1965 dart charger 273

BillGrissom said
Kind of surprised it didn't have front disk brakes. Since your car is unique, best to find the original Kelsey-Hayes front disks. Almost the same were used on Mustangs then. They are nice 4-piston type w/ fixed calipers. You need to change the spindle and lower ball joint too. One member here had a nice-looking refurbished set for ~750 a year or so ago. 14" Cragars work and look great on the early Darts. The original power booster might be hard to find, but many options there. Probably best to use a later 2 reservoir type. Many are happy w/ manual brakes even in a front disk car. You also need a proportioning valve in the rear circuit so the rears don't skid first.

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You don't need 15" wheels to add front disc brakes. Just start collecting parts to switch over to the factory option for any 65-72 a-body. I'm a purist when it comes to rare cars but I don't have a problem upgrading safety items if you are actually going to drive the car.

If it was me:

1. I'd switch to a dual circuit master cylinder while doing the disc brake swap. If you get any kind of leak with what you have now, it's total failure except for the parking brake. Unless you have a physical limitation, you do not need a power brake booster with disc brakes in an a-body, especially a first gen like yours. The MC to use is one for a 73 Disc brake Dart but run it manually w/o a booster.

2. I'd check the rear brakes and switch to the 10" drums if you currently have 9" on there now. Easy to find that junk.

3. I'd stay with the small bolt pattern and run 14 x 5-1/2" steel rims with the hub caps. Don't be surprised if the original wheels were only 13" diameter. The factory disc brake option included 14" wheels.

4. Does your car have a factory front anti-sway bar? If yes then that's good because it came with a suspension package and it probably included 10" drums, HD shocks, springs, etc.

Just my opinions.