I *STRONGLY* recommend upgrading your car to power front disc brakes. They will make a *HUGE* improvement in braking and therefore safety. Because your chassis is identical to 55-57 Chevy, the kits are made to fit perfectly, and if you coose wisely, you can get a kit that includes everything - bolts and washers, dust caps, proportioning valve, the works:



I got mine with 2" dropped spindles, but there are kits to fit your original spindles if you want.

If you have an automotive-realted business, I can give you a source where you can get the kit wholesale, just send me a Private Message.

These kits are truly bolt-on. Only thing not included is new hard lines from master cylinder to calipers etc., but you can get that from Eckler's.

Dave

Most of the braking is done by front brakes due to weight transfer - front disc/rear drum works just fine for the street (hence their use on many many production vehicles), no need to spend the extra money on disc rears. If you were building a road race car, that would be different, eh?

On the other hand, if you were going to install a 9" Ford rear end, a new one from Currie or wherever, then you mgiht as well get discs on the rear since you would need to get all new rear brakes anyway and there is only a small price differential.

Power new front disc and rebuilt drum rear brakes work great on my 55 sedan and were a snap to install, no fabrication required, the only thing I had to do is drill a hole higher up on the brake pedal (since the power brakes need less travel for actuation).

We all like to see pictures of your car ... even if you are just starting on it.

Dave

The kit I put on my wagon worked great once I got the right bearings for it. Sounds like mine is the same as Dave's.