TR2/3/3A Front Brake Conversion

I have just purchased a 1954 TR-2, that will need a full restoration. I am thinking of converting from drum to disks on the front. I did the same conversion on my 57 Thunderbird and it was not that bad a job.
Do any of the parts places sell a kit for this? or, do I have to find a salvage vehicle for parts?

Dick

Dick,
I can probably fix you up with all the parts needed to change to disk brakes and also do Toyota four pot calipher upgrade.

Marv

Dick
I have a 54 TR2 with drums all around. Since 2003 we have put well over 40,000 miles on it and not once did I feel the drum brakes were inadequate. Stories to the contrary are old wives tales. Properly adjusted drums are fine!

Lou Metelko
Auburn, Indiana
54 TR2LD TS981L

The TR2 frame is missing mounting tabs for the disc brake hoses at the front. All the other parts are just a swap...but that swap includes all the lines, hoses, fittings and Master cylinder from the line into the rear hose forward. Swapping the master will also require you to swap the clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder for the disc cars too.

I’ve been driving my TR2 with drums. It does not pull, dart or complain at all. The car stops just as well in light to moderate braking with no difference I can tell from the discs, except it rolls freely after a stop instead of dragging like the disc cars do with the 5 way valve that holds pressure up front. In heavy stops the car takes more pedal pressure, but still stops evenly and locks the wheels together.

Why do you want to change to discs? It will devalue the car for minimal improvement in braking. I’d just buy a TR3A if you really want a car with discs.

Thanks John,

I have a 57 TR-3 too. The engine has been upgraded substantially with 87 mm P&S, Isky cam , larger valves, titanium pushrods, aluminum flywheel and a set of headers. It has 11:1 compression so I run non-ethanol 93 octane.Brakes work great!
The 54 TR-2 I just purchased has been sitting in a conditioned garage for 30 years! I will be re-building the entire brake/clutch systems and will stick with the drums. I would love to find a set of Alfin drums, had them on my 55 TR-2.

Dick

Now the Alfin drums would be a cool upgrade to your TR2. They are from the same period and would add value to the package overall.