I am a new member and a new proud owner of a 65, coupe, 289 AT. This car is almost 100% original and I'm really looking to make it fun to drive. I have a lot of "Fun" things I would like to do, but first I've got to get this thing in good enough shape to make the driving fun. 1st a foremost I want to deal with the brakes. I have manual drums, I have replaced allwheel cyclinders andshoes. I haven't added the new Master cyclinder yet, I'm kind of waiting to figure out what my next step(s) should be. The braking power (while now straight and true) is really poor. I see a lot of options out there and I would like to get the pros and cons of each. I see where I could purchase a power conversion kit (seems to be the cheapest option and I get a new modern Master cyclinder to boot).I also see kits out there to convert to Discs in the front.
Does anyone have any other options and would anyone like to feed me some advice as to which way I should go?

 

If you're going to power... go to discs... nothing feels like power disc brakes. Power drum brakes at least is easier on your leg, but drums are about as reliable as a quadripilegic on a basketball team. Go to power front discs.

 

Hi and welcome. The first thing I did on my 68 was swap the front, manual drums out for manual disc brakes (CSRP). Compared to the frontdrums I had (which were in really bad condition) she stops on a dime now. IMO, the manual disc don't seem to require that much more effort to presswhen I compare it to my other vehicles with power brakes. But then again, the fastest I've been so far is about 40mph (she's not ready for the freeway yet) so I couldn't say how much effort would be needed at faster speeds.

 

I just completed the CSRP 65-67 OE style manual front disc conversion on my 67 after dealing with manual drums (in good working order) for 7 years. It was well worth the time, effort, and money (although I got the CSRP kit through Daze here on the forums, who can get you a pretty sweet deal). Pedal effort is much more linear and actually requires slightly less force for most braking conditions. No more standing on the brakes unless I really want to stop fast. Stopping distance isn't really decreased, but it's much easier and safer to stop quickly, and the brakes don't tend to lock and stay lock like the old drums did. There is a power assist kit offered, but I don't think it's absolutely necessary. I opted against it because I don't think my engine has enough manifold vacuum at idle to operate the power booster anyway, heh.

 

I'M INSTALLING MY POWER FRONT DISC SETUP TONIGHT W000000T

It is the CSRP kit for a 70, PLUS a power booster and dual res. mc.