Brakes on an Older Frame

Excuse my ignorance, but can someone help me.... If one has old centre pull brakes like the ones in the picture on a 60s/70s frame, and running the origanal 27" wheels but wanted to put on newer brakes, and run cross top levers what should I be looking for in the brakes... am I right in saying that I would need bolt on rather then allen key fitting ones...? but apart from that are there any other major issues i should be looking for in getting new ones? also any suggestions on which ones would be great!
Thanks loads in advance....
H

You can get bolt-on Tektro calipers with a long drop... Try Paul at Kiwi Cycles, he sold me one a few years back...

These, or check on eBay, I got an almost brand new pair there for £25 recently. They work fine with cross levers and 700c wheels in 27" frames - I'm in the middle of putting the same set-up on my Holdsworth.

Great thanks, there maybe going on my Holdsworth too.... But what I meant is what if I keep the 27" wheels.... And the holes I already have should be fine with the ones Konijin is suggesting....? thanks

Oh I see, 700c is only slightly smaller than 27", just measure the drop from the fork hole to where the brake pads sit and see which range it falls in (39-49mm, 47-57mm, or 55-73mm)

The very long drop tektro brakes are definately nut fitting, yep.

cool thanks, so if I measure and find some ones that fit the measurment and are def nut fitting then I should be fine, sorry Im so asking for it to be spelt out...

It's very easy to widen the hole at the back of the fork / rear bridge to fit modern brakes - I did it to a Raleigh frame I converted recently - gently filed it out. Admittedly the frame was going for a respray afterwards

cool thanks, so if I measure and find some ones that fit the measurment and are def nut fitting then I should be fine, sorry Im so asking for it to be spelt out...

Yes it should be fine. If you do end up with the wrong thing you can always sell it on again here, people are always looking for brakes and levers.

Thanks man, and does this kind of apply for the back brake too?

Yep, measure the front and back drop, the back will probably be a bit longer.

... These are pretty similar and cheaper than the tektro ones:

http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b37s100p149

Also have a hex fitting if that's what you need.

Thanks guys.... Appreciate it