Power drum brakes? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

67chevytodd · 04-28-2007, 01:55 AM

Has any one done a power drum brake update. Lots of posts about disc brakes, but you don't hear anything about just adding a power vacuum booster. If anyone has done this please advise. What donor booster is needed? Is this not a good idea? Thanks Todd

Lippyp · 04-28-2007, 07:22 AM

I'm about to do this, they'll still fade under heavy braking but you won't need to stand up in an emergency to stop! I drove a friends 68 Impala 427SS with power drums and I just have to power mine as the difference was night and day in temrs of the pedal effort needed.

krue · 04-28-2007, 07:26 AM

Best bang for the buck to improve your braking.

Spray-Bomb · 04-28-2007, 12:16 PM

I like this idea !

msgross · 04-28-2007, 12:22 PM

just pick up a 67-72 brake booster with brackets and the pushrod, exchange the booster at Autozone to be sure that you have a good operational and safe setup. Bolt in and go... Only thing is if you MC doesn't fit it then you have to swap it too. <$150 for a new setup... add a vacuum post to your manifold and viola... 3/4 ton and 1 ton boosters had dual diaphragm's and better braking.

67chevytodd · 04-28-2007, 09:02 PM

Thank Guys, I just wanted to make sure this wasn't a crazy idea. I still won't need to mess with a proportioning valve since both fronts and backs are drum correct?

msgross · 04-28-2007, 10:38 PM

nope
drums = distro block
disc/drum = prop valve

pritch · 04-28-2007, 10:59 PM

I just did mine a couple weeks ago. What a difference! I can lock 'em up now no problem, before not even on it's best day. I used a booster and master cyl off a '70 one-ton.

grayw0lf · 04-28-2007, 11:37 PM

Piece of cake. I just bent the lines. Very nice improvement.

GMCMAX · 04-29-2007, 12:02 AM

The one I did, with pics. Made all the difference, darn easy upgrade.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=221598

LostMy65 · 02-05-2012, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMCMAX

The one I did, with pics. Made all the difference, darn easy upgrade.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=221598

Thank You!
This is now top on my to do list.

shawno72 · 02-05-2012, 02:50 AM

Best 45 minute upgrade you can do.
Posted via Mobile Device

PanelDeland · 02-05-2012, 11:04 AM

If yu are very careful and don't take the lines loose,just adjust and pull the MC far enough forward to get it together,you may not even have to bleed the brakes.

shawno72 · 02-05-2012, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

If yu are very careful and don't take the lines loose,just adjust and pull the MC far enough forward to get it together,you may not even have to bleed the brakes.

That's how I have done it on two of my trucks. Was fairly easy.
Posted via Mobile Device

oldblue1968chevy · 02-05-2012, 01:50 PM

Did power drums before I went power disc. Lots nicer

68Gold/white · 02-05-2012, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldblue1968chevy

Did power drums before I went power disc. Lots nicer

I've had power and manual drum, BOTH SUCKED, compared to disc. Sorry that's my experience. Not knocking ANYONE!!!

You CAN buy 6 lug disc conversions, don't remember from who, but would be simpler, you could keep 6 lug wheels, and not have to convert rear end to 5 lug, going to disc.

I have a 67 and 68, both will get 5 lugs, and front disc, factory style. There's all knds of super duper disc comversions aviailable, lot's of $$$ choices. The factory style works GREAT!!!

68 IRON · 02-05-2012, 02:06 PM

I like that link too....makes it look easy. Straight 6 is a little more involved it looks like (which is what I plan) dealing with room for air cleaner and booster. What is the difference in boosters....pancake vs pumpkin shaped ones? I pulled a setup from a GMC that had drums and it had the pumpkin shaped one....now I have to figure out how the linkage goes back together after I cleaned and painted them!

davepl · 02-05-2012, 06:05 PM

Not sure about our trucks, but on my 2+2 (Impala) there are two different holes in the brake pedal, one for power brakes and one for manual brakes. You need less leverage with the power booster.

04-28-2007, 01:55 AM	#1
67chevytodd Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: SW Nebraska Posts: 50	Power drum brakes? Has any one done a power drum brake update. Lots of posts about disc brakes, but you don't hear anything about just adding a power vacuum booster. If anyone has done this please advise. What donor booster is needed? Is this not a good idea? Thanks Todd __________________ Old Chevys never die they are just reborn!

