47-59 Long shot picture request

[1project2many]

Thanks to everyone who provided pictures. I appreciate the link to the rebuild manual as well.

Bendix Hydrovac boosters were available on 1/2 and 3/4 ton Chevy trucks. They could be installed by OEM or by a dealer.

There are OEM installation instructions for 3000 series trucks in the FAM on pages 595 and 596:
https://www.trifive.com/d1/55-59Assy.pdf

There are dealer installation instructions for 3000 series trucks in the 1958 Dealer and Accessory installation manual. I have this manual and I have included scans of the instructions.

Even with this info, I would love to have a picture of an actual installation in a 3000 series Chevy. GMC trucks don't count, though. GMC used a Midland booster which was attached to the RH inner fender.

I have worked with Hydrovac units in larger trucks before. They work great but they definitely last longer when they are not ignored. We saw many trucks with Hydrovac while I worked at the dealership in MT. I dug out the old service leterature and taught myself how to be successful in reparing and maintaining these misunderstood brake boosters.

In 2007 I purchased a rebuildable Hydrovac core along with an OE vacuum can, hoses, and check valve from a '63 truck being stripped in Oregon. I disassembled that unit in December of '23. Hydrovac units were used on a number of vehicles in the 40s and '50s and there are several vendors that support rebuilding one. I checked pricing for rebuild parts and came up with a total around $350.00. I also checked prices for having the unit rebuilt and found prices range from just over $300 to near $1,000.

I searched Ebay and found a new Japanese built unit that appears to be a copy of the original Hydrovac. These units are sold by the manufacturer as replacements for Isuzu and other Japanese trucks and are used by a number of European companies. I have purchased one from a US importer that is similar to the OE Bendix unit to use in my truck.

The truck is not going to win many points as original considering it has a 302 ci V8 with electronic fuel injection. I don't really understand what "Bubba points" are but I don't think I'm trying to collect them. My plan for my truck has remained consistent for years. I am working to install OE or OE style brake, steering, and suspension upgrade parts to improve the truck. I really want to build an example of what can be done with careful planning and research. I'm ok with the "not worth it" and "I wouldn't bother" comments.

I have already installed an OE sway bar and upgraded steering arms. Believe me, they make a very noticeable difference. I have collected parts to install OE 11" X 2-1/2" heavy duty front brakes along with the Hydrovac. Since truck and Corvette "Heavy Duty" shoes are NLA (and NOS parts sell for $500+) I'm thinking I will use Kevlar shoes for the front and rear. Once the brakes are done I plan to rebuild the steering box and install OE style power steering.