Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

I recently purchased a 56 - 400 for a donor car. First, seems all the info I'm coming across says the rear drums are 11" x 2". The ones I took off are 12" x 2". Is this as simple as a particular model? Or perhaps a factory brake package?
Second, if able, I'm going to use the rearend in a Rod, assuming it's not too wide. My question - Has anyone ever converted a 56 to rear disc brakes? If so, any recommendations to brand? If price is reasonable on the setup, I'll have a pair of drums for sale. Cheers.

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Clippers on the 122" wheelbase had the 11 inch and senior Packard models on the 127" wheelbase had 12 inch. The exception is with the late introduction Executive model.

While the Executive is considered a senior Packard model in name and many features, it is actually a car which was made virtually overnight by discontinuing the top end Clipper Custom and bolting on senior fenders and styling trim cues to that body. It still used the smaller chassis and mechanicals so is effectively midway between the 5660 and 5680 models. It is designated as the 5670 Executive.

Here are specs on the brakes. For the Executive you would use the 5660 chassis information.

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Thanks Howard.
Amazing how many different models they offered.

People do disc brake conversions from time to time. In normal circumstances, it's anything but necessary (TL + power brakes give excellent braking performance given the weight of the vehicle) though if you are hot rodding it or doing something like track driving, your circumstances may be different.

I would carefully consider the cost and especially complication of doing a disc brake conversion versus the need.

I assume something like this would work, at $1100: https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Wilwood-140-14400-D-Dynapro-Low-Profile-Parking-Brake-Kit-Black,384774.html

But a rebuild kit, assuming your drums are usable, is under $500:https://www.kanter.com/p-35858-1955-and-1956-packard-parts.html

Thanks HPH. It's been a couple decades since I last used Kanter. Amazing the variety they offer considering 56's low production #s.

Regarding the disc brakes. As it stands now, the Packard rearend is going in a 40 Chevy. The discs are little more than for aesthetics. And to see if I can do it. I have access to a machine and fab shop. The idea is to use an existing design as a jumping off point for making the caliper brackets myself. Just need to decide on a disc/cal setup.

Existing drums mic out at only 8 thousand. However, both drums have moderate pitting in just a small area. I assume that's where the bottom of the drum was when it sat for so long. Would have to turn them to see if they can clean up.
Again, Thanks.

Difficult to photo. A co worker guessed as deep as 30 thou.

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