62 Impala, what disc front brakes fit?

[california-kiwi]

Has anyone converted a 62 Impala to disc front brakes? I have looked over a few other GMs in the wrecking yard and think the 70-71 chevelle stuff looks like it might work. my only real concern is does the 70 rotor and bearings fit onto the 62 spindle. I know there are caliper brackets available so that part is ok. Any info appreciated. Thanks, Pete.

[lxndr]

I had been looking at the same Chevelle brakes and I can tell you that they won't work. The rotor is not designed for to stop a car with the weight of an Impala. Also the spindles are different for disk and drum brakes and the chevelle spindles will not fit on an Impala.

Look into getting an aftermarket kit from places like MP brakes or Baer. A relatively cheap alternative is to use the brake system from a '70 Impala (thats what I did) although replacement rotors are hard to find for this year. I've heard that you can use the front spindles and rotors from any Impala through the mid '70's, but I have not tried this.

I am currently adapting 13" '96 Corvette brakes onto my '65 Impala. This is requiring a bit of fabrication, I'll let you know how it works!

Hope this helps!

[lxndr]

Keep in mind that you will also need the power brake booster, master cylinder, calipers and proportioning valve from the donor car. If the donor does not have a proportioning valve you may need to get one from Baer or Wilwood in order to properly proportion your rear brakes.

[california-kiwi]

Thanks Lx, Im going on a mission to dig up some 70 Impala brakes. i think Ill take them off at the ball joints. Thanks for the reminder on the other parts. It all should work together if it came off the same car. Thanks, Pete

[california-kiwi]

Man that 65 is going to stop, are you making your own caliper brackets. Ive got a real soft spot for 65's. An old friend in NewZealand had an SS convertible 4speed back in our Hot rodding days. brings back a lot of great memories. Pete

[lxndr]

Yeah, I will have to fabricate caliper brackets and and construct a mount for the booster and brake pedal linkage.

I'm doing a complete re-build on this car (the body is currently off the frame) and I have some other parts to fabricate first, so it will be a while before I start constructing the brake brackets. I'm not sure but I think I may still have a set of '70 Impala brakes. I remember buying another set at a swap meet a couple years ago just because they're hard to find. I'll have to look through my storage, but if I find them would you be interested in them? However, I think getting a kit from MP brakes might be the way to go since this kit uses a more readily available rotor and caliper setup.

I have a soft spot for '65 Impalas too, since this was my first car.

[california-kiwi]

Hi lxndr, been away for a few days. Thanks for the offer, I will dig around a few of the Bay area yards and see whats out there. Might be calling you about those parts. I just looked at your post about pre 70 Impalas. There was a great site something like vintageimpala.com but I didnt bookmark it and now Im darned if I can find it again. Maybe some real computer savvy guy can set us all up an old school site. We have a big out door annual car show this sunday so the 62 is off to strut her stuff.
Pete