Dual Chamber MC suggestions?

[vegas paul]

I am just beginning some restoration of a 51 Champion Business Coupe, and I've decided to convert to disc brakes rather than restore the existing drums. I wan a dual chamber MC (front disc, rear drum) and I'm looking for suggestions as to what might fit and work with the existing brake linkage. Anyone done this? I've searched the forum and gotten a lot of good advice on other disc brake components (Turner, SteelTech, etc.) but I must have missed this discussion. Afew people mentioned the dual chamber, but did not indicate which one was used. I assume I can get asomewhat generic MC and make it work.

All suggestions, criticisms, comments, finger-pointing, and name-calling are welcome... I've got to have thick skin to undertake this restoration.

Las Vegas, NV
'51 Champion Business Coupe

[N8N]

I'd call Jim Turner and run this question by him; I know he makes a bracket for dual MC's for several cars but not sure if that includes yours. He would probably be able to advise which MC to use as well. You *will* need some kind of bracket to mount a dual MC under the floor.

good luck,

nate

--
55 Commander Starlight
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

[BobPalma]

Yes, Jim Turner has had a dual-piston master cylinder bracket in his line for 1947-1952 Studebaker cars for several years now; no problem getting what you want. BP

[vegas paul]

I've had some e-mail back and forth with Jim Turner, and it appears I need to get some '53 or later spindles (knuckles) to work with his system.

Anyone got these out there?

I could be convinced to trade a few things myself... seeing as I'll have 4 perfectly good wheels (with chrome hubcaps)and firestone tires that will no longer fit over disc brakes - I'll be buying aftermarket wheels/whitewall tires. I'm not really into selling things for the sake of selling things, but to fellow Studebaker restorers, I'm willing to trade to a good home. By the way, I need a turn signal set-up too! (and other things as well).

Las Vegas, NV
'51 Champion Business Coupe

[bondobilly]

The Turner Dual Master Cylinder kit saved the HFH. If you buy a Jeep MC, you will need to buy a "new" one, not a rebult. On the rebuilts, the top cap is too high. On originals, the cap is lower.

Only recommandation I will make, rather than add another hole to reach the new MC. cut a rectangular area out of the floor and use a piece of scrap sheet metal to cover the hole needed to acess the MC.

When the HFH caught fire due to a locked up left rear wheel, not only did the Turner Kit allow us to stop, it allowed us to drive it home, 65 miles, just using front brakes. Had there been no dual master cylinder, it would have cost $700 for the flat bed. As it was the repaint was $2300.

[jpvill4th]

You only need the newer spindles if you are going to use the integral hubs and discs that Jim uses. When I was doing this with my Lark I priced the ones he uses and besides the cost they are becoming a special order item. I ended up using his brackets and assembled the rest using his recommendations for the parts, but I used Ford Crown Victoria discs. These are about 1/8" smaller on the radius then the ones Jim uses, but you get to use your original hub. When I had my 51 I installed Avanti discs using the 51 hubs. If there is any interference of the hub flange diameter with the inside of the disc just reduce it in size to fit within the disc or depending upon your spacing, the disc may fit better on the inside of the hub. The Crown Vic discs are roughly $25 each and are readily available. The only thing you may have to do is increase the size of the stud holes in the disc to allow you to use the Studebaker sized studs. All this used to be posted on Bob Johnstone's site but I can no longer find the site. The Studebaker hub is not a casting but a forging so you have some options for studs including possible tapping of the stud holes. I will have to see if I can find the info on the part number for the studs - Dorman and something else. By the way, you will find that the 51 is easier to stop with front discs and no booster then it was with the drums - keep the small diameter rear wheel cylinders and you will prevent rear lockup on hard stops.

[vegas paul]

John Paul- thanks for the info. I would love to use Jim's brackets and any alternative set-up that would work with them. If you can be more specific on what you did for your 51, I would appreciate it. The request still stands for anyone with '53 or later spindles that would work with Jim's set-up.

Las Vegas, NV
'51 Champion Business Coupe

[vegas paul]

Latest update - I spoke with Jim Turner, and e-mailed him some pictures of my spindles, and what do you know... they already are updated to the later (Commander?) spindles, anyway they will work with his brackets. Thanks for all the helpful suggestions.

Las Vegas, NV
'51 Champion Business Coupe

[avantilover]

Here is the link for Bob Johnstone's website:
http://www.studebaker-info.org/rjtechx3.html#R3R4

John Clements
Avantilover, your South Australian Studebaker lover!!!
Lockleys South Australia

[vegas paul]

Thanks John, that's a valuable site (for a lot of additional items besides disc brakes). Any way the web master could add that to the links page? I think others would appreciate it.

Las Vegas, NV
'51 Champion Business Coupe