Ok so I did it! The first time I have ever tried such a task. So... on a budget we went to the junk yard. We pulled (Tony did most the work) the spindles, master cylinder, proportioning valve and all the hardware off a 77 granada, but I didn't stop there. I went back to the yard and got the rotors, pads, bearings(removed very carefully to prevent contamination) and calipers. Some things I didn't expect... Instalation: I flaired the original lines so I could put the proper fitting on the line. There is not much room to get a tube cutter in these tight bends so I used a cut off wheel on my cheap a$$ dremel tool. The original Flexible hose must be reversed. so it enters the steel line from the front. I cut the bend off and reflaired it. I used all Junk yard parts (shame on me) Its not a daily driver, just a work in progress. I planned on replacing critrical components... Bled the system and off we went for a test drive. Man what in the world! The front end was majorly "toed in" With the new granada spindles the toe in was a bit too much. This made the car flat out scary to drive! We backed off each tie rod end one turn, and it was perfect! The breaking power was lacking. So...we replacedthe calipers, pads and the flexible hose. Bingo! The dang thing stops on a dime!!!! May be this will help other fist timmers! thanks for an awsome site! Mark
Glad to hear that yours worked out. Did you notice any more pedal effort after the swap? I did the exact same swap, but even with new pads/rotors, it still takes both feet to stop the dern thing. Is the disc/drum brake pedal different? My '75 bracket car stops way better than the '74 street car...and the newer one still has the factory drum/drum brakes!
well, i went to the junkyard today...theres some disc brakes on a 74 maverick 4 door...would those work???
I think what really made the difference was the brand new calipers! Yes the petal seems fermer and I don't need both feet. Mark
petal The petal assembly for dics is different and provides a much easier push to stop the car. I compared the old drum petal assembly to the disc aseembly and there is a difference in the pivot point and size of the petal. I suggest you get the correct assembly. I converted mine from manual drums to power discs(in process) and I have driven a maverick with the same conversion. It is amazing how good the brakes feel.
thanks tony. guess its time to raid the junkyards. On the way home today, we got behind a 80' long bus/racecar rig that was running like 35 mph. As I blew around it, a tractor pulled out into the road...man that was scary, didnt think I was gonna be able to stop. Wouldnt lock the tires even on wet pavement! Time to look for another brake pedal! Do I need to just get one from a Granada, or look for a Maverick/Comet one?
thanks tony. guess its time to raid the junkyards. On the way home today, we got behind a 80' long bus/racecar rig that was running like 35 mph. As I blew around it, a tractor pulled out into the road...man that was scary, didnt think I was gonna be able to stop. Wouldnt lock the tires even on wet pavement! Time to look for another brake pedal! Do I need to just get one from a Granada, or look for a Maverick/Comet one?
You need the pedal assembily out of a Mav/Comet. The Granada one will NOT fit. Trust me, I've tried You need the bracket that hold the pedal, and bolts through the firewall to the power booster, and the other end bolts up on top of the steering column. It may sound confusing, but take a look under the dash, and you will know what I am talking about. -Corbin
I'm a little confused now! I did not convert to the power booster. I only have manual disc breaks. The car stops great! Do I really need the special "power break" petal assembly for a manual set up? Every thing seems to work great as is! :confused: Mark:confused:
Nope! You do not need the power break pedal if you kept it manual. There were a couple questions happening at the same time, and I guess i should have addresses to whom I was answering. Sorry for the confusion, and you did nothing wrong. I switched to power disc brakes a while ago, and man, they are great. I am glad I have them since I have more Vroooom than I used to!! Glad they are working out for you too. -Corbin
I also had manual drums, converted to manual discs. Guess next step, then, is to buy new calipers. Already bled, rebuilt the bias valve, rebuilt calipers/wheel cylinders, new lines, new MC. I've done everything I know to do, still have the "glazed" feel. both feet on the pedal, and it just slows it down, wont lock the front or the rear. Any other suggestions?
i did the switch too. pedal is kinda hard buy it does stop nicely. so are you guys saying that a non power disc brake car has a different pedal than a non power drum set up? my only beef with my current set up is that the pedal is kinda high. not a big deal except on those VERY few occasions i drive my pick-up, i always bash my knee in because i am used to picking up my leg higher to meet the higher pedal in my mav.
No, the pedal for all (disc or drum) manual brakes are the same. The only time a different pedal assembly is used, is when you use the power booster. -Corbin
