Thread: New Member with 1st Project

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Just joined this site. My first try at using a forum. I just purchased my first classic chevy. This is a 57 Bel Air HT. Not original or matching numbers (400 small block, rolled vinyl seats) but that is not my goal. I hope you folks can field a few questions as they come up. So, thanks in advance for any comments. No pictures posted on this project yet but if you want to inquire, feel free.

First question is about safety. This car will be driven daiy so it needs good brakes. Research shows a variety of disk brake kits. Prices are all close.

QUESTION: Can any mechanic shop mount these kits or does it require a skilled Rod Shop with Chevy experience?

My residence is in the Houston, TX area. If anyone can recommend skilled shops for project work, please let me know.

Thanks All!
Don Copeland

It would depend on the disc conversion kit you buy. But I would think most any shop would be able to mount the kit. It would depend on how complete the kit is. Most of the kits i've ran across seem to be aimed at the average do it your selfier.

I used the disc conversion kit from Classic Preformance on my 67 el camino and it was as simple as unbolting the old spindles and brake booster and bolting the new ones on. The only problem I ran into was tracking down the fitting to make the stock rear line fit the new proportioning valve. The hardest part was bleeding the brakes when I was done.

Thanks for the comment. That is what I wanted to hear when it comes to mounting. This I think I can handle with a little help from a friend or two.

Hey Bull, welcome to CHR!!! I used to live in your area many years back, on Bissonett just off Fondren. There used to be a guy there named Joe Halliday, his shop was called J&H Engineering, super hot rod wrench!!!! If you can't find Joe anymore, Is Ben's Race Car Parts in Bellaire still open??? He would be able to set you up with someone reputable if you need assistance. Hope this help you out.

Welcome to CHR. Nice rod.

Welcome to CHR Don. Nice looking 57

Our residence were close. I am just inside 610 Loop on Bissonnet. Off of Avenue B between Bissonnet and Bellaire.

"Joe Halliday, his shop was called J&H Engineering". I will try and find him this weekend.

"Is Ben's Race Car Parts in Bellaire still open???" Don't know that either but I will check on this one also.

Included a shot of the inside. Not a bad design choice but very worn. I am running numbers now on original Bel Air seats as well as other original parts. It would be nice to get this back to original interior.

I can't remember Ben's address (heck somedays I can't remember my address). Seems he was along Bellaire Blvd. before you get to the loop. Joe's place was in one of the business complexes off Fondren. If you still don't have any luck, try locating Bobby Mize, he was with Texas Speed, a great big parts distribution warehouse.

www.danchuk.com is another option