The conversion line kit makes it worlds easier
to adapt your system to the new two-circuit master cylinder. They still
may require some bending, depending on the prop valve you're using and such |
|
We soaked most of the brake fluid out of the
reservoir with a rag, and then detached the old brake line with a line wrench. |
|
The line was pulled out of the Tee down on the
frame, too. |
|
|
Alan removed the stock master from the firewall
by pulling the two bolts. |
|
The pushrod was then unbolted from the pedal
arm. |
|
Now the stock master can be removed and trashed. |
|
|
Using the mounting brackets as templates, the
two extra holes used to mount the booster were drilled out. We were careful
to check for wiring harnesses and such beforehand. |
|
These mounting brackets tilt the booster slightly,
which changes the pedal ratio in order to get a full stroke out of the master
cylinder. |
|
The booster/master assembly was set onto the
mounting brackets... |
|
|
...and mounted up solid using stainless fasteners. |
|
Looking good! Now it's time to do all the connecting
so it works! |
|
As per the directions, Alan drilled a new hole
in the pedal arm 1 inch lower than the original. The reason for this is
that it makes the pedal less "touchy." |
|
|
The pushrod was then bolted up through the new
hole. |
|
Before Alan ran the new lines, I cleaned up the
old line and surrounding area and repainted the crossmember. |
|
These are the passenger-side lines after separating
the front and rear circuits. |
|
|
Alan drilled and tapped for a couple Kugel clamps
to secure the two lines as they run along the crossmember. |
|
Not bad, eh? I was glad I did the extra cleanup
work once I saw the results. |
|
We removed the previously plugged 1/8-inch vacuum
fitting from the intake manifold and replaced it with the new 3/8-inch unit. |
|
|
We then ran the vacuum line over to the fitting
on the booster. |
|
Now Alan connected the lines at the prop valve
and made a few more minor bends. |
|
Here's a cool trick. Alan smashed one Kugel clamp
and used it against a standard clamp, making for a cool little separator
for the two brake lines. |
|
|
CPP even carries top-of-the-line brake fluid,
which we then used to fill the master cylinder reservoir. |
|
Alan broke his own cardinal rule and installed
the master cylinder without bench bleeding it first. We leveled it out using
the airbags on the truck (Jim's idea), and Alan removed the lines and pumped
out any air bubbles that were in the system. |
|
We then proceeded to bleed the brakes, starting
at the right rear corner and working to the front left. |
|
|
Now we fired up the truck and checked for any
leaks before heading out for a few brake checks. |
|
 |
|
This photo is kind of unremarkable, but that's because when I hit
the brakes, the truck stopped straight, smoothly, and steadily. And the
pedal pressure needed to apply the brakes is now a fraction of what it once
was. With overdrive, power steering, and now power brakes, Old School is
truly becoming quite nice to drive. At least it still looks mean! |
|