Looking for a Good 1964 Impala Disk Brake Conversion Kit?

Classic & Vintage Cars
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Seeking Advice on Disk Brake Conversion for My '64 Impala

I recently acquired a 1964 Chevrolet Impala and I’m planning to upgrade its braking system from the original drum brakes to a more modern disc brake setup. After doing some research, I’ve found a few options available online, but I’m a bit overwhelmed with choices!

Why Disk Brakes?

I’m aiming to improve the overall braking performance and safety of my classic ride. The thought of enhancing the stopping power and reducing fade during hard braking has me excited!

What I’m Looking For

  1. Compatibility: I need a conversion kit that fits the 1964 Impala specifically.
  2. Quality: Reliability is a must. I don’t want to skimp out and end up with poor performance.
  3. Installation: Are there any kits that are user-friendly for someone with moderate mechanical experience?
  4. Price Range: Ideally, I’m looking for something that won’t break the bank but also isn’t the cheapest out there.

Recommendations

If anyone here has experience with this kind of conversion or can suggest a particular kit that worked well for them, I’d greatly appreciate it! Also, any tips on installation or additional parts I might need would be helpful.

Looking forward to hearing your suggestions!

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I’ve been looking into the Wilwood disk brake conversion kit for my 1964 Impala. It’s known for its high-performance and upgraded stopping power. Has anyone tried this brand?

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3

I installed the CPP kit last month, and the difference is incredible! Super easy install and great value for the price.

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Has anyone compared the Wilwood and CPP kits? I’d love to hear how they stack up against each other in terms of performance and installation ease.

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In my experience, the Wilwood kit does offer superior stopping power, but the CPP kit is much easier to install, especially for first-timers.

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I’ve heard mixed reviews about the compatibility of some kits. Are there specific models of the CPP or Wilwood that are better suited for stock suspensions on the '64?

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The Wilwood kit comes with excellent mounting brackets and is generally well-received. Just be ready to do some modifications if you have original suspension parts.

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For stock suspensions, I recommend going with the CPP 90-2960 kit as it’s designed specifically for that setup.

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Great advice, Craig! I’m leaning toward the CPP after reading the reviews. It seems like the best bet for a smooth install without too many headaches.

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I think opinions on brake kits can be quite polarized. While some love their Wilwood kits, others stick with OEM-style parts for reliability. What are everyone’s thoughts on going original vs. modern upgrades?

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Tough call! I like a blend of both—upgrading brakes while keeping that classic feel. Plus, a solid brake setup is a no-brainer for safety. But hey, who doesn’t love a good debate?

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I recently did a disk brake conversion on my '64 Impala! Make sure you have the right tools: a jack, jack stands, a socket set, and a brake line wrench. Also, you’ll want to bleed the brakes properly afterwards.

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Great tips! I found having a helping hand makes the installation much smoother. It can be a tight fit working around the everything.

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Don’t forget to check the fitment of the conversion kit! I’ve seen some kits that required additional spacers. Always do a dry fit before final installation.

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Yeah, and if the brake lines seem too short, or if you’re reusing old lines, you might run into issues. Definitely replace them if they show signs of wear.

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Absolutely! Also, sometimes the brake booster needs adjusting depending on the new setup you’re using.

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If you’re feeling unsure about bleeders sticking, using a vacuum bleeder can save you time and frustration. Trust me, it made my life easier!

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On the lively side, it’s satisfying to see your hard work paying off when you take your first drive with the new brakes! Just be careful, they bite!

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Thanks for sharing your experiences! I’m considering this upgrade but worried about messing up the installation. Any common pitfalls I should know about?

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[@rhondarichards] Common pitfalls include forgetting to torque everything to spec or skipping the check on pad wear. It sounds boring but double-checking everything pays off in the end!

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