[Amc-list] American Brakes, was Rear Wheel Lockup...

["Swygert, Francis G MSgt 436 CES/CECM" <Francis.Swygert3@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Ref: message from Mike Bailey -- son wants to convert to disc brakes,
concerned about deviating from stock...

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This is one of those safety related items that should be considered if
the car is to be driven in normal traffic on a regular basis, even if
it's not very often. It's easily reversed as long as the original parts
are retained. If this is a restored or "survivor" car that's going to
only be taken out for shows or the occasional "Sunday drive", keep the
drums. Just make sure they're in good condition and kept that way. 

If you convert to discs, simply store the drum set-up. Make sure all
bare metal parts, particularly the inside of the drums, is coated with
grease. Store in heavy plastic bags with a desiccant package. Should be
able to get them from... well, somewhere! 

The disc setup is all bolt-on. You'll need a set of 70 Javelin disc
brake hoses -- provided the calipers are 79-81. 79-81 uses NPT hose
ends, 82-83 straight thread GM type. Use banjo type hoses and bolts on
the 82-83 GM calipers (from a hot-rod shop, or www.speedwaymotors.com).

No irreversible changes are necessary. Make sure you save the original
bolts for the drum setup and use new grade 8 bolts of the correct length
for the disc setup. You can use the Concord bolts, but some will be to
long (they can be cut). 

The original master cylinder will work as long as the residual pressure
valve is removed from the front brake portion. This will keep it looking
original under the hood. Use an adjustable proportioning valve in the
rear line under the car, or get a 66-70 Mustang repro proportioning
valve. It's not the exact same style as the 68-70 Javelin/AMX, but
should be close to the same pressure threshold. Cars with proportioning
valves in the rear line use the same junction block as drum brake cars.
You can install the prop valve where the line goes to the rear axle. You
will have to drill a hole to bolt the prop valve to the floor bend the
original line a bit (move it out of the original floor clip), but that's
it. 

Everything except the rotors and calipers will appear to be original.
Most people will never notice, and most car show judges will consider it
a safety upgrade, or just drop a few points. It's worth it to not pile
the car up somewhere. 
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