Adding power to my powerless brakes
 

First off, thought I would introduce myself. My name's Justin, I have a 69 SWB fleetside, rusted up real nice. So far all I have done to my truck is work on the drivetrain - I built a 383 stroker for it and put in a M-20 muncie. I'm only 21, so the funds are pretty limited and I haven't been able to do much cosmetic-wise to it yet. I been visiting the forums for a couple of weeks and have been very impressed with the knowledge present and number of members.

There is a 71 that has power brakes that I am planning on putting in my truck. I know that I will need to take out the vacuum booster and the master cylinder obviously. I would appreciate tips from anyone who has done this before. How long do you think it will take - a day job maybe?

Thanks!

Re: Adding power to my powerless brakes
 

shouldn't be that bad couple hours at the most

Re: Adding power to my powerless brakes
 

You do not need the master leave yours on and hooked up, just pull it out enough to fit the booster and bracket in between. You will need the booster, bracket, linkage and probably take the vacuum fitting from the manifold unless you already have one.

Re: Adding power to my powerless brakes
 

Yepper. Whar Neonlarry said.
Just unbolt the master from the firewall (leaving the lines connected) and gently ease it away from the firewall....careful not to kink any lines down by the frame.
Slip the booster & bracket in between and button it back up!
Install the vacuum hose for the booster.
Change the rod that runs from the pedal to the booster and violla...
POWER BRAKES.
Watch your head, though...I almost smacked mine on the windshield when I changed over!!!

Re: Adding power to my powerless brakes
 

Here is the writeup on my install....

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=163387

Re: Adding power to my powerless brakes
 

Putter said it but nobody pointed it out as far as what you need to grab off the donor -

Make sure you grab the rod that connects the pedal to the back of the booster. I believe it is a different length on power verses manual trucks.

Well I guess neonlarry said linkage.

Just make sure you grab that piece too.

Re: Adding power to my powerless brakes
 

Be careful! '67 to '70 trucks use Bendix boosters, and the master cylinders have a deep hole in the piston for the booster pushrod. '71 and '72 trucks use a Delco booster. Some Delco boosters have a shorter pushrod, and the master cylinder has a very shallow hole for the pushrod. If you use one of these Delco boosters with one of the earlier master cylinders, you could end up with too much play between the booster pushrod and the master cylinder piston, which could give you a very low or no brakes at all.

Re: Adding power to my powerless brakes
 

Welcome to the board from South Mississippi! You're doing the best upgrade for the money there is in my opinion. The hardest part of the mod is adjusting the stupid brake light switch.:D

Re: Adding power to my powerless brakes
 

Thanks for all the replies guys! Krue, what do you mean about adjusting the brake light and how do you do that? Thanks again!

Nice thread farside847!!!

Re: Adding power to my powerless brakes
 

Just remember what ever you do...make sure you add blinker fluid!!

J/K Where did you get your booster and parts at? Can you get them through autozone??

Re: Adding power to my powerless brakes
 

Novaguy73 - I'm swapping all my stuff off of a 71. I do know that you can get the master cylinder from autozone, along with the blinker fluid, ;) but not sure what else. Thanks.