my first Healey and questions about front brakes

[zschicago]

I just bought my first Austin Healey. Its a 1957 100-6. Im trying attach a couple photos. What are my options to upgrade the front brakes to discs? I saw a brake kit available from Dennis Welch, but not sure what other options are out there.
Cheers,
Zane

 

[AH100M]

I installed the Dennis Welch disc brake kit on my 100-4 BN2. Worked great. It was missing some shims for the wheel bearings, I think (may not be an issue with your hubs) but they sent a set gratis. Worked fine and no vacuum booster was needed.

 

[Cottontop]

Zane,

You have a BEAUTIFUL car. Cherish it !

I converted the front brakes on my '59 100-6 to stock Healey front discs, I believe from a 60 MK I. They have pleanty of "stop".

Although you won't have room, I also converted to a Ford dual piston (disc/drum) master cylinder.

You could easily install an adjustable proportioning valve for the rear drums.

Tim

 

[TomFromStLouis]

Re: my first Healey and questions about front brak

Wow what a color! Nice looking car zschicago.

Sorry I cannot help with your question. Welcome to the forum.

 

[zschicago]

Re: my first Healey and questions about front brak

Thanks everyone. Ive always wanted one and just decided to take advantage of the lower prices. As far as the disc conversion, looks like the Dennis Welch kit is $800 delivered. Could I just buy the 3000 front brakes and install? Are they easy to find or would it cost about the same as the Welch kit? Thanks again...

 

[Randy_Gay]

Re: my first Healey and questions about front brak

You would need the early Healey brake calipers and the brackets and hoses to mount them. Then the rotors, which (I think) will require new front five stud hubs. Also recommended would be changing out the master cylinder and reservoir for a disc brake car version. It can be done but I would suggest keeping it stock. A good system rebuild with performance brakes shoes and you might find it works well enough. Congratulations!

 

[Keoke]

Re: my first Healey and questions about front brak



$800 to make a car which already starts and stops keep on stopping is a bit over the top. As you mentioned we have brake linings today that improve brake performance immeasurably at significantly less cost. just my thoughts.--Keoke

 

[Randy Forbes]

Re: my first Healey and questions about front brak

I posted these pictures last night, but apparently got thrown in in Basil's reboot.

I also commented that it will be easier to use the 3000/3000 MKII brakes, as the 3000 MKIII uses different calipers and they're attached directly to the stub-axles (which <span style="font-style: italic">would</span> interchange with your original stub-axles).

These are the early (pre-backing plates) 3000 front disc brakes on my 57 100/6

 

[zblu]

Re: my first Healey and questions about front brak

Ah, the joys of five stud inter changeability!

 

[Randy Forbes]

Re: my first Healey and questions about front brak

Ah, the joys of five stud inter changeability!

Joy, yes; easy, no.

Hubs that don't look like hubs:

 

[zschicago]

Re: my first Healey and questions about front brak

What are the options with upgrading the stock drum shoes? That might be a first option. thanks