Disc conversion

Okay, I suppose this could somehow be linked to the 1952 coversion thread, but I'm hoping to get something a little more exact. I'm looking around on the net for disc conversion kits for my 65' Fleetside. So far I've found them at Brothers, and Classic Truck. I've talked with a few "gurus" at my work about this and they all tell me that there is a lot of fabrication to those kits and most don't even include everything needed. (obviously not the master cylinder or porportioning valve). What's the story about these Mustang II kits I see in magazines and on Spike TV's Powerblock? Is that a direct replacement for the entire K-member? Would that actually work on a Chevy? Also, what's the chances of having a newer model truck in the junkyard having a bolt on replacement?
Brakes are a MUST on this beast. I seriously need power brakes before I get more power under the hood. It's hard enough to stop this thing as it is now. :eek:

From what I have heard the 73 to 87 discs will bolt on and I think its easier to change the whole crossmember,I think you can use the powersteering from the 73 to 87 also. To change the rear to 5 lugs will be easy as around 70 to 72s had 5 lugs when they had disc up front and had the coil springs in the rear making that rear a bolt in on your 65 plus you wil be able to get a taller gear. If you could find a complete 70 to 72 with discs truck for parts you will have all you need and the trucks with a auto trans usualy had 3.08 rear gears. Jeff

it depends on if the truck was a heavy duty truck or not. my dad's '72 has the heavy duty springs in the rear and factory 3.73's it's a 350/ auto from the factory. tells inside the glove box anyway, providing the tag is still there.

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Originally Posted by Matt167

it depends on if the truck was a heavy duty truck or not. my dad's '72 has the heavy duty springs in the rear and factory 3.73's it's a 350/ auto from the factory. tells inside the glove box anyway, providing the tag is still there.

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Ummm......I don't think the tag is still there. Seeing how there wasn't even a glove box insert when I got the truck. I can tell you that it's a long bed with 6 lugs. Common sense would tell me that the more lugs on the wheels the more "heavy duty" the truck is. All I know is that this thing is the largest vehicle I've ever owned. It BARELY fits in my garage!! It's going to look pretty mean when it's finally done though.
So, continuing with my question.....it's good to know that there are quite a few years the parts are compatable with my 65'. That should save some $$$ along the way. What's the deal though with this Mustang II kit though?

Like you say, that's a BIG truck. Mustang II stuff is too light. Lots of guys use it, but in the real world, it just won't hack it. Go for the 72-style pickup parts, 5-bolt wheels and all.

All GM 1/2 ton trucks had 6 lugs untill the early 70s when disc brakes came out,even the 3/4 tons had 6 lugs untill 46. Jeff

from what I understand anything from 72-84 will fit(entire crossmember).CPP,and Early Classics have complete kits and All parts you will need .They even have kits to put disc brakes in the rear.For the mustang II kits the best kit I found is from Jim Meyer racing.For a daily driver I would not do it but for a weekend cruiser yes sir.I have the same truck and have about a hundred links for parts ,and pics.I will post them when i can so you can use them.What are you planning for your truck? Do you want to race it ,bag it ,rail it ,or use it for a work truck?Tell me what you need and I should be able to point you in the right direction.

my plans for the truck are to basically make it a mild street rod. I'm not expecting much more than 500hp, actually being more realistic around 450hp. This winter I'm pulling the engine to strip it to the bare block to have it dipped because it's nasty. While the engine is out, I want to install a slightly more aggressive cam and better heads. Maybe install a stroker kit and bore 30 over. That's about it as far as engine. As for suspension, I was thinking about either bags or cans so when I take it to events and shows I can slam her down. I'd like to still utilize the bed once in a while. I have a race bike that I haul around to the races, so it'll occasionally be transported to the race via the 65'. I would like to have a posi rear installed. I was origionally thinking a locker, but I had one installed on a 69' Camaro and although it was quite an attention getter going around corners and burnouts it's not that practical. I would LOVE to have power steering as well, but for now my main concern is power disc brakes on all four corners. There are so many "wants" for this project that I just don't have time to list them all in detail, but hopefully this gives you an idea of what I'm hoping for. I've ordered numerous parts from Brothers Trucks.com for my interior, and they seem to have quite a selection. Other then that, I haven't really had time to look around too much. Any advise or help on steering me in the right direction would be great. I really appreciate all of your help in this matter. You guys are GREAT!!

There is a company called REZ (I think thats the name) that has the brackets to install a power gear box to the frame.The kit is about 60 -70 dollars for the brackets.Pick up a Classic Trucks magazine their advertisement should be in the back.Since you plan on still using it as a truck you should stay with the stock front crossmember and add tubular upper and lower control arms, CPP has them but they are 1000 for the complete package.


I have always loved my truck ,I like this body style but it seems like It is not really a favored truck.How could you not like this
http://www.totallypolished.com/images/65/65front.jpg

Ya Can't help but love it!! I could use some of those links too B T D. I'm planning to do some work on mine. Here are few pics of it. http://www.gschexnayder.com/1965chevy.htm

Gary

The stock stamped arm MII kits won't take the weight of a truck. For hauling nothing heavier then a dirt bike, the MII kits with the tubular arms and either bags or coilovers are fine.. The quality kits come with good brakes and power steering is usually an option. For the rear, Speedway motor has a good selection of disc brake kits at a reasonable price.

I am in MN.right now when I get back home to Texas I will get those links posted.I am replying from my laptop,and I have all my links on my home pc.Heres a couple that I can think of.
http://www.jimmeyerracing.com/ifs7.html
http://www.nolimit.net/index.asp?Pag...ATS&Category=3
http://www.chevytalk.org/threads/pos.../0/Board/UBB43
http://www.lmctruck.com/features/CBE...arsCovered.htm
http://www.classicparts.com/
http://www.classicperform.com/6092chevtrk.htm
http://www.hotrodstohell.net/
http://totallypolished.com/frames.shtml
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=197255
http://www.chevychevy.com/pages/55_87_Chevy_Truck.htm
http://www.ifcustom.com/
http://www.impalas.com/departments.a...=5860&last=710

http://www.totallypolished.com/images/65/65front.jpg

this is pretty much the look I'm going for. Minus the grille and maybe not as low. I was checking out some of the links you put up and the very first one with the crossmember with discs, and rack and pinion is just what I was looking for. Buying that looks like I can get everything except the master cylinder, porportioning valve, power steering pump, and lines. Three grand seems like a lot of moola, but thinking about how much I'd spend getting everything seperatly it'd be around the same price. Thanks for the help and if you get a chance when you're back home, post up some more links.
Thanks again.

I'll put some pictures up in the gallery today so you can all see my hoopty under construction. She looks kinda rough on the outside, but right now it's what's underneath that counts.!! hehe.