When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
...can this be done with a look of originality?...
Upgrading to factory power brakes can be done with almost complete originality. The various parts are available. My advice would be to order the assembly instruction manual (AIM) for the year you want to add factory power brakes to. Go to the options section (J50) and review the diagrams of the original factory installation. The AIM will list all the parts necessary for the swap, all the original part numbers, and notes on how they made the installations at St. Louis.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Sep 11, 2006 at 01:32 PM.
I am looking at a C3 for sale with ac and pwr steering. The steering is ok either manual or power but I consider the power brake option a necessity for my tastes.
There are a few places that sell complete kits to convert your brakes from manual to power. They include the power booster with attached master cylinder and the brake lines to make the connections. Run a vacuum hose from the intake manifold and you are ready to go. Check out Corvette Central, Ecklers, Mid America and many of the other suppliers.
...Run a vacuum hose from the intake manifold and you are ready to go....
The J50 option draws vacuum from the base of the carburetor and uses a metal line. Your existing Q-Jet probably has a square-head plug in this port. Look at the base of the carb, center, rear, and you're likely to see it. This is a tapered seat, so ensure you have the required tapered fitting.
Nothing should be tapped into the vacuum line for the booster.