Is there any reason not to stick with the stock drum brakes? Why upgrade to disc for a non daily driver? I'm asking because I will start on mine in a month or so and wheels and brakes are first on my list.

 

One compelling answer would be:
The amount of stopping power created by disk brakes exceeds the drum configuration and with minimal use, drum brakes can have a tendency to malfunction. Disks have fewer moving parts, thus are more reliable.

 

Either way you should at least upgrade to a dual bowl master cylinder for the added safety it provides. With a dual bowl if you lose a brake line you don't lose all braking.

 

any other reasons? i too am in the same boat

 

Being a 66 it has a single bowl master cylinder when those go out you have no brakes.Dual bowl and front disc are a must to me on any car no matter how much i drive it.

 

What do you plan on doing with it?

Discs are generally cheaper to maintain in the long run, less to go wrong, don't lose braking in damp weather etc. If you're going to do performance driving, discs at least in the front are a must.

 

Dual cylinder was in the plans, but that is an excellent point. I just wasn't sure about the disc upgrade. I won't be doing any performance stuff. It'll be a weekend driver, maybe a weekend getaway cruiser. I suppose I will do the upgrade.

If you do front is it worth it to go ahead and do the rear as well? What kits are the best/easiest to do?

 

Disc brakes do NOT have more stopping power than drums. Common myth. Drums are actually self energizing, meaning that as you apply the brakes, they multiply the force the shoes exert on the drums as a function of their design.

I drove my 67 with 4 wheel manual drums as a daily driver for years. As long as you keep everything in good operating condition, drums work fine for even a daily driver.

That said, discs are still the superior setup. The main advantage they offer is resistance to fade. Drums will stop just as well in a panic stop as discs the first time, but the second or third time is where discs will shine. Drums tend to fade quickly while discs are much more efficient at removing heat from the pads, allowing you to make repeated stops without losing braking power.

The second big advantage is being able to stop in a straight line, always. While stock drums will stop the car, keeping the car moving straight down the road is another story. Even after I rebuilt my drums, I couldn't get the car to stop straight more than once or twice. A panic stop was always a pucker moment as I wondered which way the car was going to dart when I stabbed the brake pedal. Discs will always stop straight (unless you have a sticky piston).

So basically, if you're going to do any performance driving, or if you're already looking at rebuilding your entire brake system due to age/neglect, go with discs. If it's just a weekend cruiser car, upgrade to a dual m/c and leave it for now. Maybe consider a power upgrade if that's something you'd like.

 

I currently have power drums all around of which i rebuilt myself. I just want to be what the real advantage are. Dont understand if back in the day most cars used all drums why should i upgrade now when i am not racing or driving everyday. Plus i have a 6 banger! Power Drums it is for now!

 

I converted my 66 to front discs and now I have a 67 with drums all around.
My 67 will stop just fine, even though I just had a wheel cylinder go out, but like Starfury said discs will stop straighter. They are more predictable having driven both in an A/B comparison.

It's really okay to keep drums, but if you have the money to buy a kit you won't regret it. It will be a bit more fun to drive knowing you'll have predictable brakes.

I can lock up drums just like the discs. LOL