Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

I recently picked up a 55 2nd Design. It was originally an automatic, but I would like to convert it to a manual trans.

From what I could find for the disc brake power booster/MC combos, it looks like they only work with auto trans. Are there any available kits that work with manual trans?

Are there any brake kits you would recommend or avoid? What about the firewall mount booster/MC combos?

Thanks in advance

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

I don't know if this helps, but I have power brakes in my '49 with an m21 and I was told it couldn't be done because of clearance issues. The m/c & booster mount under the floor using the stock linkage. If you can find an original clutch / brake pedal set up it should be an easy swap

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

I have this for my 53 3100. power brakes. Hydraulic clutch master. I plan on switching everything to Wilwood.

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

That sounds good. I was looking at ebay to piece all the stock clutch linkage parts. I have a mid-80s MY6 4 spd OD I want to run.

Are you using an 8" booster?

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

Where did you find that? Did it fit your truck OK?

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

Yes I do have an 8" booster, If you are interested I think I can find the part numbers and vendors.

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

This is an under floor mount using the stock pedals

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

I don't remember where I got it and I haven't tried it yet. If I use it I will probably alter it. I'm doing a lot of chassis work. I'm boxing the chassis and my 292 needs to be moved back 7" or so. If you want I can look on the box for markings. I'm more interested in the master cylinders mounting part of it.

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

there are lots of guys out there running power brakes with standard trans in 55-59 chevy trucks. if i were you I would do a little research on this site into whats available with these options. it kinda depends on what you want and where you want to put it. there are a few builds on here who use a hydroboost system, instead of the vacuum booster, because they give a better boost and are smaller than the vacuum chamber, so they give more room under the floor for other things like clutch linkage etc. there are also a few who have installed the bracket on the frame, that connects to the pedals, but instead of bolting the master cylinder to that bracket, like usual, they have made another bracket for the master cylinder and mounted the master cylinder further back on the frame, using an extended pushrod length to connect those parts. the hydroboost will need hydraulic hoses connected to a power steering pump, of course, but they work well whether you have a low vacuum engine, a diesel, or whatever. you would, of course, be required to build a few things. mostly these builds have used a hydroboost sourced from a donor vehicle and then modified the input pushrod, from the pedal, to work with their new design. mustangs and astro vans are popular donors. check out ogre's build for his how to if you're interested. you could do the same idea with a vacuum booster but mostly, in that scenarion, you would be looking to move the vacuum booster out of the way

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

this is ogre's build thread, or you could pm him and see if he has info to share, if you are interested in going thaty route
https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=501998

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

Excellent information. Hydroboost is nice if you have a pump but I'm running EPAS Performance electric P/S. I'm also running a MP scroll vacuum pump because of my 6-71. I'm also using a hydraulic throw out bearing to make some room for my exhaust. I'm just throwing some options out there.

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

I was gonna suggest the hydraulic release brg too, but my post was already a small book. Lol.
Thanks mick53

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

It's a good book though. I have the same problem. Every time I proof read it I add something.

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

As Nvrdone said it can be done pretty simply using stock pedals and a bracket similar to this one with the booster and master cylinder mounted to it. Not fun to fill but one could set it up with a remote reservoir under the hood if so desired.

The clutch in my F250 has a rod that runs straight down from the pedal through the foot board to a bell crank on the bellhousing that in turn works a bell crank that pushes the pushrod that works the clutch fork. Reasonably simple and probably easy to find if you can stand the ugliness of the booster and master cylinder on the firewall blocking most of the view of the engine you put so much effort in.

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

here is a build thread where the owner built a frame mounted hydroboost but mounted the actual boost and master cyl units back along the frame further. check post 54, for the bracket unit he purchased, then the rest of the fab starts around post 73 somewhere. a vacuum booster could also be placed remotely using the same build process but i would recommend an electric vacuum pump or a vacuum storage cannister, with check valves etc
kim57 is the member
https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=283107

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

I rolled my own firewall setup using C10 pedal box, generic 8" dual diaphragm booster and master. Clutch master from an older ford courier as it looked like it would work and did. Other than some measuring and fiddling it wasn't hard.
slave was 90s gm EXEDY SC708 mounted to a plate bolted to bellhousing bolts
c10 bellhousing, fork and throw-out will work with most any GM transmission

For me the trade off between cluttering up the firewall vs seeing your survival critical brake components every time you open the hood was also influenced by a frame swap that did not come with any pedal provisions and a floor replacement that did not have holes for pedals.

if you go with under floor setup, I'd go remote reservoir. You can get a cheap billet cover for typical GM style master off amazon or ebay, drill and tap for hose barb. A plastic reservoir (lots online) has usefully visible fluid level. Go with a reliable source for the hoses as the stuff from ch**a is likely to swell and leak.

