I am restoring a 1964 Dart GT w/ the original six intact. Should I bother converting the brakes? If so to what?

If keeping the orginal brakes do suggest you install a later master cylinder one which isolates the front brakes from the back also known as a duel master cylinder used from 67 forward, would need new lines and portional valve these can be had from later Darts. Too many options as far as disc is concerned, can buy new complete kits from several mfgs. Also there is the issue of bolt spacing early models were a 4 on 5 as opposed to the 4.5 on 5 used from 73 forward any disc setup from a yard will have this later pattern. need to replace control arms (upper and lower) which uses larger ball joints as opposed to the smaller bj used prior to 73. If I were to do this on the 63 would pull control arms/spindles/calipers/disc/master cylinder/prop valve from the doner. Personally I don't need this hassle so will be looking into the kits. Used brake parts make me nervous.

This decision really depends on your driving needs and style.
I have driven many 9 inch drum Slant cars with out problems, the key was to keep the brakes in top condition and to never expect too much out of them.
You can get one good 70 MPH panic stop out of a 9 inch brake set-up but don't expect to speed right back up to 70 mph and get another hard stop, they will fade on you. Same goes with stopping on big hills, if the set-up gets hot, the brakes fade.
With smart driving you are fine, especially if it's a manual trans car.
The trick with a 9 inch brake car is to keep an eye on the brake shoe wear, small shoes wear-out fast and if they hit metal you are in for an expensive brake job.
On a 64 Dart with 9 inch brakes that I drove for years, I would check the shoe wear every 12 months and would usually replace the front linings when I checked it. If the shoes were worn more the 1/2 way, I'd change them just because the lining is cheap, the job is easy and I was already "in there".
These days I change cars to 10 inch drums just because I don't have to check and change the shoes as often. Disc brakes are even better.
DD

The answer I'd give is, "That depends, are the stock brakes good enough for you?" Some people may not have too much trouble with them, others (like me) feel a car can't have too much stopping power. The master cylinder is a good safety upgrade, though, even if you're keeping the stock drums. I also like the "speed bleeders" - not only do they make bleeding the brakes easier, they seem to get more air out of the lines.

My '66 Dart uses the '73-'76 A-body spindles with discs, calipers, and caliper brackets off a '79 Newport. I had to use the later A-body upper control arms but the stock lower control arms bolted up just fine using a '73-'76 lower ball joint.

_________________
"Mad Scientist" Matt Cramer
'66 Dart - turbocharged 225
My blog - Mad Scientist Matt's Lair

I have to agree with the upgrade. Get a dual master cylinder (I tested mine on my old '70 Fury once when a wheel cylinder blew, they work!), and get some 10" drums. They work good on my Satellite, so they should work even better on a light car like yours. The speed bleeders, like Matt said, are the only way to go. I put some on my car and wonder why I didn't sooner! I used Russell, part #3953/369530. These are for wheel cylinders with 5/16-24 bleeder screws.

The one man bleeder screws are also availible in the "HELP!" section of your local car auto store. I can't be positive of the size but I saw a variety there so I figured there must be a compatible one for our applicaiton.

Do NOT hesitate to at least upgrade to a dual MC. The singles are simply too dangerous. A breach anywhere in a single MC system and you're left with the e-brake (and downshifting) ONLY to slow or stop the car. A recent experience has erased any doubt I ever had on the wisdom of doing this upgrade at the minumum.

I also think that the 9" drums are inadequate even for the early, smaller A-bodies. Front discs and bigger rear drums are the only way to go IMHO.
I've had 9"-ers fade on me bigtime more than once.


---Red

Oh man... memories of going through a puddle with 4wheel 9" drums. No breaks for a good few blocks.

Try making the stop at the bottom of Lookout Mountain in a loaded '64 Valiant with 9" drums! "Fade" is not the word. Let's just say there was a very high pucker factor. Most situations do not tax the 9" drums, but it's those other times ...
I try to keep the system up to par, converted to a dual circuit master cylinder, and am looking for a donor.
In short: I want disks!

Look here:



http://www.slantsix.com/UBB/Forum6/HTML/002023.html



...if that doesn't convince you that you should at least upgrade to a dual MC, I don't know what will. Better to err on the side of caution, I would say.


---Red