The Disc Brake Conversion Process Explained
As a classic car owner, you know that an upgrade is necessary every now and then. Choosing to go with the brakes first is an excellent choice. Switching away from drum brakes will improve your ride quality and safety considerably.
Still, the disc brake installation process changes one of the integral parts of your vehicle. Therefore, it’s an excellent idea to learn about the process before getting a reputable Orange County, CA classic car service to do the upgrade.
How does disc brake conversion work?
If you took the time to familiarize yourself with disc brakes, you know how much you stand to gain from this upgrade. But, now comes the tricky step – installing them. For the most part, converting to disc brakes is quite a straightforward process. However, it requires knowledge and experience, so let’s see what a professional will do:
Acquire a Disc Brake Conversion Kit suitable for your vintage ride
Switching from to disc brakes requires a Disc Brake Conversion Kits (DBCK). It contains a collection of parts necessary to replace your old drum brakes with disc ones. However, not all DBCKs are the same. They differ by car model, year, and, whether they’re for the front or rear axle. Before buying one, make sure you know exactly what you need.
Removing an old brake system
In most cases, this is the hardest part of the process. Drum brakes are much more intricate than disc brakes. As such, they will present a challenge for an inexperienced mechanic. Also, the specifics of the process differ from one car model to another. Furthermore, the front and rear axle boast their own intricacies that you’ll have to watch out for.
But, if we were to generalize the process without going too much into the intricacies, it would go like this:
Suspend the car to ensure easy access to braking systems;
Remove car wheels;
Disassemble old braking system;
Detach conjoining systems (if any).
Install disc brakes in place of the old ones
This is, actually, an easy part. Every DBCK comes with a manual, containing all the instructions for installation. All you need to do is follow it. In general, converting to disc brakes doesn’t take a lot of time. It does, however, require basic-to-advanced knowledge of braking systems and a collection of adequate tools. Technically, you can DIY it. Still, we must strongly advise against it.
Letting professionals handle disc brake conversion is the best course of action
The braking system isn’t something you want to trifle with. It’s your “first line of defense” if something goes awry while driving. Therefore, to avoid common disc brake conversion issues, it’s best to let professionals do the job. They have the experience, expertise, and specialized tools to safely make the conversion.
Also, it will take them far less time to do it. For a trained and certified mechanic, it’s a few hours of work, including the mandatory testing and fine-tuning after installation. Therefore, you can bring your car in in the morning, and drive around Downtown Huntington Beach in the afternoon!
Which classic car service in Orange County, CA offers the best disc brake conversion options?
If you’re looking for the best classic car service Orange County, CA can provide, you need not look further than Chimera Motors. As a premium car shop, we specialize in everything a vintage ride may need. From disc brake conversion to painting to full body alteration – you can find it all in one spot.
We are a team of industry veterans with ample experience and training, equipped with a full array of modern tools and accessories. But most of all, we’re committed to making every classic car the best version of itself. Contact us today to reserve your term and ensure your pride and joy gets the care it deserves.
