Cost of drum to disc brake job quote

Howdy,

Just got off the phone with one of my local mechanics, and got a quote to change the brakes from drum to disc in my 63 Nova SS.

Basically, the estimate is $1450. This covers the conversion kit, including

2-chamber cylinder upgrade w/power assist
2 discs, pads, rotors
All hoses/lines
6 hours labor.

Does this sound like a reasonable estimate? It seems slightly high to me, possibly due to the cost of the parts? Maybe I could find the kit cheaper?

I could do the back too, but this is going to involve some axle work so would be slightly more. The car currently has "uniwheels" so no concerns there.

Thanks for the input!

Cheers, Tim

Check with CPP for the kit. I just did mine with drop spindles & disc brakes purchased off e-bay. I still need the dual front master cylinder. What's the guys labor rate for 6 hrs? It sounds about right. You may be able to shave a few ****$ on sourcing the parts yourself but may piss off the mechanic as he was probably marking the parts up too.
Tim

Careful...the 63 was a 4-lug setup...most conversion kits are for 5-lug hubs. Worth checking...

Why not just save the money, or put it into a better conversion kit and do it yourself. It's not that hard at all. I know both conversion kits that I have had (SSBC and Wilwood) have very detailed instructions allow anyone, no matter your level of mechanical ability to do it without much frustration.

Mainly it's because I'm a wimp and I may not have all of the tools necessary to do the job myself. It would take me an entire weekend, since I am a mechanical dunce. Cheers, Tim

Mainly it's because I'm a wimp and I may not have all of the tools necessary to do the job myself. It would take me an entire weekend, since I am a mechanical dunce. Cheers, Tim

you can do what i have done- just take your time with the projects.
ive had my ps to manual box swap apart for a little over one week.
just do a little at a time.
my disc brake swap is next after the engine and tranny install.
the swap looks pretty easy.
if you want to make it go better id stick with a kit.
it will likely be a little bit of a headache to get the brake swap done for me, but i know i will have the guys here to ask for help when i need it.
you can do it.
but if you feel uncomfortable with it- have someone do it by all means.
i could have swapped my seat covers myself but instead paid someone to do it. i dont really have any regrets about it.

steve

MP BRAKE is in Mooresville NC
http://www.mpbrakes.com/

They are a manufacture, not a re-box of parts and put them in kit. Also you are close enough if you have any problem.
They are only 100 miles away from you.

I have there complete 4 wheel disc system on my car.
I have said many times, this has been the best investment on the car hands down!
And there system uses standard replacement pads you can get from your local parts store. This is a major cost & time saving deal.

If you are looking for someone to do the work.
Contact me.

Al

I used that kit on my 65 but the m/c wouldn't clear the shock tower. and the proportioning valve mount wasn't even close to fitting because of the shock tower. They said I had all the right parts and I never did get any help from them. I ended up getting a different m/c that would fit and made a bracket to adapt for the valve. If Tim comes up against that hurdle then he could be down for a while trying to get a solution.

Sorry to hijack but it kind of relates but where can i find a 4 lug front disc break conversion for my 63 four door?