Disc Brake Conversion Kit for '65 Imp?

No kit. I've checked with Scarebird a a coupe of others. None have any plans to make one or custom-build one. Not enough demand, they all say. Good luck!
 
No kit. I've checked with Scarebird a a coupe of others. None have any plans to make one or custom-build one. Not enough demand, they all say. Good luck!
Thanks for the update. I've been bouncing around like a ping pong ball on a few potential Imperials. The '65 had some issues uncovered in the pre-purchase inspection, and now I am back to a '66 sedan that looks promising.
 
The drum brakes on these cars are very large and in top condition have no problems stopping. The main advantage to discs is resistance to fade, not their ability to stop quickly. Do you see many semi trucks with discs?

Now if you plan to take the car to Laguna Seca, the discs are a good idea. But for a quick panic stop, the likes of which you are much more likely to deal with in congested traffic, your efforts are better spent rebuilding the front end/brakes and converting to a dual master. I hear tell you can still get shoes made with asbestos in Mexico.
 
But, of course, Wilwood custom-built a four-wheel-disc setup for Jay Leno and his '58 Imperial convertible. I guess if you have a big-enough name, they'll bend over backwards for you. And they installed the entire system!

Jay Leno’s 1958 Imperial Convertible Is One Massive Land Yacht
Oh, sure! I'll ask him next time I'm by to take one of his cars for the weekend. Super nice guy...and that is one beautiful ride. I love the 57-60 Imps. One day...
 
The drum brakes on these cars are very large and in top condition have no problems stopping. The main advantage to discs is resistance to fade, not their ability to stop quickly. Do you see many semi trucks with discs?

Now if you plan to take the car to Laguna Seca, the discs are a good idea. But for a quick panic stop, the likes of which you are much more likely to deal with in congested traffic, your efforts are better spent rebuilding the front end/brakes and converting to a dual master. I hear tell you can still get shoes made with asbestos in Mexico.
 
Great information. I have gotten so used to the idea that you needed four wheel disc brakes on everything to stop effectively, I forgot those Imp engineers probably had it worked out pretty well, especially for my intended application (cruising on beautiful days) and hopefully making some shows.
 
I was on a mission for a short time to swap over to disc brakes on my 65 Imperial as well but got busy doing other stuff and never finished but I will say you may want to try a complete spindle swap or look into it...I was cross referencing ball joints between the 65 Imperial and several others....I think the ball joints will work for later imperials say 69-73 but it has been about 3 years since I was researching so not 100% positive. I have a lot of info written down from my research, I will go through that folder and see if I can get you're accurate info.

65Imperial006.jpg
 
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I was on a mission for a short time to swap over to disc brakes on my 65 Imperial as well but got busy doing other stuff and never finished but I will say you may want to try a complete spindle swap or look into it...I was cross referencing ball joints between the 65 Imperial and several others....I think the ball joints will work for later imperials say 69-73 but it has been about 3 years since I was researching so not 100% positive. I have a lot of info written down from my research, I will go through that folder and see if I can get you're accurate info.

View attachment 124491

Car is interesting and cool. So what is the story with those tires?
 
I was on a mission for a short time to swap over to disc brakes on my 65 Imperial as well but got busy doing other stuff and never finished but I will say you may want to try a complete spindle swap or look into it...I was cross referencing ball joints between the 65 Imperial and several others....I think the ball joints will work for later imperials say 69-73 but it has been about 3 years since I was researching so not 100% positive. I have a lot of info written down from my research, I will go through that folder and see if I can get you're accurate info.

View attachment 124491
Car is interesting and cool. So what is the story with those tires?
Yes, I agree with tallhair... and no disrespect meant by this... the stance, tires and lights behind the grille give me visions of this Imperial running the Baja 1000 or something similar...
th
maxresdefault.jpg
639135807783bf4555e3c562c962126f.jpg
BajaCutlass.jpg

As good as it would be to see Mopar represented... your Imperial looks way too nice for that.
SCORE Adds Two New Vintage Classes for 50th Baja 1000 - Off-Road.com Blog
 
Yes, I agree with tallhair... and no disrespect meant by this... the stance, tires and lights behind the grille give me visions of this Imperial running the Baja 1000 or something similar...
th
maxresdefault.jpg
639135807783bf4555e3c562c962126f.jpg
BajaCutlass.jpg

As good as it would be to see Mopar represented... your Imperial looks way too nice for that.
SCORE Adds Two New Vintage Classes for 50th Baja 1000 - Off-Road.com Blog



You guys nailed it!!!! That is partially what inspired me, Mopar muscle combined with off-road attitude! I take care of my Imp tho I don't abuse it....Those 7.00 15's (tires) are coming off pretty soon it's gonna have an entire different look ...she's gonna be a mean one for sure, hopefully with 750+ HP & TORQ !!!!!!
 
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