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01-17-2023, 06:49 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: Nov 2022
Location: Oshawa, Ontario.
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Brake conversion to power assist.
Hi all,
I want to convert the brakes on my 55 Fairlane to power assist. What parts are needed and where can I purchase them? Can I keep the original res. and just add a booster?
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1955 FORD FAIRLANE 1967 FORD MUSTANG CONV. |
01-17-2023, 07:02 PM | #2 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Granite City, Illinois
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Re: Brake conversion to power assist.
The original Ford "Swift-Sure" power brake system is a factory add on vacuum-booster/slave cylinder. The standard master cylinder remains un-changed, but it is piped to the slave cylinder then down to the main pressure junction block, also unchanged.
Very easy to install. New or rebuilt power-booster/slave cylinder assemblies can be purchased from some of the repro parts suppliers like Concourse or Mac's. They even have the repro mounting bracket that the booster fits on. The bracket mounts on the inner fender apron in front of the master cylinder. They also sell the repro "swift-Sure" power brake pedal, although it is strictly cosmetic. You may need to get an old hydrovac unit from a donor car and send it in to Lares Mfg to get rebuilt or send to the repro parts vendor and they can swap it for a rebuilt one. |
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01-17-2023, 08:23 PM | #3 |
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Location: Midland Park, NJ
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Re: Brake conversion to power assist.
You won't be able to purchase from Mac' (Ecklers) anymore - out of the old car parts business so I am told.
I believe the basic unit was the same as on the early Tbirds so the Tbird parts suppliers may have the units (CASCO, Hill's, Prestige)
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48 Ford Conv 56 Tbird 54 Ford Victoria |
01-17-2023, 08:40 PM | #4 |
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Location: Kent, WA. Tucson, AZ
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Re: Brake conversion to power assist.
This is the link to Larry’s Thunderbird on the original style booster. Note the “call for availability”. You might also want to sit down and have an adult beverage handy before you open it.
There are similar aftermarket units available in both single and dual circuits. Unless “original appearance” is important it would be worth pricing one of those. https://www.larrystbird.com/product/...ooster-kit-55/ |
01-17-2023, 08:45 PM | #5 | ||
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Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Abq, NM
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Re: Brake conversion to power assist.
Quote:
Quote:
Just an old 'before' photo to help you visualize the misc parts & plumbing connections... ('55 T-bird) Last edited by dmsfrr; 01-17-2023 at 10:21 PM. |
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01-24-2023, 07:40 PM | #6 |
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Join Date: Nov 2022
Location: Oshawa, Ontario.
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Re: Brake conversion to power assist.
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1955 FORD FAIRLANE 1967 FORD MUSTANG CONV. |
01-24-2023, 07:41 PM | #7 |
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Join Date: Nov 2022
Location: Oshawa, Ontario.
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Re: Brake conversion to power assist.
thanks for the info Paul!
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1955 FORD FAIRLANE 1967 FORD MUSTANG CONV. |
01-24-2023, 07:42 PM | #8 |
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Join Date: Nov 2022
Location: Oshawa, Ontario.
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Re: Brake conversion to power assist.
Thanks Mike.....I spat out my Canadian beer when I saw the cost!
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1955 FORD FAIRLANE 1967 FORD MUSTANG CONV. |
01-24-2023, 07:43 PM | #9 |
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Join Date: Nov 2022
Location: Oshawa, Ontario.
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Re: Brake conversion to power assist.
thanks for the info and pix for reference.
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1955 FORD FAIRLANE 1967 FORD MUSTANG CONV. |
01-24-2023, 09:24 PM | #10 |
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Santa Rosa, CA.
Posts: 98
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Re: Brake conversion to power assist.
Does it have to be factory? I converted my 4-wheel drums to power on my '54. Used a Mustang dual MC. Also, had to fab one front brake line from the tee to the MC and made the pushrod adjustable from the pedal to the booster. I think it cost around $100 pre-inflation prices. It's a bit more now.
https://www.jegs.com/i/Speedmaster/7...BoC6hYQAvD_BwE https://www.autozone.com/brakes-and-...488/305042_0_0 https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attachment.php? attachmentid=508269&stc=1&d=1674613368 https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...1&d=1674613368 |
01-27-2023, 04:02 PM | #11 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Phoenix,AZ
Posts: 1,417
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Re: Brake conversion to power assist.
You should use a unit like this as it includes a dual master cylinder and the correct bracket to clear a y-blocks exhaust. Put this number in ebay Search 332519698056 guys in my 1952-59 Ford Group have used this company for well over a decade with positive results.
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01-28-2023, 06:55 AM | #12 |
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Join Date: Feb 2022
Location: Lake Havasu City, AZ
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Re: Brake conversion to power assist.
Here are the links to what I used to convert my ‘54:
https://www.autocityclassic.com/full...ada-fdpwr5556/ https://www.summitracing.com/parts/leb-vp001b https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g1463b |
01-28-2023, 12:26 PM | #13 |
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Join Date: Nov 2022
Location: Oshawa, Ontario.
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Re: Brake conversion to power assist.
Many thanks....I converted my 67 Mustang a few years ago and it used the same parts.
I should be able to get my parts here in Toronto area!
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1955 FORD FAIRLANE 1967 FORD MUSTANG CONV. |
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