Well, I tell my buds with the chevelles, I am happy that they are upgrading to disc fronts. That way they may not rear end me if I have to stop fast, because I know they will be behind me!
More seriously, compared to modern standard, all '53 brakes are pathetic. That does not mean they are not serviceable. Most people do not need disc brakes in a classic or hot rod because they drive defensively. The brakes stopped well for a 1953, and will probably do a fine job for you as a "toy" car.
I noticed that the '53 special used a different rear drum. It is probably smaller, so an easy upgrade would be to find a set of drums and backing plates off of another series. The cars you would most likely find the larger rears on would be the 60 and 70 series and the wagons from 1940 up.
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