General: Brake Advice...What direction?

[DaWhole9]

1964 Volvo Amazon Wagon is the car. I have gotten the ignition system sorted out. New coil and ignition switch now has it starting and no stuck key. Now the next thing before the car is drivable is the brakes. Right now they are all drum brakes like stock. The brakes work barely. Meaning if I really stomp them the car will stop but its like an on and off switch. No pedal feel at all really just a hard pedal. I have been looking for options on what direction to go in.

1. Rebuild the drum brakes...new brake cylinders, shoes and resurface the the drums. Flush all the old fluid out and bleed the system.

2. Look into replacing the the front brakes with newer Amazon front disc brakes, rebuild the old drums in the rear.

3. 4 wheel Amazon/P1800 disc brakes

4. Wilwood aftermarket brakes.

The first option looks like it would be the least expensive...but looking for all options that make sense.

The car will be used to just cruise...Lowered stance...17inch wheels...

[c1800]

Full rebuild of the drum brakes will get you sufficient brakes for your purpose.

[Derek UK]

If you need to replace the front drums I would consider option 2. One piece unit discs are now available at about half the price of exchange factory type. Similar one piece rear drums are also much cheaper than originals if needed. I don't know if front drums are being produced in the same one piece format.
Conversion to discs shouldn't be too difficult or expensive in the USA. Basically only the front upright components need to be swapped over. New standard calipers are also cheaper now. Do it once, do it right.
Obey the rules and stay healthy!
Talk to Mike Dudek.

[DaWhole9]

Thanks! this is exactly the kind of info I was looking for!!