I just bought a 68 RS convertible Camaro. I'm thinking of replacing the front drum brakes with disks. This is an all original numbers matching car that I am going to restore. Is swapping the brakes a no no in this situation? Will I be sacrificing originality?

You gonna show it or drive it ???

If you are going to "restore" it, you are going to put 'other than stock parts' on it anyway in the process. In a "points" show this would also count aginst you.

Disks were available on your year so the value of the car will not be deminished by adding a "correct" system for show.

An updated brake system is the only way to go for a vehicle you plan to drive and enjoy...

Just my .02

You can certainly install discs for better stopping, but I would hold onto all the original parts.

What about adding power brakes, I know it's my car but I want to respect her originality. I guess if you think about it, adding new tires puts today's technology on the car anyway.....

On the one hand, no it wouldn't be original, but neither is the fact that the percentage of Z28's with RS today is triple what it was in '69.

As far as safety, itsa good thing, and unless you have the POP or the build sheet, on a '68, no one would ever know.

Yes, I have the original Protect-a-Plate and the original window sticker so I know every option the car was ordered with. Thats why this is such a delliemma.

hmm wish I had that stuff...

I've heard of a company that makes some sorta super duper top secret brake shoes... maybe that'll do it. I'm still maunal drums, previous owner replaced the ENTIRE system, so they stayin on till the shoes wear out.

It's not that bad as long as you keep em adjusted and pay attention.

If your car is that original, it might be best to keep it that way... then on the other hand, mine still would be if I practiced what I preach.

Here is a link to a past post on 'Praise Dyno' brakes - http://www.camaros.net/forum/ultimatebb.php/topic/7/6880/3.html#000041

It wont be a daily driver per se' but I want to be safe on the road. In 36 years we have come a long way in safety and handling improvements its a shame we can't update our cars without inner turmoil.

If I were going to change it, I would do power discs. Again, I would save all the old stuff. Just me, but I would use vintage stuff, rather than a modern setup (vented discs, etc.) Probably cost about $600-700 for spindles, discs, calipers, booster, master, etc. Add another 200, if you replace all the lines.

If I add discs do I have to add a booster? I do not have power brakes currently.

yes, but it's no big deal (other than the cost) Correct plated rebuilt boosters sell for about $150. The proportioning valve (actually a delay valve) is the hard one. Vacuum fittings, hoses, and tubes are probably another $50-60.

You dont have to add a booster when you add factory disc to the front brakes. I have done it to many first gen camaros but I did change the master cylinder to a front disc type. I never had a problem with the brakes. Just keep all your original parts incase you want to put them back on.

Here's a Link (http://www.classicperform.com/camaro.htm) for a place with complete kits. I've used them before, very complete and great price. Also the web site has a lot of info on changing over and whats required. Alternatively you could go with Master Power Brakes (http://www.mpbrakes.com/) also very complete but a little more expensive.

I redid a 71 Chevy pickup in the past and added power brakes. It made a huge difference. Like night and day. Do like Jim suggested and keep your old parts. This is not that difficult to do. If you ever decide to sell, you can sell with the original drum brakes. The new owner can decide whether to change back. If you are going to show the car in points competition, then keep original. If you are going to enter local rodrun contests, make the change. You will notice the difference!

Would not hurt the value a bit. There is nothing "special" or collectible about a '68 RS convertible, even an all matching #'s, protect-o-plate car. $18K tops right now, and adding disc brakes would not hurt it a bit. In fact, it would make it mor edesirable, IMO.

I may have to disagree with you on your comment that there is nothing special or collectible about a 68 RS convertible with matching numbers. In fact I think most would say that it is very collectable, maybe not a COPO or Yenko but jeez,I wouldn't throw it in with a Pinto or anything.....

I have to agree with you there 68 RS. The MasterPower setup is very good and looks stock except for the booster. You can buy the kit without a booster and get an original style booster seperate. I have the MP setup on my car and am very happy with it.

I'm with you, 68rs... If "there's nothing special" about an RS convertible, it's simply because without the pop and/or build sheet, there's no way to prove it's real. Today, there's more "RS camaro's" on the road than chevy ever built.

I will always have a soft spot for a true as manufactured survivor car.

The other thing is, once you take the first step, the next one gets easier, then easier still...

When I bought my car, it was an original #'s matching 327-275 PG, some engine dressups, but all the original stuff in the trunk. The suspension and exhuast system were pretty rough, of course the new exhaust had to be headers and flows... then the powerglide was boring so I put a muncie in it... then I had to make it handle like a new car, and so on and so on.

I had the opportunity to make it original, and chose to make it better instead. I love to drive it and tinker with it, but I'll never be able to make it original, ever again.

Thus the dilemma..... do we make it the most fun and safe car? or do we freeze time with an original documented car? I'm leaning toward original for this 68 RS convertible and maybe getting a molested NOM 'toy' to tinker with later. With so few documented cars left it just seems to make sense to me.

I'm sure a few of you saw my 68 rs ss conv, corvette bronze camaro on ebay about a month ago.It was a rotissirie restoration with pro-tecto plate and build sheet.It was a great car but it did not sell right away.

As far as the booster is concerned, it is listed on available "dealer add-on options" It could be added on the car at point of sale or at a later date, similar to a/c, ski racks :D :D , or radios.I too, am the original owner of a 327/275 car, and this winter I'm going to add the booster to my drum brakes and see how it works out.