Posted by Sam Mangano on April 28, 1998 at 13:36:44:
In Reply to: Re: Rear Disks posted by Bobby on April 27, 1998 at 17:02:21:
: : : Are there any rear disc conversion kits?
: : Instead of going to a kit, why not use the entire rear axle from a Lincoln Versallis? Not only will it provide you with everything you need all in one package, but you will also have the benefit of getting a 9 inch rear in the process. I did this in my latest project, and am very pleased with the results. The Lincoln rear is a direct bolt in unit, so it's a relatively easy thing to do. I guess the hardest part is finding one in the first place. I just looked in the local papers until one appeared, and bought the whole car. Now before you start shaking your head, realize that not only do you get the rear, but you also get the parking brake cables and hardware, and also the proportioning valve to make the whole thing work. Just something to think about.
: I presume the Lincoln has power brakes? So i gues you could convert a non-power braker car to power brakes at the same time?
: What year was the Lincoln and for how many years was it made?
The Lincoln Versallis in question was a 79 model with four wheel power disc brakes. Don't quote me, but I think the car was only built for the 78,79, and 80 model years. If you want to convert your Maverick to power brakes, it would be useful to find a junk Maverick with power brakes and make the switch that way. It's not all that hard to do, but it entails taking everything from the donor car, including the brake pedal assembly itself. The good part is that it all bolts in without too many problems. You will however have to drill one hole through the firewall where the power brake booster fits, otherwise you shouldn't have any problems. If you can, get both cars next to each other and just start swapping parts. It's that easy. The Lincoln rear setup will be compatible with the Maverick front end. Remember, the Lincoln Versallis is nothing more than a luxurious Granada, and the Granada is a car based on the Maverick platform. So if you can't find a Lincoln, check the junkyards for Granadas and Mercury Monarchs - there should be lots of them out there. If you need more info, I also have pictures of the swapping process that I did. Let me know...
Sam