Disc brake conversion

[Tomcat]

My F4 has front drum brakes.
Is it worth 'upgrading' to a disc system please?
Comments appreciated

 

[André4Renaults]

Given the relative lack of speed the car does it's probably not really worth it. Drum brakes are perfectly able to stop a light car like a Renault 4 efficiently but they need to be checked and adjusted more regularly than discs. Obviously you can't visually inspect the condition or level of wear without removing the drum, whereas discs can be seen from "outside"-often without even having to remove the wheel! You'd end up replacing a good deal of parts to convert the brakes to disc (hub carrier & braking parts, to name only 2) so I refrain from doing it myself.

 

[Tomcat]

Given the relative lack of speed the car does it's probably not really worth it. Drum brakes are perfectly able to stop a light car like a Renault 4 efficiently but they need to be checked and adjusted more regularly than discs. Obviously you can't visually inspect the condition or level of wear without removing the drum, whereas discs can be seen from "outside"-often without even having to remove the wheel! You'd end up replacing a good deal of parts to convert the brakes to disc (hub carrier & braking parts, to name only 2) so I refrain from doing it myself.

To be honest that was my assessment of the situation but I thought I would see opinions.
Thanks for your comment

 

[puddlefluff]

Find some one breaking a gtl and get all the bits you need. Should be straightforward enough. I had a bad experience once with brake fade on drums, I would go for it as it would not detract from originality if you use gtl parts?!

 

[Tomcat]

Find some one breaking a gtl and get all the bits you need. Should be straightforward enough. I had a bad experience once with brake fade on drums, I would go for it as it would not detract from originality if you use gtl parts?!

OK noted.
Thanks for comment

 

[harbourseal]

Hi Tom,
Bare in mind that you will have to replace the rear brakes as wel. Because the handbrake moves from the front to the rear of the car.

I'd leave it like it is

 

[Tomcat]

Hi Tom,
Bare in mind that you will have to replace the rear brakes as wel. Because the handbrake moves from the front to the rear of the car.

I'd leave it like it is

Hi
I had done a little bit more research on the possible change and agree the handbrake location adds to the complications / costs.

On personal note spent 2 years at Moerdijk with Shell. Lived in Dordrecht. Enjoyed my time in your lovely country.

 

[mr-reno-139]

The van brake drums are bigger than the early cars so unless you've been lucky enough to buy one with rear handbrake and front drums it is not worth the effort
if you're fitting a gordini engine it would then be a very good idea

 

[Tomcat]

The van brake drums are bigger than the early cars so unless you've been lucky enough to buy one with rear handbrake and front drums it is not worth the effort
if you're fitting a gordini engine it would then be a very good idea

No plans to fit a Gordini engine and I do have front handbrake.
Another Masterplan back on the shelf!!

 

[harbourseal]

Hi Tom,
15 years ago I worked at the Texaco petrol station at Moerdijk. Lived in Dordrecht about 35 years ago And I live close to moerdijk at present time. Breda.
Holland is a good country to live in.

 

[Tomcat]

Hi Tom,
15 years ago I worked at the Texaco petrol station at Moerdijk. Lived in Dordrecht about 35 years ago And I live close to moerdijk at present time. Breda.
Holland is a good country to live in.

Hi
My company designed and supervised construction of an ethylene unit at Moerdijk back in 1972. I was involved with an upgrade in 1988 and on visits we used to stay in Breda centre. Then in 1998 I was seconded to Shell for a period before my company did design / construction for the next upgrade. I was on-site during all this period. My wife loved Dordrecht and, she has said if we we could not live in England, she would want to live in Holland.
Many happy memories there.

 

[daviddb]

snipping<<Holland is a good country to live in>>snipped.

Agreed, spent a full month in Amsterdam last summer - out on the push bike every single day without exception. A very pleasant way to live. No doubt a tad wet & draughty in winter.... Big big classic car scene.
And manifold other delights. Apologies for non Quatrelle content....