New to Forums

Hey everyone!
My name is Dave, I'm new to the forums and to Econolines as well. Just recently scored myself a 63 Econo. Just had a few questions as I'm getting started on my list of things to do. First thing is the brake system, I was just looking for some input on whether or not I should upgrade to disk or keep the drums all around and if theres a kit that is recomended. The other is I'm looking for a new steering wheel the PO put on a steering wheel that is like 8" in diameter which as you could imagine without power steering is kind of rediculous to turn that lil guy.....

Anyways, I'm glad I found an active group! I'm way stoked to get started on this project!

Dave

Welcome Dave,
Disc brakes are nice but your drums will work as well, that's up to you and what you have planned for your project. We do recommend you upgrade your master cylinder (Because it's just safer). Here's a link to get you started on some ideas.

https://vintage-vans.forumotion.com/member-s-showcase-f2/my-61-econoline-p-u-in-progress-t2796.htm?highlight=disc+brakes

Here’s links to some of the kit websites:

http://www.dddiscbrakes.com/kits.html

http://tsmmfg.com/Ford_truck_rear_axles.htm


Dan

Welcome to the site!!!! Post your parts needs in the wanted section and we will see if we can help

Welcome.

Welcome Dave,
With a screen name like that you should fit in just fine around here.

mike

welcome dave

I recommend you stay away from the TSM disc setup, It has problems. Their are several options for other disc setups also available. D and D sells a kit to convert to a dual master cylinder if you like.

Thank you all for the welcome and quick responses! I think I may just rebuild the drums for now before while I research some kits.....at least I'll be able to enjoy the van and putt around and be able to actually STOP

Dave,
When I first got my van I spent $40 on a new stock master cylinder. I knew it work while I was working on the van and removed the fear of the old one failing at any given time until I was ready to do the conversion. I also made sure the e-brake was adjusted correctly.

Dan

My last van had squishy brakes when I got it. The source of the problem was pitting in the master and slave cylinders for me. Once I replaced those with new, and adjusted the drums to minimize pedal travel, it stopped great.

Drums work fine as long as you keep them well adjusted. If you don't want to have to ever adjust your brakes, get discs.

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to definitely upgrade the master cylinder as well as all the lines this saturday, if I can manage to get off work at a decent time. Gotta love getting stuck on mandatory overtime

When I went to NAPA I just printed this picture and took it with me. When the clerk asked if he could help me I just handed him the picture...

Your right Don. Funny story that goes with that.

Was at the parts store talking to one of the guys there and we somehow got talking about our families. He whips out a picture from his wallet and says "Do you have a picture of your sweetheart?" So I pulled out my wallet and showed him a picture of my van since that was the only picture I had in my wallet. He got a good laugh out of it. When I got home and told Marti she was far less amused. Needless to say the next morning a picture of her magically appeared in my wallet....

Dan

Thanks a lot for that picture lay out of the brake lines I was able to get all the parts I needed with ease. I decided to call in sick today and work on the van. Was able to get all the drums rebuilt and replaced the master cylinder and lines with some help from a couple buddies. Took the van in and got my safety inspection done as well with a little whiskey persuasion to overlook my non existing bumpers. I did notice that my radiator is leaking from somewhere.......may tear into that tomorrow.