04-28-2007, 07:22 AM	#2
Lippyp English Chevy Owner Join Date: May 2002 Location: Shropshire, UK/ Lot, France Posts: 1,848	Re: Power drum brakes? I'm about to do this, they'll still fade under heavy braking but you won't need to stand up in an emergency to stop! I drove a friends 68 Impala 427SS with power drums and I just have to power mine as the difference was night and day in temrs of the pedal effort needed. __________________ Phil '67 C10 long fleet. 350/TH350, 4 bbl Carter, K&N, Dual exhaust, loads of stuff coming soon 2001 S10 Blazer Daily Driver, bone stock 4 door 4x4 with manual transmission

04-28-2007, 07:26 AM	#3
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Re: Power drum brakes? Best bang for the buck to improve your braking. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

04-28-2007, 12:16 PM	#4
Spray-Bomb Texas Big Wig Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Mineola, Texas Posts: 5,620	Re: Power drum brakes? I like this idea ! __________________ Just not low enough... ----------------------------- Sinister Killer

04-28-2007, 12:22 PM	#5
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: Power drum brakes? just pick up a 67-72 brake booster with brackets and the pushrod, exchange the booster at Autozone to be sure that you have a good operational and safe setup. Bolt in and go... Only thing is if you MC doesn't fit it then you have to swap it too. <$150 for a new setup... add a vacuum post to your manifold and viola... 3/4 ton and 1 ton boosters had dual diaphragm's and better braking. __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer" Last edited by msgross; 04-28-2007 at 12:22 PM.

04-28-2007, 09:02 PM	#6
67chevytodd Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: SW Nebraska Posts: 50	Re: Power drum brakes? Thank Guys, I just wanted to make sure this wasn't a crazy idea. I still won't need to mess with a proportioning valve since both fronts and backs are drum correct? __________________ Old Chevys never die they are just reborn!

04-28-2007, 10:38 PM	#7
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: Power drum brakes? nope drums = distro block disc/drum = prop valve __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer" Last edited by msgross; 04-28-2007 at 10:39 PM.

04-28-2007, 10:59 PM	#8
pritch Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Hoytsville, Utah Posts: 3,365	Re: Power drum brakes? I just did mine a couple weeks ago. What a difference! I can lock 'em up now no problem, before not even on it's best day. I used a booster and master cyl off a '70 one-ton. __________________ '68 Panel Project Boogie Chillin' '68 C-10 Ol' Green

04-28-2007, 11:37 PM	#9
grayw0lf Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Clanton, AL Posts: 1,253	Re: Power drum brakes? Piece of cake. I just bent the lines. Very nice improvement. __________________ 85' CUCV M1009!!! The newest addition! 6.2diesel, Th400, NP208, & only 36k miles! 70' C-10 LWB Fleetside - Looking good these days! 05' Dodge Neon 88' Winner Escape Sport 1750 - 4.3v6 94' Seadoo SP 84' Honda TRX200, bare nekkid. Just a frame & tires. Always looking for another project or any good deal!

04-29-2007, 12:02 AM	#10
GMCMAX Active Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Lower Mid-East Ca. Posts: 326	Re: Power drum brakes? The one I did, with pics. Made all the difference, darn easy upgrade. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=221598 __________________ Never try to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and annoys the pig! Gets More Chicks My lugnuts require more torque than your honda makes! 68 GMC, 4X4 conversion w/73 k20 running gear and springs, 350 4spd, 4.10's, D44 powerlok front, 14BFF govlock rear, 33" tires, lifted 4".

02-05-2012, 02:50 AM	#12
shawno72 C/10 junkie Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Stockton Ca Posts: 9,093	Re: Power drum brakes? Best 45 minute upgrade you can do. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Shawn 70 LWB C10 current driver/project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=663051 68 SWB C10 Work in progress.....SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=559520 72 LWB C10 Sold 71 LWB C10 Sold 68 LWB C10 CST Sold http://youtu.be/kbB0QrBIs9k My mom always had the best advice. It was just a tad late. After a fall that involved blood, she'd say....."Careful!"

02-05-2012, 11:04 AM	#13
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Re: Power drum brakes? If yu are very careful and don't take the lines loose,just adjust and pull the MC far enough forward to get it together,you may not even have to bleed the brakes. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

02-05-2012, 01:50 PM	#15
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: Power drum brakes? Did power drums before I went power disc. Lots nicer __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

02-05-2012, 02:06 PM	#17
68 IRON Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Olympia, WA Posts: 736	Re: Power drum brakes? I like that link too....makes it look easy. Straight 6 is a little more involved it looks like (which is what I plan) dealing with room for air cleaner and booster. What is the difference in boosters....pancake vs pumpkin shaped ones? I pulled a setup from a GMC that had drums and it had the pumpkin shaped one....now I have to figure out how the linkage goes back together after I cleaned and painted them!

02-05-2012, 06:05 PM	#18
davepl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 6,332	Re: Power drum brakes? Not sure about our trucks, but on my 2+2 (Impala) there are two different holes in the brake pedal, one for power brakes and one for manual brakes. You need less leverage with the power booster.



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