vacuum switch out to hydraulic power assist

[TimUK]

C10 71 350.
Very low vacuum causing vacuum brake assist to be inadequate on long steep downhill driveway with s turns.
Bought the hydratech actuator. 90-120 days to receive from date of order but a nice US unit. Running a Concept One pulley system so had to change out PS pump and add a remote reservoir. Mounted the reservoir where the old radiator expansion tank was. Bought cylindrical metal expansion tank and mounted it between the grill and radiator support. Made new hydraulic lines. Did not make one fitting properly on the high pressure line and squirted PS fluid everywhere in the engine bay. Lots of smoke from it landing on the exhaust. Noticed the short from plug wire to header. Bought shorter plug and ceramic cap. Accel had both the shorter header plugs and the ceramic cap/wire.
Started testing yesterday outside my house. Short runs and hard breaking. Then the adventure down the hill. Said goodbye to the wife and told her to come look for me if I was not back in ten minutes.....
All went well. Could stop on the steep hill and lock wheels if necessary. Could not do that before making every trip down the hill an adventure.
Lessons learned:
1. Stainless braided lines tear up your finger tips and are cause swearing out loud.
2. These changes always cost more than you planned.
3. Having great tread on the tires does not mean they are safe to drive on. Whilst wheels were off, the date date stamp was three digits....that means a minimum of 20 years old. Bought new tires.
4. Improvements like this project are very satisfying!
Cheers
Tim