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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8
Grease Monkey
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Grease Monkey
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8 |
Anyone out there have any advice about putting a power brake system on a 1952 Chevy? Sure would like some information as to how to go about this.
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64
ChatMaster - 15,000
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ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64 |
It will be difficult by you have several options. Find and fit a '54 power steering on your '52. You will have to change the front engine pulley, steering column, left engine mount and add a bunch of other parts. Or you can add change the steering column with a later 50s or custom replacement (street rod stuff) and then modify or replace another bunch of parts. There are plenty of Street Rod suppliers that will be happy to take your money. If you go that way ask for the names/numbers of a few that have done it and talk to them before starting. It might save you some wasted time and $$$$$. Nothing better than have someone else do the experimental work and prove it can be done. That is unless you want to be the pioneer. I had a wise boss that once told me to never be a pioneer because "that was the dude with the arrow in his chest". The ones that followed survived.
How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,863
Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
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Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,863 |
The Mangy Old Mutt
"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
There is a power brake unit with a dual master cylinder that mounts under the floor for 1949-1954 cars. It costs around $200. I bought one last year for my '50 but have not installed it as yet.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64
ChatMaster - 15,000
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ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64 |
By Bad! Looked at brakes and thought steering. Guess the eyes are not as good as I thought.
How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 206
Backyard Mechanic
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Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 206 |
There's a fairly simple way to add power to any brake system by adding a GM "Hydrovac" unit to the system. I believe they were used exclusively on trucks originally but they will work effectively on any brake system. It only requires mounting the self contained unit under the vehicle, running a vacuum line to it, and adjusting the brake line to hook up the system. I'm sure it isn't as efficient as the units that apply the assist to the master cylinder itself, but it doesn't require any modification to the vehicle, easy to remove if desired, and provides the power brake feel. I don't know how available the units are, I found an NOS unit at a swap meet for $30. It will not however compensate for a brake system that is not in good operating condition. After I rebuilt my sytem compltetely, I found it to be more than satisfactory as original.
52Conv
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 865
ChatMaster - 750
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ChatMaster - 750
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 865 |
The Hydrovac's are available from Godman Hi-Performance. They are available in two size and can be used with single or double master cylinders. They are located in Memphis Tn. 1-800-456-2369 www.godmanhiperformance.comDD
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