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Packard, like almost all other manufacturers in the mid 1950s used drum type brakes on their automobiles. However drum brakes have been superceded by the much more efficient disc brakes fitted to more modern cars. For the Panther Project, I want it equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes for the best possible stopping power. However, there was one BIG problem: no one makes a retrofit conversion kit for Packards. Ken Crocie of H-O Enterprises referred me to two different hot rod oriented machine shops which were willing to tackle each end of the vehicle.
The front disc brake conversion was accomplished by Richard Graves Machine of Long Beach, CA. This conversion uses calipers from mid 1970s full size Chevrolet and early 1980s Mopar rotors. It requires custom machining of the Packard steering lever arms (for clearance) and spindles (for wheel bearings). The brake pads also came in the kit. All the other parts I purchased at the local auto parts store. Click here for a complete parts listing.
After more than one year of driving my front disc-brake equipped 1955 Patrician, I am totally satisfied. It stops hard and true EVERY TIME, something which could not be said for the drum brakes. I had a few extra front adapter ("Magic") plates made since that is the custom part of the conversion. Email me (webmaster link below) if you are interested in purchasing same.
Continue to Rear Disc Brake Conversion
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