My wife's 67 Newport Custom

[Norwegianmopar]

So, a few years have passed since we sold it and now it seems we might just buy it back and finally bring it over to Norway like we always wanted to.

The buyer upgraded it further with a few NOS parts and got new leaf springs, antenna, headlights, rubber bushings, wheel cylinders, brake hoses, water pump, heavy duty Monroe shocks etc. All fluids were changed and the fuel system flushed and new sending unit installed.

One thing we would like to upgrade however is to convert from drum to disc brakes, and in that regard I would like some input on parts or kits to use from your own experiences.

I see Leeds Brakes has a few conversion kits but know nothing about them.

All input is appreciated.

 

[Big_John]

I see Leeds Brakes has a few conversion kits but know nothing about them.

From everything I've read, I would stay away from the Leeds conversion. There seems to always be issues with mounting the GM type booster and the calipers/rotors may be undersize for a C-body.

The best disc brake conversion I've seen for these cars uses Chrysler based parts. DISC-O-TECH: Stop on a dime from Mopar Action and Rick Ehrenberg for example.

Honestly, in good condition, with good parts, the drums are good. The limiting factor in stopping is tires... I'm not saying it's a bad upgrade, just not as needed as some will have you believe.

 

[3175375]

Velkommen!

I just saw this thread.

My wife and I were in Stavanger (relatives nearby ) and Oslo this past September. I also have been to Trondheim (relatives from nearby) and Bergen, all visited via car.

What a treat for you and your wife to have had and seek another C body!

 

[Fratzog]

Very nice car! Look forward to hearing how it makes the trip to Norway. FWIW I agree with the sentiment "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". There is nothing wrong with properly serviced drum brakes.

 

[Norwegianmopar]

Thanks guys, appreciate the input. Only reason for wanting disc brakes is safety. Not very long ago 5 people was killed in a 59 Cadillac when the brakes faded going down from a mountain pass and they ended up not being able to make a sharp bend. Drums are ok as long as they aren't put under constant braking over time like long downhill roads etc. Just to be on the safe side

 

[Big_John]

Thanks guys, appreciate the input. Only reason for wanting disc brakes is safety. Not very long ago 5 people was killed in a 59 Cadillac when the brakes faded going down from a mountain pass and they ended up not being able to make a sharp bend. Drums are ok as long as they aren't put under constant braking over time like long downhill roads etc. Just to be on the safe side

IMHO, the Caddy brakes aren't as good as the brakes on your Chrysler.

You can investigate having one of the brake companies reline shoes with a better material... And many times, the brake fluid in old cars is never changed, so moisture in the old fluid lowers the boiling point dramatically.

Be that as it may... Just stay away from the kits like Leeds and others sell if you are really convinced you want to do this.

 

[Carmine]

Thanks guys, appreciate the input. Only reason for wanting disc brakes is safety. Not very long ago 5 people was killed in a 59 Cadillac when the brakes faded going down from a mountain pass and they ended up not being able to make a sharp bend. Drums are ok as long as they aren't put under constant braking over time like long downhill roads etc. Just to be on the safe side

Not being morbid, but I'm curious as to the details involved and how the media covered it. Do you have a link to the story?

 

[Just Carbs]

I remember the brakes on my 68 NewPort fading at 40 on an 80-mph level road stop. I don't know if they were Chrysler factory shoes or not. But definitely remember the fade.

 

[Norwegianmopar]

Not being morbid, but I'm curious as to the details involved and how the media covered it. Do you have a link to the story?

Five killed in single car crash - Norway's News in English — www.newsinenglish.no

 

[Norwegianmopar]

Right out of winter storage and first leg of the journey is done. Next will be to Newark NJ and ro-ro shipping to Norway along with junior's 69 Barracuda Formula S 340 4 speed

 

[Norwegianmopar]

Dr. RU came over to put the final touch on it. My buddy came up with the name since it was my wife who wanted us to restore it when she first saw it back in 2010

 

[Norwegianmopar]

It now has a disc brake conversion using 71 parts, Turbo mufflers from Walker and 15x8 rears with 275/60 tires. Really pleased with the stance and overall look now.

 

[Just Carbs]

It now has a disc brake conversion using 71 parts, Turbo mufflers from Walker and 15x8 rears with 275/60 tires. Really pleased with the stance and overall look now.

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Giddy Up Go!

 

[Norwegianmopar]

Now it's all ready and just waiting to get picked up along with my son's 69 Barracuda Formula S 340 4 speed and start the final journey to Norway

 

[Scoopy G]

I wonder why there was no "Newport Custom" script on the c-pillar of your wife's car. The photos of the car being prepped show that there weren't any holes in the pillar for the emblem. Interesting.

 

[Norwegianmopar]

I wonder why there was no "Newport Custom" script on the c-pillar of your wife's car. The photos of the car being prepped show that there weren't any holes in the pillar for the emblem. Interesting.

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There were no emblems on it when we got it either as you can see from these pics. In the prep pics they could already have been welded like the side trim holes, but since it had no emblems before that it might never have had any.