1966 Power Brake Master Cylinder

[Robert T.]

Not sure if my "friends" at Paragon are trying to pull a fast one or if their response was legit. I have my opinion, but I'd like to solicit some more. The issue is as follows. I ordered a 66 power brake master cylindar from them. To my mind what I got was a 65 unit as it had the small(3/16)outlets. When I called them on this they said since my 66 was an early one (#1478), that the factory used 65 MCs for a while with fittings to allow the 1/4 brake line to fit and that the 65 unit was correct. The judging manual does not differenciate by vin and says all outlets are 1/4 inch. Anybody ever hear about early 66 cars using 65 MCs. Thanks for any help.

Bob

[Michael H.]

Re: 1966 Power Brake Master Cylinder

Bob,

While there was an overlap of the 65 and 66 master cyl design, I believe the overlap occured the other way. In 65, the 1st design master cyl used the small outlet holes and the small dia brake lines. Later in the 65 run, the 66 style cyl was used with adapter fittings that allowed the use of the small 65 design steel lines with the larger outlet 66 style cyl.

At SOP of the 66 model run, the 2nd design cyl was used with the new for 66 larger steel lines so no adater fitting was required.

Actually, I believe the 1st design 65 master cyl is much more difficult to find than the 2nd design/66.

[Rob A.]

Re: 1966 Power Brake Master Cylinder

Bob,

My understanding is the same as Michaels'...if anything, late '65 cars may have had '66 power brake master cylinders, rather than the other way around. I believe only replacement master cylinders came with the adapters for the fittings. I'm sure you paid a pretty good price for it, and I would imagine they did not have one with the larger fittings, or they would have sent it to you. If your concern is in regards to judging, I would install one with the larger, 1/4" outlets which to insure full credit.

[Robert T.]

Re: 1966 Power Brake Master Cylinder

Rob, Michael,

Thanks for the response. That was my belief also that some 65s used the 66 MC, not the other way around. Sounds like I've got an item for Ebay as opposed to trying to return it and just swap one for one with a 66 style if the 65 was more rare than the 66.

Thanks again for the quick response.

Bob

[Rob A.]

Re: 1966 Power Brake Master Cylinder

Bob,

There's a reference in Noland Adam's book that suggests that '66 master cylinders came out some time during '65 production, and that adapters were used to install them, as opposed to the other way around. (Not that I consider Noland's book the final authority on originality)

[Robert T.]

Re: 1966 Power Brake Master Cylinder

Thanks again Rob. Do you know whereabouts in the book that is mentioned. Don't spend any time on looking it up though as I'll try to find it tonight. This will be great data to present to Paragon.

Bob

[Jeff S.]

Re: 1966 Power Brake Master Cylinder

Bob

There's a rebuilt '66 p/b m/cyl (1/4" brake pipe fittings) on eBay now with about 2 days left.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=4566599356&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT

Jeff

[Dan A.]

Re: 1966 Power Brake Master Cylinder

Bob I have an original '66 power brake master cylinder rebuilt by Stainless Steel Brake. Never used still in the box. I need a '65. Care to trade?

Dan

[Robert T.]

Re: 1966 Power Brake Master Cylinder

Thanks for the reply Dan.

The trade may work out. Can you send me an Email and I'll send you my phone or if you can include yours I'll call you. Thanks.

Bob