PLYDO disk brake conversion?? Mopar guys? [Archive]

fatluckys

10-07-2004, 04:12 PM

moondisc

10-07-2004, 04:16 PM

I'm not 100% certain, but I think they use GM calipers.
At least the kit that was in my buds 39 Dodge did.

Justin415

10-07-2004, 04:32 PM

So do you have a modified backing plate or an aftermarket caliper bracket? Whats the rotor size and width? If you can get a pic of the setup I'll tell ya. Or measure the distance between the caliper mounting holes, center to center for a clue. There are a couple different ways to disc mopar.

fatluckys

10-07-2004, 04:44 PM

It's an aftermarket bracket. Caliper mounting holes are 5 7/16 center to center. The rotor is 11"across x 1" thick. Here's a pic-

moondisc

10-07-2004, 07:27 PM

Looks like the same bracket on my buds 39.
His had Camaro calipers on it.
It's GM for sure.
Might be a later metric caliper.
Take the bracket to the parts store and match it up.

JimC

10-07-2004, 07:49 PM

Talk to HotRodHon.
The ply I got form him has Camaro rotors and Corvette calipers

FeO2

10-07-2004, 08:08 PM

My guess is GM metric midsize car. (Monte Carlo "80 & up)Tell me if I win the prize.......

fatluckys

10-07-2004, 08:25 PM

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Take the bracket to the parts store and match it up.

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I'm hoping I can figure this out before I have to deal with the idiots at the parts store. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

dehudso

10-07-2004, 09:06 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

Take the bracket to the parts store and match it up.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm hoping I can figure this out before I have to deal with the idiots at the parts store. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Amen on that one.

You guys have a NAPA around? Those guys usually kick ass.

How thick is that adapter plate?

50dodge4x4

10-07-2004, 09:19 PM

We put that setup on my sons 47 last year.

Calipers 78-82 (?) GM intermediate (monty, Cutlass, Regal, Malibue) used brake hose from same car.

Rotors depend on the bolt pattern. 4.5 = Ply Vollari
4.75 = Camero
Gene

Justin415

10-07-2004, 09:22 PM

It's a GM metric (mid size) single piston. And I'm guesing the rotor width is actually .875". The earlier "big" Piston calipers (70-77 cmro) have a 7" mounting spread. try looking up the part # on 82-94 Camaro/Firebird caliper for interchange and bring a ruler to measure the mounting holes. These should be the floating calipers you need. I can check the part # when I get home, I have the same calipers in the box you need(I'm usin em).

fatluckys

10-07-2004, 11:15 PM

Thanks everybody!!

The rotors are definitely 1" thick. They are stamped .940 min. thick. Looks like a Volare bolt pattern.

Crease

10-07-2004, 11:33 PM

Fatluckys,

I ran into a similar situation on my 40'. I needed a replacement master cylinder, but the company wanted a fortune for it. I called back and asked them for a rebuild kit. The guy gave me the number to take to the parts house. I cross refrenced that to the master. Maybe you could work a similar angle? Tell them you need shoes maybe? It's not lying it's just budget procurement.

fatluckys

10-08-2004, 12:18 AM

That's pretty sneaky Crease. I'll have to remember that. I checked Autozone.com for prices on GM metric calipers- looks like I can get calipers, pads, and hoses for $75-105 depending on how much I want to spend on the pads. That's a little easier on the budget than the $200 I was quoted earlier.

Crease

10-08-2004, 12:24 AM

Not as sneaky a charging $200 for a $30 dollar master cylinder. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Let me know how those brakes work out. I may put a set on the 40'.

LOUDpipes

10-08-2004, 03:55 AM

I´ve got one installed in my 46 buz coupe. Rotors: ply volare/ dodge aspen. Calipers: Camaro from 80- smthing. Caliper bolts: ELDORADO from 70 smthing (front wheel drive?) This is important at least was in my set, because if the Camaro bolts were used you could only use one third of the brake pads....and then have an interfierence problem....It was more than ten years ago I installed it and had to call them at PlyDo to figure out the bolt problem. Maybe it is solved nowdays in improved design of the bracket....
Good luck

Justin415

10-08-2004, 03:27 PM

Sorry I cant find those boxes with part#. But it sounds like you got all the info(sneaky) you need. Good luck.

Daddiojoe

05-23-2007, 10:09 AM

George

05-23-2007, 10:31 AM

I got the kit for my '47 Dodge from them about 5 yrs ago. Didn't fit. Called them up & they said they probably sent the wrong one. 3 weeks (or so) later I called them back, like, where is it? tThey seemed suprised! Why didn't they send it when I first called?:mad: I think Mr. Street Rod has a kit also.

George

05-23-2007, 10:39 AM

Hey! I just picked up a '50 Plymouth P-19 Tudor and need more info on this PlyDo stuff. Is this a straight ahead disc brake conversion using the suspension that's already there?

