Brake pedal question

[Christopher T.]

The brake pedal on my '73 just doesn't seem to want to give up the ghost. After spending two days trying to loosen the rusted pin that holds the master cylinder plunger to the brake pedal, I finally get it loose and it comes almost all the way out and BAM!! It hits the side of the main bracket that holds the clutch pedal and brake pedal in place. My question is, do I have to leave the plunger attached to the brake pedal and pull it thru the firewall and when the whole pedal mess is out, then remove the brake pedal from the main bracket, THEN remove the pin or should the pin come out now with brake pedal still installed???? I hope the above explanation makes sense, because the whole situation is about got me pulling my hair out.

[Martin N.]

Re: Brake pedal question

CHRIS-
It's been 3 or more years for my booster replacement on my 74 but I think if you push down on the pedal with one hand and then you'll get clearance to pull the pin with the other? I don't recall for sure. I do remeber using some language that I hadn't in a very long time! Perhaps someone who's done it more recently will chim in.

Marty

[Christopher T.]

Re: Brake pedal question

When you say down, do you mean toward the floorboard?

[Martin N.]

Re: Brake pedal question

CHRIS-
Yes, down towards the floorboard. Is the master loose from the booster and the booster from the firewall?

Marty

[Joe L.]

Re: Brake pedal question

CHRIS-
It's been 3 or more years for my booster replacement on my 74 but I think if you push down on the pedal with one hand and then you'll get clearance to pull the pin with the other? I don't recall for sure. I do remeber using some language that I hadn't in a very long time! Perhaps someone who's done it more recently will chim in.

Marty

Marty-----


You have described how it's done. Also, upon re-assembly, getting that special retaining clip back on the clevis pin can be a BEAR!

[Martin N.]

Re: Brake pedal question

JOE-

Being double-jointed REALLY helps with that clip installation!

Marty

[Christopher T.]

Re: Brake pedal question

The master cylinder isn't loose yet and I have no booster. But would that matter? The brake pedal is attached to the main bracket via the clutch pedal, and you can't get the pedal's out without removing them together with that bracket their attached to.

[Martin N.]

Re: Brake pedal question

CHRIS-
I would try loosening the master cylinder to the point where it's just held on with the very ends of the threaded studs by the 2 nuts. Push down on the brake pedal (towards the firewall) and pull up on the clutch pedal (towards the drivers seat). I'd wedge a bar as leverage between the 2 and use that as a one handed tool. Hopfully that'll get you the clearance for the pin removal. Have you gotten the clevis pin retainer off yet? Keep us posted and good luck.

Marty

[Christopher T.]

Re: Brake pedal question

Hey Marty,
I did get the get the clevis pin retainer off. Tomorrow I'll try your advise and see if I have any luck.
Thanks, I'll keep you advised.

[Christopher T.]

Re: Brake pedal question

Finally got the time to get back to it and it finally gave it up. The pin is out! Now I just want to sandblast all the parts, give them a good coat of POR15 and put it all back together. Thanks again for all the help.