disc brakes and master cylinder

hey all
first time writing. i recently got a '64 8dr 170 on ebay, you may have seen it there. at first we were looking for an eye catcher for our business and this van was sure to do it. but when i got it off the truck something funny happened. couldnt stop looking at it. i cant stop sitting in it. i love to drive it. i am hooked. this is my first vintage automobile and i don't have ....well any car knowledge but i am pretty handy and can't wait to learn. any info anybody can give would be much appreciated. i am thinking of starting with a front disc brake conversion and possibly a new master cylinder. can anyone suggest an easy disk brake conversion? one that would preferably not need any special tools or machining needed. i found a kit from D&D disc brakes (http://www.dddiscbrakes.com/kits.html), anybody use these? also found a master cylinder conversion kit (http://www.themodernform.com/econoline/econoline_master.html). can anyone tell me if this is trustworthy. if you have any better options i would appreciate the suggestions
thanks

the D&D kit works very well. I have it on my 66 Econo. I have heard good things about the master too. That looks like a good solid body on your 8 door. There are some very knowledgable guys here when it comes to these early Econos. I have been building them since 1973 and am very addicted to them. Have fun with yours.

Congratulations on your purchase and welcome to the site.

thanks for the input, i've seen the vanishing breed van and some of your other projects... really amazing. the whole van seems to be in pretty decent shape. i am having the rust and rot taken care of in a couple of weeks and hopefully having it painted soon after, its all very exciting. and thanks for the kind welcome itruns cant wait to talk to more of you.

thanks gman. "first van" ... i would have thought that was funny a couple months ago but now i get it. already thinking of the next one i might want

mattvinc wrote: already thinking of the next one i might want

Maaaybeee a (wait for it).... Econoline Van-Up? No? Greenbrier? Vdub? Maybe something with an V8. Hum...

Look like someone else caught that bug.

Are you in RI? I am in Warwick and have a flat black 63 8 door.
Fred

hmmm i do love those greenbriers.

hey fred
i am in ri. lincoln. are you the fred that does interiors near the airport?

Wow What a find! It looks really clean and 8 doors.

It is difficult from the image to see any rust or rot, what needs to be done and what color are you painting it?

Jim

thats a nice looking econoline!

thanks. it is in pretty good shape. it runs well. there are a couple small bubbles and some small rot spots on the corners and it looks like the passenger side parking light panel was pushed in and may need to be fabricated.

i'm thinking of painting it either blk or red. i'll tell ya it is tough to find someone who will do a solid paint job for under $6000. never expected that kind of doe. any ideas.

matt

welcome matt nice ride the looks the thumbs up makes owning a vintage every penny u spend on it worth it keep me informed on the disc conver i'mm thinking next year of doing the same thing to the 66

hey fred
i am in ri. lincoln. are you the fred that does interiors near the airport?[/quote]

Matt,
Yes, that's me. A freind spotted your truck on Breakneck Hill Rd a couple of weeks ago. I also spoke with Todd at Extreme Restorations, he said someone stopped by who owned an early Econoline. There are a lot of them here in RI on the road, 14 that I know of besides yours, and more being worked on. I also keep track of what's in local salvage yards and backyards. Henry's Auto Salvage in Blackstone MA just crushed a 66 SuperVan, North Smithfield Auto Salvage has a couple still. There are about 30 more in nearby MA, CT and NH salvage yards. If you need anything I probably know where you can find it if I don't have it.
I was told there is a van and a pickup in a backyard somewhere near Kirkbrae Country Club. I am not to familiar with the area so the directions I got were useless to me. There are three more on Rt 7 north of Bryant college, two in one yard and the other is on a farm.
Email me directly at fredcarello@yahoo.com when you get a chance and I'll give you my phone number and address. I'm heading up to North Smithfeild tomorrow and returning down Rt 146 through Lincoln. I may try to find the trucks near Kirkbrae if I have enough time.
Fred

i will give updates when i do the break conversion and anything else i do. thanks for the welcome bragg1322. beautiful truck