Any help would be appreciated,

JoeYes it replaces the backing plate & brake stuff. If I remember right you have to drill out the 2 bolt holes in the steering arms, where they are parelell it is best done with the proper equipment. You get (depending on what you order)a mounting plate & hub/spindle adaptors the instructions tell what calipers & rotors to use. They have a rack & pinion steering (Sunbird) kit. Mr. Street Rod has a shock relocation kit.

55 dude

05-23-2007, 11:07 AM

Alienbaby17

05-23-2007, 11:37 AM

I'll say PLYDO sucks in that regard.
I ordered their catalog a few years ago- when it didn't show up after several months I called them and they said they were getting them printed. ANother several months later it finally showed- half the pages in it were duplicates of the others inside- I was very unimpressed and it looked very amateurish.

I have a 1950 Dodge 1/2 ton truck that I converted to disc brakes. I ordered my parts through AAJ Brakes (on the web- do a Google search if interested- I can't remember the address) and they were very friendly- parts fit, good prices. They even sent me a Christmas card!:D

I think Plydo seems to think they have the market cornered on Mopar stuff so I think they think they can charge whatever they want and treat customers however they want. Prices seemed high for most of their things to me.

Jay

blackp-15coupe

05-23-2007, 01:03 PM

<TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off"> I've dealt with Ply-Do several times. I bought the disc brake conversion kit for my '39 Ply Coupe and some other stuff. Also, there was a bunch of extra parts and some receipts for things that the previous owner bought from them for the car. Their prices are insanely high, their service is not very good, they act like they're doing you a favor selling you stuff - you be the judge.
I'd only use them as a last resort because they suck.
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smalltownspeed

05-23-2007, 02:20 PM

Ill agree with that. Ive had a few early mopars, and have done business with them a few times, but only as a last resort. Always try NAPA first. The guys ta PLYDO are dickhe@ds, I dont think Ive met many old car guys that were half as rude as they are. But hey, they do have some of the harder to find parts....

55 Dude- Why are would you give your loyalty to somebody who is a complete ass and makes you grab your ankles every chance they get too?

I'll say PLYDO sucks in that regard.
I ordered their catalog a few years ago- when it didn't show up after several months I called them and they said they were getting them printed. ANother several months later it finally showed- half the pages in it were duplicates of the others inside- I was very unimpressed and it looked very amateurish.

I have a 1950 Dodge 1/2 ton truck that I converted to disc brakes. I ordered my parts through AAJ Brakes (on the web- do a Google search if interested- I can't remember the address) and they were very friendly- parts fit, good prices. They even sent me a Christmas card!:D

I think Plydo seems to think they have the market cornered on Mopar stuff so I think they think they can charge whatever they want and treat customers however they want. Prices seemed high for most of their things to me.

Jay

37hotrod

05-23-2007, 02:20 PM

I haven't looked at one of Ply-Do's catalogs in years. What struck me was that every part I looked at seemed to be from some other manufacturer (such as Steele Rubber company), right down to the catalog descriptions. I don't think they make anything of their own, except customer service blunders!

Stude350guy

05-23-2007, 02:22 PM

I visited Master power Brakes up in Mooreville, NC, outside of Charlotte last fall and they treated me very well, showed me their shop (neat, clean, orderly) and gave me a free high quality catalog. i believe I'll have them do my discs for my '53:
http://www.mpbrakes.com/
I've also heard ECI does a nice kit:
http://ecihotrodbrakes.com/
I also visited Fatman Fabrications when I was there and they recommended their guy:
http://www.braketechsolutions.com/BTSV101/index.php
Hope this helps!

4woody

05-23-2007, 04:01 PM

"Olddaddy" here on the HAMB makes & sells his own disc adapter kits for old Mopars. I used his on my 38 Chrysler and it went smoothly. Comes with a full parts list specifically so you can buy the standard stuff locally.

I think he is also doing shock relocation and R&P conversion kits too.

Scarebird

05-23-2007, 08:38 PM

rise up fellow mopar dudes! are you guys saying that ply-do "sucks" in the customer service dept? that kind of attitude will put you out of business quick. hope someone is listening. personally i think the bullshit on the master cylinder would steer me away from their doors all together. scarebird, are you reading this? sounds like the 39-4? mopar guys need some loyalty.

Yep. I am working on one now. Since the hub has tapered bearings, we plan on reusing it - and the rotor/caliper combo will fit inside the stock 15" rim. Stay tuned.

Daddiojoe

06-08-2007, 12:59 PM

Did anybody ever come up w/ the master cylinder number/application?

Scarebird

06-08-2007, 05:29 PM

Got the blanks in today - need to machine the bolts and weld up he blanks and see how it works. Ended up using the Volare rotor and pin type Mopar caliper. Will have pix when done.

