Help I'm new

[Mighty Mouse]

Just want to say hello from Sunland CA. I'm a 29 year old cable guy that thought I could restore a 72 Nova. 3 years later, I'm here asking for help because every one else is fed up with my questions. I'm married with no kids. My wife is on the verj of killing me and burning the Nova...lol. I'm almost done, just need a couple more things. Heres my question. I'm converting my power drums to power disc brakes. I heard from some people that I dont have to get new spindles for the conversion. They said I can use the spindles that are on the drums. Is this true?. Also, heard that I have to change the prob valve and master cylinder. Cant I use the ones on the car now? Thanks guys.

[TooMany2count]

well the easiest by far would be find a nova or camaro w/disc & swap them out.
OR
this one should help u
disc brake
more
&&& more

also found this on this page
Another frequently asked question is about adding disc brakes. While the process is very well documented ( 1962-67, 1962-67 and 1968-74) there is come confusion about using 1975-up Nova parts and 1970-81 Camaro parts. 1967-69 Camaro share the same front subframe and suspension as 1968-74 Novas. 1970-81 Camaros share the same front suspension and a similar (but not exact) front subframe as 1975-79 Novas. While all 1975-up Novas got front disc brakes the suspension parts do not interchange with the earlier Novas. The reason for this is that the steering changed in 1975 for Novas (in 1970 for Camaros). The steering box and linkage was moved from behind the front wheels and subframe crossmember to in front of the front wheels and crossmember. This is why 1962-74 Novas are called "rear steer" and 1975-79 Novas are called "front steer".

Earlier Novas also have a 2-piece spindle where the steering knuckle can be unbolted from the spindle. This is why you can use parts from 1972 and earlier "front steer" cars like the GM A-bodies (Chevelle, Cutlass, GTO, etc). By unbolting the steering knuckle, you can change it to "rear steer". 1975-79 Novas not only have a 1-piece spindle but the spindle itself is taller than earlier Novas.

While all this makes it harder for earlier Novas to get disc brakes, there is some good news. All the kits to install aftermarket disc brakes on 1967-69 Camaros (and most kits for 1972-earlier A-bodies) can be used for 1968-74 Novas. In reality, anything for 1967-79 Camaro front suspension can be used on 1968-74 Novas. That includes shocks, bushings, sway bars, even complete replacement subframes. And for 4th gen Novas, all 1970-81 Camaros front suspension parts will work. The only exception would be replacement subframes because they do differ.


hope this helps ya out.....joe

[Mighty Mouse]

Wow thats a lot of useful info thanks.

[SBC]

You can use the drum spindles - but the upper boss (where the brake shoe saddle bolts in) has to me machined down to receive the caliper mounting plate.

Looks like this guy used a grinder or saws all.

How to use drum spindles!

Bert

[Mighty Mouse]

Thanks Bert. Now i see the diff. Its soo small. I thought it was a big deal. If thats all i have to do, I'll save some $$$ and cut my drum spindles. Yay!