1966 Power Brakes

[Thomas S.]

The incorrect brake master cylinder I have in my 1966 w/power brakes is leaking. I am contemplating buying a repro for a 1967 from one of the corvette parts suppliers (to hold me over until I find that original 1966 for a reasonable price). Does anyone know if there are any issues with installing a 1967 repro power brake master cylinder? I believe the power boosters are the same. Is there a better "temporary" replacement? Thanks.

Tom

[Larry S.]

Re: 1966 Power Brakes

I would think any auto parts store 1967 corvette master cylender would work.

I always see them going on ebay for fair prices 350 to 450 range needing a rebuild.Every now and then youll see one SKY HIGH

[P.J. McGrath]

Re: 1966 Power Brakes

Tom - My '66 has a 1977 master cylinder installed. (according to the receipt)It was on there when I bought the car and it works great. Especially once I had the booster rebuilt!! Adapter fittings are used where the brake lines attach to the master cylinder because the thread sizes are different. Let me know if you find a source for that '66 master cylinder. Can't find um. Regards - P.J.

[Jack H.]

Correct Original 65/66 PB MC's....

aren't cheap! The going rate is in the $700-1200 range depending on condition and whether you're buying as an end user or commercial distributor. The '65 MC with it's smaller hydraulic lines is a tad more rare/expensive than the '66 version.

As far as a driver/service replacement MC goes, others are correct. Just saunter on down to your high volume auto parts store and pick up a generically rebuilt MC for the '66 PB Corvette application. Who knows, once in a BLUE MOON you get REAL lucky and they drag out a box with dust on it that contains a real McCoy, original MC!!!!!

[Joe L.]

Re: 1966 Power Brakes

Tom-----

Except for adapation of the brake lines and/or fittings, the 67 master cylinder will work perfectly. The same master cylinder was also used for 68-76 Corvettes with manual brakes. Functionally, the 65-66 1" bore PB master cylinder is IDENTICAL to the 1967 1" bore master cylinder which was used for all applications except J-56. The internal parts are different and non-interchangeable but the performance and functionality of the master cylinders are the same.

[Thomas S.]

Re: 1966 Power Brakes

Thanks to all for the help. As it happens, I just got my booster back from Booster Dewey today (real name Power Brake Booster Exchange in OR). I sent it to him based on several postings recommending him. Appearance and service wise, they did a great job - even sending me a postcard to tell me they received it, there was no damage in the mail, and they could rebuild and replate my original per our discussion on the phone. It came back in a reasonable amount of time. I'll be hunting the local shops this weekend to find a master cylinder and working on the car for Memorial Day to see if it functions as well as it looks:) Thanks to those that recommended Dewey as well.