Power Brakes


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By Jeff - 16 Years Ago
Has anyone had any experience in adding after market power brakes to a '57 Ford? I prefer not to modify the firewall I see there are several various kits available but I was wondering if there was a less expensive approach such as buying a certain booster from the local auto parts store which would fit.

Thanks
By PF Arcand - 16 Years Ago
Jeff: I don't have the answer to your question, although I'm interested in the answer. However, something to keep in mind on that question, is that your manual Master cylinder has a different size piston than the one originally used on Power brakes. Can't remember if it's bigger of smaller. Someone else here can probably clarify that point.
By Larry D - 16 Years Ago
Hi Jeff,  You have a few choices.  There are kits out there that mount a booster and dual master cyl. under the hood, Master Power etc..  I've seen some on ebay as little as $199.  The factory Kelsey Hayes unit is a bellows type that mounts under the dash and uses a reserve tank mounted on the left inner fender.  The master cyl. for a P.B. equipped car has a 1 1/8th" dia. bore as opposed to the non p.b. 1" bore.  You can also use a dual master cyl. from a 68 Mustang with this set up.  A good useable factory set up usually runs $250.  Your other option would be a remote booster like those used on the 55/56 Fords or 55 to 57 T-Bird.  These install easily and work reasonably well, but are more money.
By simplyconnected - 16 Years Ago
MBM makes a great kit, and it's CHEAP!  For ~$200, it comes with a dual master cylinder, and a 7" two-stage diaphragm.  It will put you through the windshield.

I installed one on my '55 Customline, and I bought one for my '59 Galaxie (but haven't installed it yet on the Galaxie).  They're all over eBay.

I saw this setup on my buddy's '57 Ford and fell in love with it:

Mine is a two-stage which is only 7" (a lot skinnier than this one to clear my Y-Block exhaust manifolds).  Anyway, MBM has a complete kit for these Fords, and there is NO altering the firewall or bolt patterns.  It's slick.  - Dave

By Tom Compton - 16 Years Ago
Here is link for complete conversion including, it says, 56 Ford Car for what seems a reasonable price.  Any one have experience with these on a 56?  If fit 56 shouldn't the same fit some earlier?  55 and 54?

https://dfbrakes.com/products.asp?id=32

TC

By marvsmerc - 16 Years Ago
This Is from a Thread not too long ago where all this was discussed- do a search & put in power drums............These are from Jamco Suspensions
PBB5272
52-72 FORD & MERCURY POWER BRAKE ASSEMBLY

Regular Price: $319.95
(Selected options may carry additional charges)

NEW LOWER PRICE
1952-56 FORD & MERCURY POWER BRAKE ASSEMBLY. KIT INCLUDES: 8" DUAL DIAPHRAGM BOOSTER, DUAL CHAMBER MASTER CYLINDER, PROP VALVE W/ LINES AND FIREWALL BRACKET W/ PUSHROD.

Note: WILL NOT FIT VEHICLES WITH 292 OR 312 ENGINE RUNNING OE EXHAUST MANIFOLDS. WILL

I bought one like this on ebay for $199,but it looks like they are up in price.   I have seen some 50's fords with some which looked like 60's galaxie power boosters.  I had to do a few modifications to this one, so maybe it would be just as easy to modify the galaxie boosters, which you can probably get for alot less........... good luck.. Mike

     

By Jeff - 16 Years Ago
Thanks for all the pointers. Look like I've got some research to do. I'll keep you all posted as to how I make out



Jeff