significant improvement in ride and handling. Not real pretty, but there aren't too many whitewalls left.

We need to meet sometime to exchange war stories. Saturday evening weather lately hasn't been real cooperative for the Leicester cruise-in. Shoot me an e:mail and maybe we can figure something out.

Brian

[steelman]

Been considering this for my '63 also. If you look in e-bay express, there is also a 4 wheel disc brake conversion, if that intrests you.

Steve Owens

63 Riviera

[Guest musclecarfan65]

i have received beginning of this week after a very short time the 4 disc kit from direct fit brakes for a 65 rivi (which should be nearly the same as for the 63 rivi). looks perfect, all new parts just like shown on the ebay pictures. i had ordered them because i live also in a very mountainous region of germany and i can only recommend the 4 disc brake kit ... which should also be installed in the 63 and 64 rivi.

[jimtash]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Riviator</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

We need to meet sometime to exchange war stories. Saturday evening weather lately hasn't been real cooperative for the Leicester cruise-in. Shoot me an e:mail and maybe we can figure something out.

Brian </div></div>

If Saturday is a washout, they'll have it on Sunday from 2-5.

As far as Town Mountain is concerned, a long time ago I could get on the Parkway in Fairview and be down Town Mountain and at that intersection in under 15 minutes. It took me over two months of driving it to do it but I did it.

I also went off of it as well. Landed on a rock in between two trees about 20 feet down. Walked home at 2 in the morning.

The joys of youth, right?

[Paul K.]

I still have the drums all around on my 64 and they work very well when they have the correct linings. I have owned the car for 27 years and I remember when I purchased the vehicle at the age of 17 I drove the Riv like any 17 year old does wide open or slamming on the brakes. As the car got older the brakes deteriorated and did not stop as well. I replaced the linings a few times over the years but the car never stopped as well. I considered a disc conversion as I had seen many done with good results. I decided to rebuild the original drum system and it did not stop worth a darn. The problem was the newer lining material was not what the old asbestos was when it came to braking effort and fade. After finding a brake specialist to reline my shoes with the "good stuff" as he called it they worked fine and as good as disc brakes on other full-size GM products I have owned. I know, in most cased discs are much better however, the finned alluminum brake drums on the early Rivs are good at dissipitating heat, have a large swept area and work very well when right.