GearHead Engineering LLC
860-368-9632
14 Pond Meadow Pl
Middlefield, CT 06455
ph: 860-368-9632
info
FAQ
General Information
Why would I add disc brakes?
Disc brakes are used on modern cars for a variety of reasons. Disc brakes dissipate heat better than drums, so they are less likely to experience brake fade. Disc brakes shed water quickly, unlike drum brakes which can lose stopping ability in the rain or after driving through a puddle. Parts, especially the brake drums, are getting hard to find and expensive for the original Lincoln drum brakes. And the disc set up looks better behind the custom wheels that have become quite popular on these classics.
How do I know your system will fit my car?
Our products are designed to fit, and prototyped on my own 1964 Lincoln Convertible. We also have access to other Lincolns to ensure everything fits and works as it should.
How do I know your parts will work?
GearHead Engineering products are designed by an experienced and degreed engineer, with a background in product development and manufacturing. CAD tools and stress analysis are used to ensure strength and reliability. These are the same parts we rely upon in our own car.
How can I pay for my purchase?
We accept Paypal, money orders, or checks. For check payments, we ship after the check clears.
Front Disc Conversions
How do I install the kit?
Simple. Detailed instructions are included in the kit, but here's a summary: lift car, remove old drums and backing plates. Install new brackets using provided hardware. Install rotors, calipers, hoses. Bleed brakes. Enjoy.
Do I need any other parts?
Our kit is designed to be a complete conversion to replace the original drums. We even include new cotter pins for the spindle nuts. For best results, we recommend a dual master cylinder, which you should have even for drum brakes. This is a safety improvement that was required on all cars starting in 1967. We also recommend a proportioning valve to provide proper front/rear brake bias. See our accessories page for more information on both of these upgrades.
Are there special wheel requirements?
You will need 15 inch or larger late model disc brake wheels. Our front conversion kit uses the standard Lincoln 5 x 5 bolt pattern, but our large 12" rotors require disc brake wheels. You will need wheels with a 3.06 inch or larger hub ID. Custom wheels are fine, zero offset works best. For steel wheels, we recommend 1988 to 1997 GM ½ ton pickups with the five lug pattern.
Why does your kit cost more compared to kits for other cars?
Popular collector cars like '57 Chevies, Mustangs, and Camaros are more abundant, so upgrade parts are sold in high volumes. Our Lincolns are less common, so tooling costs and set up charges are spread across fewer units. And let's not forget the size and weight of our luxurious beasts - these parts need to be strong and durable. All of this adds up to additional manufacturing costs. Additionally, we include all the parts you need. Unlike some other products, you won't need to track down parts and hardware to complete the job.
What will happen if I judge my car in shows? And can I switch back to drums if I decide to return my car to originality?
Some shows are more stringent than others. For LCOC events, you will lose points with any disc brake conversion. But if you drive your car regularly, that's a small price to pay for improved safety. For a 100 point trailer queen, the added safety and drivability of discs isn’t necessary. Because the GearHead Engineering kit is a true bolt-on, you can easily return to the original drum brakes by reversing the conversion process. But be sure to drive carefully, as you need to account for the reduced performance of the drum brakes.
Future Products
Do you have rear disc brake kits?
Rear kits for 1961 to 1965 Continentals are now available. Click here for the details.
What other products will you offer?
We have a few items under development, but we're not ready to announce them. Our goal is to provide a variety of upgrades, not just brake parts. The GearHead Engineering expertise includes lighting and electronics, so look for some exciting new items along those lines.
Copyright GearHead Engineering LLC. All rights reserved.
14 Pond Meadow Pl
Middlefield, CT 06455
ph: 860-368-9632
info