Power Brake Addition
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Stroudsburg,Pa, USA
Power Brake Addition
I want to convert the brakes on my 75 coupe from manual to power assist. I have purchased the brake booster and master cylinder but need a little advise.
Is there an adapter plate to mount the unit on ? Is there a stiffener for inside the firewall? Or do I just drill 4 holes and bolt it fast?
If I need some additional part where do I go to get it.
Thanks for your help
Is there an adapter plate to mount the unit on ? Is there a stiffener for inside the firewall? Or do I just drill 4 holes and bolt it fast?
If I need some additional part where do I go to get it.
Thanks for your help
C6 the C5 of tomorrow
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,665
Likes: 2
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
Re: Power Brake Addition (jsimpson)
Ed,
I want to do just the oppisite, I want to convert my power brakes to manual :crazy:
I can just make a steel adaptor plate. I think you would have to drill holes in your firewall, they used two different hole patters :rolleyes:
jsimpson,
Most people think I'm crazy for not liking power brakes, it's good to hear someone else who likes them, and with a bigblock yet! :D:D
Question,
Can you lock up the front wheels with your brakes??
I want to do just the oppisite, I want to convert my power brakes to manual :crazy:
I can just make a steel adaptor plate. I think you would have to drill holes in your firewall, they used two different hole patters :rolleyes:
jsimpson,
Most people think I'm crazy for not liking power brakes, it's good to hear someone else who likes them, and with a bigblock yet! :D:D
Question,
Can you lock up the front wheels with your brakes??
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Stroudsburg,Pa, USA
Re: Power Brake Addition (ed stevens)
Two reasons to add power brakes: 1- after having a few close calls with pulling out in front of me I believe power brakes give a better responce time and 2 my wife drives the vette and has been concerned over the effort needed to stop.
My bottom line is, does anyone know if I need to add a stiffener plate to the inside of the firewall?
My bottom line is, does anyone know if I need to add a stiffener plate to the inside of the firewall?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,145
Likes: 125
From: The Motor City
Re: Power Brake Addition (ed stevens)
I remember being told that the firewall was a little different for cars with and without PB. It might take a little :smash: too.
Add me to the list of being without PB and liking it. I just engine brake with a downshift and there's no problem. My engine bay looks pretty empty with no brake booster, no a/c, and no power steering pump..... just the essentials.
Add me to the list of being without PB and liking it. I just engine brake with a downshift and there's no problem. My engine bay looks pretty empty with no brake booster, no a/c, and no power steering pump..... just the essentials.
Emerging Vendor
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 114
From: San Diego CA
Re: Power Brake Addition (Scooter70)
I'm in the process of converting a 70 to power brakes(along with power windows and steering).
The plate is already there, you just need to drill two holes. There should be two existing bottom bolts that thread into the existing plate, and two bumper type bolts that exit out from inside(with metal tabs holding them). Remove these two bolts. You need to make a template for the hole locations of the booster(or use the gasket for one), line up the two lower holes of the booster with the two existing holes in the firewall. Drill the top two holes, and the bottom ones need to be enlarged. If I remember, it's a 7/16 inch drill bit. You'll then need to grind out the opening in the firewall, opening up the hole so the protrusion from the booster that contains the lever will pass through.
I've gotten to this point, but have to figure out how to get the new lever to line up with the hole in the brake pedal. From what I see, you'll need a different bracket for the brake light...as the pedal will now be closer to the firewall.
Good luck!
The plate is already there, you just need to drill two holes. There should be two existing bottom bolts that thread into the existing plate, and two bumper type bolts that exit out from inside(with metal tabs holding them). Remove these two bolts. You need to make a template for the hole locations of the booster(or use the gasket for one), line up the two lower holes of the booster with the two existing holes in the firewall. Drill the top two holes, and the bottom ones need to be enlarged. If I remember, it's a 7/16 inch drill bit. You'll then need to grind out the opening in the firewall, opening up the hole so the protrusion from the booster that contains the lever will pass through.
I've gotten to this point, but have to figure out how to get the new lever to line up with the hole in the brake pedal. From what I see, you'll need a different bracket for the brake light...as the pedal will now be closer to the firewall.
Good luck!
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 866
Likes: 1
From: Peabody,MA,USA
Re: Power Brake Addition (ed stevens)
I have manual brakes and I can lock up all four tires. I don't really notice much pedal difference between my power brake Suburban and my manual Vette. The Vette stops much quicker :D
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 885
Likes: 18
From: McFarland WI
Re: Power Brake Addition (73Ken73)
The brake rod clevis on manual brakes mounts in the upper hole on the brake pedal and the brake light switch striker is bolted in the lower hole. With power brakes, the brake rod from the booster clevis goes in the lower hole and you'll need a longer bracket to reach the brake light switch, as it now mounts in the upper hole. ( I got one from Corvette Central) Getting all this stuff re connected in the limited space under there is a reach sob. Remove your front seat and lay on your back. Even the four nuts on the booster mount are a challenge to get on. Remove the brake light switch and neutral safety switch to reach the upper left stud. (if manual trans) Enlarge the hole in the fiberglass fire wall to match the shape of the hole in the steel backing plate. I used a dremel with a cutting bit and it worked very well. Good Luck :cheers:
[Modified by jwbert, 10:44 PM 5/1/2002]
[Modified by jwbert, 10:44 PM 5/1/2002]
