Restoring a classic car is a labor of love — but when it comes to safety, one upgrade stands above the rest: converting your drum brakes to disc brakes. Whether you drive a vintage Mustang, Fairlane, Falcon, or Ranchero, modern stopping power can make the difference between a showpiece and a safe daily driver.
But not all disc brake conversion kits are created equal. Here's how to choose the right one for your classic car — without wasting money or compromising originality.
🔧 1. Know Your Spindles
The first question we ask any customer: What spindles does your car have?
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Factory V8 Spindles: These are the ideal base for most kits. They accept larger bearings and caliper brackets, and ensure proper alignment.
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6-Cylinder Spindles: Often too small or incompatible with heavy-duty disc kits — some kits require swapping to V8 spindles first.
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We make 6 cylinder 4 lug kits to fit in 14" x 5" wheels
Pro Tip: Many Force 10 kits are designed to bolt directly to OEM V8 spindles, preserving geometry and saving time.
🛞 2. Check Your Wheel Size
Most disc brake conversions require 14” or larger wheels.
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Kits with large 4-piston calipers or 11" rotors may require 15" wheels. Ours fits in most 14" wheels
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If you’re using factory-style wheels, verify clearance or ask for a test fit.
Upgrading wheels? Choose kits with dual bolt patterns (e.g., 5x4.5") for maximum compatibility.
🧰 3. Choose Power vs. Manual Disc Brakes
Power disc brakes give a modern brake feel and are ideal for heavier or high-performance builds.
Manual disc brakes offer simplicity and a cleaner look under the hood.
Consider:
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Does your car have a vacuum issue?
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Do you have space for a power booster (especially with clutch linkages)?
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Are you aiming for originality or performance?
Force 10 offers both power and manual kits — including compact boosters that fit tight engine bays.
🔩 4. Match Your Rear Brakes & Master Cylinder
Don’t overlook rear brakes or the master cylinder:
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Front disc + rear drum? You’ll need a disc/drum master cylinder with the correct bore and built-in proportioning .
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Rear disc as well? Use a disc/disc master cylinder - proportioning valve and ensure parking brake provisions are compatible.
Bonus: Look for kits that include Timken bearings, line adapters, flex hoses, parking brake cables, and all high strength hardware — so you’re not running to the parts store mid-install.
🧱 5. Beware of Generic Fitment Kits
Some kits are labeled “universal” or “one size fits all” — but that often means compromise. Fitment issues like:
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Calipers crashing into strut braces
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Incorrect booster pushrod lengths
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Brake lines that don’t match factory routing
...can turn a weekend job into a month-long mess.
Force 10 Brakes designs every kit with exact fitment and provides support based on decades of hands-on restoration experience.
🧼 6. Decide on Finish & Presentation
Stainless hardware, zinc-plated calipers or powder-coated Brackets — if you’re building a show car, these touches matter. Many kits offer:
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Black or red powder-coated calipers
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Black or Chrome boosters. (Gold is not the correct color for Ford brake boosters)
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Stainless fittings and Flexible lines
Customize your kit to match your build’s look and performance.
✅ Final Thoughts
Choosing the right disc brake conversion kit isn’t just about parts — it’s about fitment, reliability, and support. At Force 10 Brakes, we’ve helped thousands of customers make the right call for their classic build.
Still not sure? Contact us with your year, make, model, and spindle info, and we’ll recommend the best solution — no guesswork required.
Need help choosing a kit?
Click here to browse disc brake kits by vehicle ➝
Contact our tech team 716-604-7600
