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Toying with the idea of converting my '63 original non-power, all-drum brakes over to power, all-drum brakes using original parts (if the price tag doesn't approach the national debt).
I would need everything but looking at the AIM I need some insight:
1) Nobody (not even LICS) seems to have the vacuum fitting on the back of the carb to take the PCV and P/B hoses. No repros around.
Sources ? Or cobble something together ?
2) Is there a different M/C push rod for '63 power brakes? Again, I can't seem to find a repro around specifically for '63 P/B setup.
3) Are the brake lines (particularly the M/C line) different for P/B (there ARE repros for these items) ?
You do need to use an original type booster or you will have hood clearance issues in a 63, the hood frame is notched 64 - 67. The original booster keeps the M/C more level. The brake lines are the same as non power if you are using a single M/C. The fitting on the carb can be made up of a 64 set up with very few mods. It is an easy install. The only thing is with power brakes you will not stop much better you will just lock up the wheels easy and send your passenger into the dash with just a touch of the peddle.
The 1963 Brake Booster is one of a kind, very rare, and very expensive. You probably could find the fitting at a plumbing supplier, believe it or not, should be same fittings, that go into the manifold where it derives its vacuum. The booster is cadmium and the vacuum hose fitting on the booster is on the passenger side not the driver side of the booster. It also has a different plastic fitting that connects the hose into the booster. You can try Dr. Rebuild, he did have some at one time.
Heck, for the price you will pay to refit with power ASSIST, not power brakes, you can put on disks all way around....
The booster itself goes for thousands of dollars, and you will need to change the top of the master cylinder to a hex bold not thumbscrew.
Tedious process... I know rebuilt mine and it took several months for just rebuild....
For all the work, you will find little difference as it really is not power brakes but power assist brakes.
I used a 64 booster with no issues, but I have a later hood with the notch. I have not tried to fit the 63 hood back on the car yet.
I was able to source the correct PCV power brake carb fitting from LICS two years ago.
I looked in the LICS downloadable recent catalog and do not see a '63 vacuum fitting for non-F/I cars. Maybe I'm missing it or they no longer carry it. Priced out the power brake drum conversion and to go all original is about $1,700 including M/C and booster and sundry bits and pieces.
Pretty steep unless it makes a real difference. I can drive with the brakes like they are (EVERYthing on them is new) but it sure adds an extra dimension of driving excitement when stopping hard!
I looked in the LICS downloadable recent catalog and do not see a '63 vacuum fitting for non-F/I cars. Maybe I'm missing it or they no longer carry it. Priced out the power brake drum conversion and to go all original is about $1,700 including M/C and booster and sundry bits and pieces.
Pretty steep unless it makes a real difference. I can drive with the brakes like they are (EVERYthing on them is new) but it sure adds an extra dimension of driving excitement when stopping hard!
Frankie,
I am going to put them on my 67, I think with power disc you will notice more difference.
If I ever found a correct set up I would install them on my 63, it's a easier installation.
I agree.
Of course, no disc brakes (power or otherwise) originally in '63...so it'll be a non-original setup -- like my '73 Camaro front discs on the '61.
Frankie I have been researching to do the same to my 63. I plan on going with the cadium plated repop which is very similar to original booster. The only difference is the mounting bracket. They have 4 mounting holes..2 that have to be drilled into wiper cavity and 2 that go thru original master cyclinder holes. They say to drive out the 2 studs thru firewall and insert new flange studs thru and bolt from inside firewall. Since the studs and original bolts thru firewall they should be on the same centers. I plan on cutting the bracket studs off and drill holes thru so i can leave original master cylinder studs intack and just bolt to bracket. I have read that the hood clearance is not a factor when using a single master cylinder since it is not as long as a single master. Also you can shim the top bracket a smooch if you want more clearance. I also plan to run vacuum from rear of manifold with a regular brass plumbing fitting...Should work out nice and a lot cheaper
I don't think that will work as the studs are on the back of the booster.....
Originally Posted by lonzoo
Frankie I have been researching to do the same to my 63. I plan on going with the cadium plated repop which is very similar to original booster. The only difference is the mounting bracket. They have 4 mounting holes..2 that have to be drilled into wiper cavity and 2 that go thru original master cyclinder holes. They say to drive out the 2 studs thru firewall and insert new flange studs thru and bolt from inside firewall. Since the studs and original bolts thru firewall they should be on the same centers. I plan on cutting the bracket studs off and drill holes thru so i can leave original master cylinder studs intack and just bolt to bracket. I have read that the hood clearance is not a factor when using a single master cylinder since it is not as long as a single master. Also you can shim the top bracket a smooch if you want more clearance. I also plan to run vacuum from rear of manifold with a regular brass plumbing fitting...Should work out nice and a lot cheaper
Frankie I have been researching to do the same to my 63. I plan on going with the cadium plated repop which is very similar to original booster. The only difference is the mounting bracket. They have 4 mounting holes..2 that have to be drilled into wiper cavity and 2 that go thru original master cylinder holes. They say to drive out the 2 studs thru firewall and insert new flange studs thru and bolt from inside firewall. Since the studs and original bolts thru firewall they should be on the same centers. I plan on cutting the bracket studs off and drill holes thru so i can leave original master cylinder studs intack and just bolt to bracket. I have read that the hood clearance is not a factor when using a single master cylinder since it is not as long as a single master. Also you can shim the top bracket a smooch if you want more clearance. I also plan to run vacuum from rear of manifold with a regular brass plumbing fitting...Should work out nice and a lot cheaper
I purchased my 63 Booster from Dr. Rebuild back in the 80's. He used to make a bracket for the booster. Don't know if he still does it. Years back, I picked up several power brake boosters from 62-63 GM passenger cars, the boosters were the same like on the 63 corvettes but the brackets were different.
That would be it!
Now - is the pedal power brake push rod the same or a different item?
Frank I'm not in the shop yet but the AIM should point that out, no? I'm thinkin' it's just a small extension bracket for the brakelight switch. ?
I have a box of those special brass fittings I collected when I(correction.... Cathie!) found a very nice dated original AFB at the Kissimmee Regional). When I go out I'll shoot a few pics of the fittings. AND.....I have a line on a original '63 booster, if he'll want to part with it......but probably $$$$.
If you recall Cathie's '63 had already been converted to '67 dual MC front disc/rear drum. It had to have non-'63 wheels for discs, and came with 4 Rallys which were covered okay with stock wheel covers, but I never liked those wheels on it. Just didn't feel right as you could see the slots through the covers. That MC jusssst made it under the hood but had a little scar there when we got the car.
Gimme a few and I'll checkout the stash for those brass fittings.
Yup. I remember the power brakes on that car from previous pics. I bet you wish you'd kept it....but keeping wifey happy is priceless and she wanted the Jaguar.
I do know about the power brake pedal shaft bracket to trip the brake light too (its available in repro).
If your buddy wants to part with his '63 booster I'm up for it if the price won't require a mortgage loan. I have a line on another one but its crazy money.
They actually make a fiberglass hood 'patch' for the larger non-'63 boosters that you can glass in but I'm not dinkin up my original hood.
BTW, I'm heading to the guys house later to test my new C2 tool on his '66 project, so I'll take some pics and ask his price for the booster, and i think he has the mc too.
09-05-2014, 07:42 AM
63 power brakes
