I know the brake upgrade issue has been beat to death, but most I have read revolves around 15" rims. Is there an upgrade that will work with my stock/original 13" steel rims? I want the car to keep the stock appearance, but have more modern safety. I am considering going to the dual master cylinder anyway.

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Restoring Wife's Great Grandparent's 1963 Dart.
Built August 30, 1962 in St Louis
First month of production
Serial Number 599
Still is a basket case.

Go to dual master cylinder, it's infinitely safer than the single pot.

I know Scarebird does a front disc brake conversion for a little over $100 for the 9" drum brakes, but I'm not sure if it requires you to switch up to 14" rims or not.

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<i>D'Artagnan</i>
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/stephaniexchaos/dart/th_IMG_0326_zpsumhhfxi0.jpg">

The only brake upgrade that works with 13" wheels are 10" drums. It's a worthwhile upgrade. You might be able to find someone that's changed to discs that will sell their 10" drums and spindles cheap. Don't forget the lower ball joint is also different and '73 and later 10" drums use the larger upper ball joint/control arm.

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Joshua

When I bought my 65 Dart in 84, it had 9 inchers on the front and 10 inchers on the rear (replacement rear end) and 13 in wheels. First upgrade I did was go to 14 in wheels. You should be able to find someone upgrading to disc brakes from 10 in brakes. Get the spindle (different from the 9 in brake spindle) and the rest of the brake stuff and you should be good to go. Or locate a 73-76 large ball joint UCA. 62-72 B Body spindle/10 in drums brakes (larger than A Body 10 inchers) and still keep your 13 in wheels. Personally I'd upgrade to discs/14 in wheels and ditch the 13 in wheels/9 in brakes.

If he uses B-body drums he looses the 4" wheel bolt pattern and can't use his 13" wheels. B-body 10" front shoes are only 1/4" wider than the 10" A-body shoes.

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Joshua

Oooops! Forgot about that!

I have a set -of sbp 10" drums/spidles -- if interested, Lawrence

Don't you mean 13 inch brakes?

Not really. I wanted to do it like you do, but the small-bolt pattern kit I got from Wilwood still had too big a center bearing cap for the tiny 13s. I would highly recommend this upgrade, though. The car is so much safer to drive, especially in the rain. I got 15x7 wheels and they fit just fine all around. Just make sure your suspension isn't too soft or you may get some rub over large bumps.

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Chuck and the Flying Valiant

Lawrence, I think I will look for a set closer to home. The shipping from Kansas to TX would probably cost as much as the brakes themselves. If I can not find a set here, I'll get back with you.

_________________
Restoring Wife's Great Grandparent's 1963 Dart.
Built August 30, 1962 in St Louis
First month of production
Serial Number 599
Still is a basket case.