Ok, so I bought the booster (#9782) from ABS Power Brake, as Jay (Mavedog71) suggested. I've not tackled the install yet, but the first thing I noticed is I'll need to tap into a vacuum line. Lucky for me I have the Stallion with factory power brakes and I see where it is tied in. However, from the factory there is a metal pipe that runs across the top of the engine (this is the I-6 btw), then a short hose is used to connect it to the booster. Since I don't have that metal pipe for this install, I was thinking of just running it completely with rubber hose, maybe take it along the passenger side (to avoid running it over the engine, keeping away from all that heat) maybe under the tower brace, then across the firewall to the booster. Does that sound like a good plan? Will I have any trouble finding a hose fitting to screw into that vacuum port next to the carb (I think there is just a plug in it now)? If anyone has upgraded to power brakes and has some tips/techniques, please chime in. Thanks... Art
You just need to tap into the vacuum somewhere, and as you stated, you have an example to see how it is done. I would get a large hose to do it with.
I have a complete ford factory power brake set up for sale. If anyone is interested send me a PM. Rick
Ok, thanks for letting me know. I didn't know there was "specific" hose for that. Hey, on that adjustable shaft, did yours have lock nuts to tighten down after you got it to the correct length? Mine does not and I was kind of wondering....
I have a 72 comet and I just swapped spindles rotors calipers and pads to my car from a 74 and the brakes seem to work just fine. I didnt change anything else. that said I have been considering power breaks at some point but the old manual brakes seem to work with minimal stepping pressure. Im curious why you guys are going to power brakes? I havent taken my car on the road yet but the little I drove it up and down the street they work fine
Yeah, I thought about doing that myself, just surprised that it didn't come with them. Who knows, maybe I won't have to adjust it out at all and I'll leave it screwed in all the way? Hey, it looks like that connecting hole on the end of the shaft (with the plastic grommet) is really big... is that the proper size, or will it be a loose fit?
Actually the stock brakes are not bad and I normally I don't mind them. However, I find when I'm doing a lot of "city" driving (like when I took the car to the Woodward Dream Cruise), after a while it seemed like a bit of a chore to stop the car (guess I'm spoiled in my old age, everything else now has power brakes, lol). That is when I really noticed and appreciated the (factory) power brakes on my other Maverick. I figured if it wasn't too much of a pain in the a$$, or expensive, I'd try converting it. This unit from ABS Power Brakes "appears" to be just the ticket (time will tell). I haven't installed this unit yet, but I think it's a great opportunity; not horribly expensive, and it will "fit" without too many modifications (it's suppose to clear the std. shock tower brace). I've done a decent amount of mechanic work on my cars, however, I've never tackled anything like this (I've done brake jobs, just nothing with the booster or master cylinder). I will report back when I get this done (not sure yet when that will be, might not be till next spring, I've got a lot going on right now) and let everyone know if "in my opinion" it was worth the money and effort.
I was putting together a list of things I'll need to pick up at the auto parts store for this project. Anybody know if I'll need to get a "check valve" to put in the vacuum line? Also, I've heard a lot of talk about a "brake booster filter" that is suppose to protect the booster diaphragm by possible oil/fuel vapor contaminates. Would it hurt to put one in the vacuum line, or would it affect (block) vacuum pressure on these older cars?
A new booster will come with an "elbow" that I believe will perform the functions you describe. It also has extra "ports" built into for other applications. I did not like the looks of this elbow and I bought the correct one on ebay. I hope this helps.
Reviving an old thread. I know it's been a couple years, but "life" has gotten in the way of me completing this upgrade. Just another quick question, I need to fabricate a vacuum line, and wanted to get a few opinions. First, can I used some brake line for the main part, then rubber hoses to make the connections? Does brake line come in large enough diameter (or does that even matter)? Second, can I just run the line along the back firewall and up the fender, or should I try bending one to "match" the factory one which cuts across the top of the engine. Obviously I'd like the second option, but I'm wondering if that would be more trouble than it's worth (and wondering if I could make all those bends successfully?). What are your thoughts/suggestions... Thanks Art
