Technical 500 Disc brakes
- Thread starter rizzo308
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Technical 500 Disc brakes
the hobbler
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Evening Rizzo;
The piston size of the callipers will depend upon which callipers the suppliers are basing their kits on. Most people seem to use Cinquento or Cinquecento callipers, but not everybody. If you can ascertain which car the callipers came off, contact 'BIGGRED'---they will most probably be able to supply pistons/overhaul kits. I have dealt with them and got 1st class service.
The piston size of the callipers will depend upon which callipers the suppliers are basing their kits on. Most people seem to use Cinquento or Cinquecento callipers, but not everybody. If you can ascertain which car the callipers came off, contact 'BIGGRED'---they will most probably be able to supply pistons/overhaul kits. I have dealt with them and got 1st class service.
I assume there are a few people running front disc brakes upgrades on 500's?
The thing I found most scary after driving my 500 for the first time in 17 years is the virtual lack of brakes. The pedal pressure is fine and the balance on both front and rear is ok. But you get spoilt with driving modern cars with their servo assisted brakes. The MOT suggested that the handbrake is actually more effective in stopping the car than the pedal.
I would be interested to know what peoples views with front discs upgrades are?
Are they worth the money? In the UK you are talking £500-600 for a conversion kit. I am running a bog standard 500F setup and non-synchro gearbox. I am looking to keep the car as original as it came out of the factory. But I am happy to upgrade where safety is concerned.
Tony
The thing I found most scary after driving my 500 for the first time in 17 years is the virtual lack of brakes. The pedal pressure is fine and the balance on both front and rear is ok. But you get spoilt with driving modern cars with their servo assisted brakes. The MOT suggested that the handbrake is actually more effective in stopping the car than the pedal.
I would be interested to know what peoples views with front discs upgrades are?
Are they worth the money? In the UK you are talking £500-600 for a conversion kit. I am running a bog standard 500F setup and non-synchro gearbox. I am looking to keep the car as original as it came out of the factory. But I am happy to upgrade where safety is concerned.
Tony
timgarman
Established member
Also interested in the answer to that.
Tim
Tim
The callipers used in that disc brake conversion shown are the Cinquecento type and using Fiat 126 stub axle assemblies. They have a 3 bolt mount to the adaptor plates as opposed to 2 with the 500 ones.
The calliper pistons are approx 46mms diameter. I suspect that the conversion shown is only suitable for 13" wheels unless they have ground off some of the outer calliper casting or had special discs and hubs made. If you can run with 13" rims and have the correct adaptor plates you can put together a disc brake conversion using the standard 240mms diameter discs for about 100 pounds. The smallest Fiat disc is 227mms diameter , also unsuitable for 12" rims plus has a different offset to the 240 which presents other alignment problems. I am currently testing a set up using a reduced diameter 217mms disc which is the smallest you can go without modifying the calliper, still not small enough for 12" rims. The off-the-shelf conversions for 12" rims , where they use fiat parts, tend to use 227 discs taken down to 210mms.
The calliper pistons are approx 46mms diameter. I suspect that the conversion shown is only suitable for 13" wheels unless they have ground off some of the outer calliper casting or had special discs and hubs made. If you can run with 13" rims and have the correct adaptor plates you can put together a disc brake conversion using the standard 240mms diameter discs for about 100 pounds. The smallest Fiat disc is 227mms diameter , also unsuitable for 12" rims plus has a different offset to the 240 which presents other alignment problems. I am currently testing a set up using a reduced diameter 217mms disc which is the smallest you can go without modifying the calliper, still not small enough for 12" rims. The off-the-shelf conversions for 12" rims , where they use fiat parts, tend to use 227 discs taken down to 210mms.
I converted mine with an off the shelf set though I'd have to search through my receipts to find out where they came from. I run standard 12" 126-style wheels front and back and the rear brakes are 126 drums. Master cylinder is the standard 500F unit. I haven't had to change the pads yet.
I honestly can't remember what the brakes were like prior to the conversion because the car wasn't roadworthy or registered when I bought it, so it didn't get driven (much).
Now they are OK. I have mates with cars of a similar vintage with non-boosted brakes, both disc and drum, and my brakes are on a par with them.
Chris
I honestly can't remember what the brakes were like prior to the conversion because the car wasn't roadworthy or registered when I bought it, so it didn't get driven (much).
Now they are OK. I have mates with cars of a similar vintage with non-boosted brakes, both disc and drum, and my brakes are on a par with them.
Chris
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Pete145
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Yep, I'm also keen for feedback. I've recently started to enjoy my new (old) 1971 Lusso, and the brakes are..... interesting. I got back into my 'other' car today and would have put myself into the dashboard when I braked had it not been for the seatbelt!
I'm all for keeping the car as original as possible, but safety comes first, and I think that if someone pulled out (or walked/cycled out) in front of me my chances of stopping in time are massively reduced.
Would love to hear from someone who has converted and can offer a direct comparison.