Befrank

06-08-2007, 06:11 PM

I don't want to hijack this thread but, where can I buy body mounts for a 36 Ply coupe ? I have been seaching off and on for a couple of weeks. Thanks

HemiRambler

06-08-2007, 08:44 PM

I don't know anything about Plydo or their stuff, what I can say is this - A buddy of mine wanted disc brakes for his 51(?) dodge truck. There was a kit available (plydo?) but they wanted STUPID money for it. So here's what he did: he got a caliper mtg bracket/dust shield from a full sized GMC 4x4 and the matching GM calipers. He redrilled this for the pattern on teh Dodge spindle. He then scrounged the bone yard and found some FWD rotor hats that slip over the stock hub (I'm sure he redrilled these to fit) the rotors weere slightly smaller OD than the GMC so the caliper was a little "proud" - so he pie cut the caliper mount section and slipped it right back in place - the width of the saw blade was all he needed to move it slighlty back in. He then welded it. All said and done it is the slickest brake conversion I have ever seen bar none. It blows away the "PRO" stuff I see for sale. Definitely slicker than snot on a door knob.

fstfish66

06-10-2007, 02:57 AM

how can i find this mr street rod??? intrested in shock relocation,,please e mail me fstfish66@aol.com thanks

fstfish66

06-10-2007, 02:58 AM

shock relocation on a 40 dodge coupe,,thanks

rockabillybassman

06-10-2007, 03:49 AM

This guy also does disc conversion kits,
www.rustyhope.com (http://www.rustyhope.com)

Scarebird

06-10-2007, 12:11 PM

Both the Rusty Hope and AAJ kits require the customer to drill and tap the spindle for 5/8" bolts? This is no solution at all.

We just need to check hose routing and ours is in the can

50dodge4x4

06-10-2007, 11:12 PM

Please keep us posted. I seem to have been involved with several brake conversion in the past few years. What years will the new kit cover? I see you list kits from 64 & up Mopars, are you planing on filling the gap with kits for Mopar cars/trucks between the 40s and the 60s? Gene

Scarebird

06-11-2007, 12:50 AM

Yes, that is our plan. These brackets, spacers and bolts should cover 1940-54. Need to check the hose routing- they bolt up to the spindle just fine.

50dodge4x4

06-11-2007, 01:27 AM

For your info: With a few modifications the brackets could also fit the old beam axles and also trucks. The difference is the axles have 3 bolts to hold the backing plate to the spindle instead of 4. (a 39 independent suspension is the same as the axle spindle, least mine was. They also have the tappered bearings.) Gene

4woody

06-11-2007, 12:39 PM

FWIW my 38 Chrysler (car of course, and 1st generation IFS) used the same backing plate arrangement as the early trucks, not the later cars.

RustyHope.com mentioned above is aka olddaddy here on the hamb.

Scarebird

06-11-2007, 06:15 PM

Went to a friend's garage today- he has several vintage Mopar's, among them a 47 DeSoto. The spindle uprights are the same, so I mocked up the bracket, rotor and disc. Went very well- uses Aspen rotors and Challenger calipers. Pix attached. The hose brushs the spindle slightly, but since they move together it is no big deal. We will now order the special bolts and outer nut needed to do this.

fstfish66

06-14-2007, 11:21 PM

did the aspen rotors fit the spindle with out modifacation???
i currently have a master power system,,,was on the car when i bought it,,but it has 4 3/4 bolt pattern,,,,and i have mopar 4 1/2 on the rear,,im wanting to convert the front to 4 1/2...i think the spindle was modified at master power brake,, i may nned a new spindle,, i have not taken it apart to see,,what i need,,i also am highly considering a fat man drop upright,,,currently the springs have been cut and doesnt ride rite,,, any ideas on converting form 4 3/4 to 4 1/2 bolt pattern ???not sure if theres enough room on the rotor to redrill:cool:

Scarebird

06-14-2007, 11:25 PM

We had to use both a spacer and a bushing for the larger inner bearing, and mod both the bolts and the outer bearing nut- but in the end it uses Plymouth hardware and fits without modding the spindle one bit.

If you take your apart, I may be able to dope out what they did to it and see if it can be rectified.

George

06-15-2007, 02:03 PM

how can i find this mr street rod??? intrested in shock relocation,,please e mail me fstfish66@aol.com thanksMr Street Rod (805)522-9292 17459 Kranenburg av. Bakersfield, Ca 93312

48 Poncho

06-15-2007, 05:19 PM

Anybody done the Plydo disk brake conversion? My new 50 Dodge project came with everything except the calipers and hoses. I called Plydo- they wouldn't tell me what calipers I need, but they will sell them to me for $200. Seems a little steep. So... anybody know what calipers I need to use?

Did the conversion on a 33 Ply. PD coupe I had several years ago. If I remember correctly they were Volare/Aspen rotors and Monte Carlo calipers. Been a good while but I think thats correct. I traded a bunch of stuff to them for several parts/kits so I don't know the true cost.

Hope it helps!

48 Poncho