Power Brake Booster for a '52 Chevy Pickup

[trailrunner]

I'd like to add a power brake booster to my '52 Chevy truck project. Can I just buy an 8" or 10" booster? What units have you guys used? Do I need any specific bracket to mount it to the firewall? I have disc brakes mounted up front and drums out back. Thanks.

[mknittle]

I am going to use a hydro boost on mine.I used one on my jeep and it has the best feel of all the power set ups I have used. you get more line pressure with a good solid feel.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=466164

[trailrunner]

I don't plan to use a hydro boost system on this truck.

I guess that my high level question is this ...... this truck has front disc brakes and rear drums, which did not originally come on these trucks. Is there any reason that I can't just go to my local parts store and buy a master cylinder and power brake booster for a late 70's Camaro and bolt them on?? Will the power booster unit bolt to the firewall, or do I need to buy specific brackets to make this work?

Thanks

[jocko]

CaptainFab (on the 60-66 site is where I know him from) sells a really nice bracket - here's a link: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=347484
I don't know if it will work with a 52 - but you can probably ask him. Since AD trucks had under floor master cyls, I am guessing you will have to drill holes in the firewall as this bracket is made to bolt on in place of a 1-pot stock un-boosted mc on a 60-66.

You may have to consider bracing/backing behind the bracket (or just the booster if you don't use the bracket) to support the weight if it's just sheetmetal and these trucks never had firewall boosters/mc's.

There are other companies out there that do these and also other compaines that offer under floor boosted setups also.

[trailrunner]

[QUOTE=jocko;4898127]Since AD trucks had under floor master cyls, I am guessing you will have to drill holes in the firewall as this bracket is made to bolt on in place of a 1-pot stock un-boosted mc on a 60-66. QUOTE]

You just have to love forums and old trucks! I had no idea that the AD trucks all had underfloor master cylinders. I bought my '52 a couple of years ago, and it had what looks like a second gen Camaro front subframe with disc brakes already installed. It also had a regular, two section master cylinder mounted on the firewall. I just assumed that the master cylinder was mounted in the stock location.

Thanks for the info on the bracket. I'll dig a little deeper to see if that will work with my truck.

Thanks for the info!!

[jocko]

interesting! I wonder if the subframe install has eliminated the ability to put the mc back under the cab? if the mounting locations are intact, that's an option - but I am guessing that if you have a firewall mounted one now, the pedals have been modified to swingers vice pushers, but not sure - good luck!

[trailrunner]

"Swingers vice pushers" .... yes, the brake pedal "swings" from under the dash vice being mounted on an arm that comes up thru the floor. Now that you mention that, I seem to recall pictures of brake pedals that come up thru the floorboards ... I just didn't make the connection. The floorboard hole is covered up. The master cylinder mounting holes are probably still in the frame, if I knew which ones they were. The subframe is welded to the stock frame just behind the upper and lower A-arms.

Functionally, the later model power booster/master cylinder combo will work, right? I just have to figure out the mounting brackets and make sure that I reinforce the firewall appropriately.

Thanks

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by trailrunner

"Swingers vice pushers" .... yes, the brake pedal "swings" from under the dash vice being mounted on an arm that comes up thru the floor. Now that you mention that, I seem to recall pictures of brake pedals that come up thru the floorboards ... I just didn't make the connection. The floorboard hole is covered up. The master cylinder mounting holes are probably still in the frame, if I knew which ones they were. The subframe is welded to the stock frame just behind the upper and lower A-arms.

Functionally, the later model power booster/master cylinder combo will work, right? I just have to figure out the mounting brackets and make sure that I reinforce the firewall appropriately.

Thanks

Yeah thats about it. you need either a balance valve or an adjustable proportoning valve and it will work.

[trailrunner]

Sounds good. I've got a proportioning valve, so I should be set.

Thanks.

[Handfull 54]

You will also need a couple of residual valves. A 2lb for the front and a 10lb for the rear. I mounted my booster under the floor and used a remote master cylinder from NoLimit Engineering. The reservior is mounted under the seat which folds up. I like it because it keeps the fire wall clean. I have disk drum combo also. I used a ford 9" booster rebuilt by Vanco. Hope this helps you.

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by Handfull 54

You will also need a couple of residual valves. A 2lb for the front and a 10lb for the rear. I mounted my booster under the floor and used a remote master cylinder from NoLimit Engineering. The reservior is mounted under the seat which folds up. I like it because it keeps the fire wall clean. I have disk drum combo also. I used a ford 9" booster rebuilt by Vanco. Hope this helps you.

Not if he uses a stock master cylinder from a disc/ drum setup as they are in the master cylinder.
Yours is aftermarket so that is why you need the valves. I have never had to use residual valves on stock master cylinders.The problem with aftermarket parts is if something goes wrong is slapout OK where are you going to find a aftermarket part?

[jocko]

concur - I believe residual valves are only necessary on a frame-mount dual res master (boosted or not). So, yes, Handfull needs them and Trailrunner would not if he sticks with the firewall mounted master/booster.

Btw, I like Handfull's remote res idea!
Another way to skin that cat is to have a small hole with a rubber plug in the driver side floor above the master. My 66 has one on the trans tunnel and it is the ONLY way I can get fluid into my T5. Not sure if that was what the hole was intended for - but it sure works like it was...

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by jocko

concur - I believe residual valves are only necessary on a frame-mount dual res master (boosted or not). So, yes, Handfull needs them and Trailrunner would not if he sticks with the firewall mounted master/booster.

Btw, I like Handfull's remote res idea!
Another way to skin that cat is to have a small hole with a rubber plug in the driver side floor above the master. My 66 has one on the trans tunnel and it is the ONLY way I can get fluid into my T5. Not sure if that was what the hole was intended for - but it sure works like it was...

right, that is because the lines are above the master. But there are valves in the master behind the machined insert in the outlet of the master cylinder.I have had a couple out once when rebuilding one.

BTW is that your truck in your avatar?

[jocko]

that it is, my money pit.

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by jocko

that it is, my money pit.

I have always liked that body style LOOKs good.