Re: Brake Upgrade

Posted by Eric Boyle On 2008/1/6 19:49:20

BTV is Bendix Treadle Vac, the worst brake system ever designed.

I and several others have come up with replacements for the BTV, all of which are good ideas. I personally take a torch to every BTV I get my hands on and melt them until they're unusable, something I've learned from Craig.

As for disc conversions on Packards, there's Paul's front disc conversion, which is probably the most stable and secure version, and the bolt on conversion, which I personally don't care for. I just don't think they're as stable as using a spindle that was made for discs, and has the caliper mount built into the spindle. Again, my personal feelings on the matter. I would just prefer to adapt a later spindle to the Packard, and from what I've seen, it looks like F150 and E150 are the only options around.

As for the rear's, when I worked for a Ford dealership, I got out the tape measure on several occasions and discovered that a '94 and up Mustang rear end itself is a perfect fit for the '56s, and I would assume for all Packards back to at least '51. These were available with disc brakes, limited slip differentials, and TONS of aftermarket support for anything you'd need for it. Just make sure if you're looking for one, it's an 8.8", NOT the smaller 7.5", which is too small for a Packard.