Switch to power brakes?

[Tom S.]

What is involved with changing a c2 over to p.b. ? Is it just a matter of changing to a booster and master cyl. ? If that is all there is to it I might change my 65 over. It seems it takes quite a bit of pressure to stop it.Any advice? Tom

[Peter J.]

Re: Switch to power brakes?

Tom,
I am switching my 66 to power brakes not because the standard brakes aren't good enough but because I want the added safety of a split master cylinder. It is a pretty straight forward swap except for the hunting for original parts, master cylinders and boosters are pricey. You will need -master cylinder, booster, brake lines and brake light switch adapter.
All the parts are in reproduction if you want to go that route.

[Louis T.]

Re: Switch to power brakes?

Tom,

Congrats on the new C2.

First, verify that all of the components of the existing brake system are operating properly (Duke had a great post in response to a stuck drum brake system problem back in January that was good advise for inspecting all brake systems).

Second, make sure the previous owner didn't install metallic pads thinking he was doing himself a favor - manual disk brake cars should use organic pads for a reasonable balance between short stopping distances and pedal effort for street use.

Good luck!

Louis

[Tom S.]

Re: Switch to power brakes?

Peter
Thanks for the info. The 65's have a sigle master cyl. I don't know if I would want to go double because of originality? I know the doubles are safer but I don't drive any of my vettes very far or often so I am thinking about staying with single. Thanks again Tom

[Harry S.]

Re: Switch to power brakes?

Tom, as I recall the 65 P/B MC is a double. I'm helping a friend look for one for his 65. Best price we found so far for a core is $1300.00. We're still looking for a better price.

The 65 has 3/16 brake line fittings and the 66 has 1/4 inch fittings. That's what makes them rare.

[Joe L.]

Re: Switch to power brakes?

Tom, as I recall the 65 P/B MC is a double. I'm helping a friend look for one for his 65. Best price we found so far for a core is $1300.00. We're still looking for a better price.

The 65 has 3/16 brake line fittings and the 66 has 1/4 inch fittings. That's what makes them rare.

Harry and Tom------


The 1965 (and 1966) standard brake master cylinder is a single circuit. However, the power brake master cylinder is a DUAL circuit.

A reproduction of the power brake master cylinder is now available. It's a NEW part and it costs about 400 bucks. All that it lacks is the Delco logo and casting number (i.e. it's not a GM-licensed part since with such a low-demand piece, it's probably not economically practical to go that way).