Early A width?

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Private Idaho

Private Idaho

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How much narrower is an early A than a '67 and up A body? I'm looking at pre bent brake line kits and wondering if I can get away with using lines from a later model disc/drum car. My whole brake system will be comprised of '73 Duster parts.
Also, am I correct in my understanding that the difference in wheel base length is all in front of the torsion bar cross member?
 
Approximately 2 & 1/2",...give or take..
 
You may want to see if they will mix & match You what You need. No, that is not where the wheelbase varies, and You need to be aware of the difference in hose/line mounting positions, lots of variables. Even the year & type of rear axle will change the form & lengths of those lines on the axle, so You need to have accurate info to get what You need, or You can build 'em all Yourself if You're inclined.
 
I think I remember seeing somewhere the difference between the front frame rails from early A to late A was something like 1.5" narrower on the early A for each side, so 3" total more narrow on the early A.

That said, I don't think there'll be a ton of difference In the brake line kits. Certainly not enough that you cannot cut and reflare here and there to make it work.
 
RustyRatRod said:
I think I remember seeing somewhere the difference between the front frame rails from early A to late A was something like 1.5" narrower on the early A for each side, so 3" total more narrow on the early A.

That said, I don't think there'll be a ton of difference In the brake line kits. Certainly not enough that you cannot cut and reflare here and there to make it work.
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Thanks, that is what I was thinking as far as making small modifications. I was just curious as to what the width difference was as I have never seen reference to that.
Inline tube makes a custom kit for the early Cudas to convert to a double circuit master cylinder but it is for front and rear drums only. I wouldn't go to the trouble of swapping the master without going to front discs. I pointed that out to them and their response was "sorry, we specialize in GM brake kits". Yeah, well eff you too A-holes.
Do you know of another supplier that is more friendly to Mopar folks?
 
Private Idaho said:
Thanks, that is what I was thinking as far as making small modifications. I was just curious as to what the width difference was as I have never seen reference to that.
Inline tube makes a custom kit for the early Cudas to convert to a double circuit master cylinder but it is for front and rear drums only. I wouldn't go to the trouble of swapping the master without going to front discs. I pointed that out to them and their response was "sorry, we specialize in GM brake kits". Yeah, well eff you too A-holes.
Do you know of another supplier that is more friendly to Mopar folks?
Click to expand...
Maybe somebody like Van's Auto. Dr Diff may sell brake line kits. If he does, that's where I'd go.
 
Use the kit for a 73 Duster. there is only one line that runs from left to right. And you can get it to work. You are using the 73 master cylinder and proportioning valve, right?
 
66fs said:
Use the kit for a 73 Duster. there is only one line that runs from left to right. And you can get it to work. You are using the 73 master cylinder and proportioning valve, right?
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I was planning on using the 73 Duster kit, but was curious about the width issue as to how far off I would be. It will surely be easier starting with the kit than scratch building the whole thing.
 
Just loop the line on the firewall a little higher you will never notice it over that length. A Duster is a shorter wheelbase like an early Cuda. That is what I used on my 64 Barracuda.
 
66fs said:
Just loop the line on the firewall a little higher you will never notice it over that length. A Duster is a shorter wheelbase like an early Cuda. That is what I used on my 64 Barracuda.
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Thanks for the input. That confirms I'm on the right track.
 
FWIW, I used the Duster manual disc master cylinder, lines and proportioning valve on my 64 Valiant. All I had to do to make them fit was cut the flare nut off the line going to the rear brakes and flare on one with larger diameter threads. Other than that, it was a bolt on. I retained the front drum brakes for now and it stops just fine. I cannot put the discs on quite yet, as I need to buy tires for my 14" wheels. Gotta save up for those.
 
As I remember, yes. But you could also use an early A line as the proportioning valve is in the same place as well as the points for the flex lines.
 
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