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

No clutch on mine but booster is under hood. That said, less people are looking under yhe hood these days and especially on frame swap extended cab daily driver. Haha.
OP, do you have decision made on what you will do?

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

Thank you nvrdone, I think I can find something comparable.

I got a whole lot of info to review in this thread now...

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

dsraven, I appreciate all the information!

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

No complaints from me, I appreciate your input

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

No problem. I know it can be hard to get a good combination of assembled parts that will work well together. Try to match up your brake rotor sizes and caliper types so you will have less trouble setting it up for bias when done. I have seen a lot of stuff that got assembled with parts from here and there and then there were issues with rear tires skidding.

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

No, I haven't. I'm going to do some more thinking on it. I'm going to piece together the clutch parts I need for a manual trans. I'm wanting to keep it somewhat simple and fix what needs fixed to get it on the road, it's been sitting since 1985. Then, once I'm driving it, adjust fire from there.

https://wesleymigletz.smugmug.com/Ga...2-PM/i-gbbDGTz

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

http://https://67-72chevytrucks.com/...1&d=1768666057

http://https://wesleymigletz.smugmug...2-PM/i-mkHqnk6

https://wesleymigletz.smugmug.com/Ga...2-PM/i-gbbDGTz



Not sure why my images aren't showing

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

You might think about a pedal set from something already built. Mine was from a gmc envoy donor. No clutch on these but it sandwiches between the firewall nicely. I used the whole panel that bolts to the firewall. I'll send a pic once I can use my tablet later this evening. Can't see the tiny pics on my phone.

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

Yep, I understand. Trying to figure out which way I'm gonna go before throwing too much $$$ at it.

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

There are very good ideas above.

I am not saying to do this but just got me thinking about what I have on my 59. I converted my brake to top swinging with the master cylinder on the firewall. I now run a column shift automatic. I just let the clutch pedal drop to the floor but is still there under the carpet and could be used. The master cylinder and underneath brake pedal are gone. I kept my hand brake.

I could have swung both from top if I knew I was staying manual.

My top pedal thread.

https://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vbo...d.php?t=843333

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

having trouble uploading pics, sorry. had a few of my envoy donor vehicle pedal assy which sandwiches through the firewall and has pedals, accel pedal for drive by wire, 11" vac booster and disc/disc master. mounted to plate that offsets the assy towards the engine side of the firewall for a little more foot clearance. keeps accel pedal off the floor as well, in case you have a crowded area from a recessed firewall etc.
ill try again tomorrow

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

envoy pedal assy

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

just an example. possibly another donor vehicle would have a set of pedals and booster etc that has the clutch included. seems I can only post a single pic at a time
if you sandwich the firewall with a set of hanging pedals and booster etc just ensure to brace things from firewall to dash so things are strong and also so they don't fatigue and crack the sheet metal

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

disassembled

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

firewall plate has hole and grommet for steering column shaft and another for wiring harnes grommet

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

from the inside without dash and pedals etc. an example of the firewall plate, which gives strength to the firewall area around the pedals and booster etc. bear in mind this was a frame swap and I used the floor and firewall drom the donor since my stock floor was not structurally sound

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

please disregard the untidiness, its in mock up. this shows how it all looks from the engine side with the envoy inline 6 and waaay too much wiring etc exposed

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

ok, sorry, still having trouble with adding pics, uploading, then they disapear when i hit post.
pm me if that interests you and i can just simply email them to you

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

some more firewall setups in this thread
https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=840996

I sense OP wants a proven approach that does not bite the wallet....check joedoh's s10 pedal setup in that thread and elsewhere. I think he sells and plate and template to take all the guesswork out as well.

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

it seems like joedoh has a pretty good set up. if you have a pick n pull nearby maybe cruise a few isles and see what you find. even the envoy set up could easily be modified to accept another pedal and a clutch master but, why not use something already built and spend that fab time on something else.

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

Checking if I can upload a pic.
Underhood on my 57 showing envoy brake booster. Rest in mock up

Re: Can you run the Power Disc Brakes w/ Clutch Pedals?
 

Thanks again everyone for all the suggestions.

Dennis thank you for the link

dsraven, I appreciate all the suggestions. Hoping to get something going without too much fab work.

Leegreen, I will look into the S10 pedal set-up

https://wesleymigletz.smugmug.com/Ga...2-PM/i-zf8rDsK
https://wesleymigletz.smugmug.com/Ga...2-PM/i-zf8rDsK