Brake Booster Install

[hendrixftw22]

Hi! I am trying to install the brake booster on my 71 Mach 1 factory manual drum brakes. We have completed the disc brake conversion on the front and now are ready to install the brake booster. We have removed the master cylinder that was originally on it and now see that there are the two holes the master cylinder was threaded into and then two studs below. I have read in some other forums that we might need to drill these studs out. However, our kit instructions say to drill out 4 new holes for the brake booster to be installed. Is this correct?

If so, do we need to remove the bracket holding the pedal that is there now? Any feedback/guidance would be appreciated!

 

[Steve McMahan]

Can you post a pic if those installation instructions regarding the drilling? Usually, when you do a front disc brake conversion, you replace the existing master cyl because the front disc master has a larger brake fluid bowl. Good luck.

 

[Stanglover]

I replied to your questions in Marks1 post. Converting manual drums to factory disc.....
What booster are you trying to install.

 

[Hemikiller]

If you were converting to a factory booster and pedal, you can simply use a 7/16" drill bit to clean the threads out of the weld nuts on the pedal bracket. No need to remove it, just run the drill through.

If you're using an aftermarket booster, then maybe a call to the manufacturer might be in order.

 

[Stanglover]

As a new member, we'd love to hear more about your car with some pics, we love pics!
There is a section for Introductions.
Welcome from SW Ontario, Canada.

 

[hendrixftw22]

I replied to your questions in Marks1 post. Converting manual drums to factory disc.....
What booster are you trying to install.

Here are a few pictures of the booster we have. We got the entire kit from Leed Brakes. I also included a picture of our current firewall with the holes and studs after removing the master cylinder. I also have a picture with a cardboard template of how the booster would line up now. It seems similar to your post where we would need to modify the hole for the pushrod lower than where the master cylinder was originally located.

 

[hendrixftw22]

As a new member, we'd love to hear more about your car with some pics, we love pics!
There is a section for Introductions.
Welcome from SW Ontario, Canada.

Absolutely, I will do so now!

 

[Stanglover]

Here are a few pictures of the booster we have. We got the entire kit from Leed Brakes. I also included a picture of our current firewall with the holes and studs after removing the master cylinder. I also have a picture with a cardboard template of how the booster would line up now. It seems similar to your post where we would need to modify the hole for the pushrod lower than where the master cylinder was originally located.

I'm not familiar with the Leed Brake booster, but many have chosen that one. It looks to be identical as far as bolt pattern goes. As for the cover plate seen in your pic d4b**** I honestly don't remember if that just came out when I removed the peddle bracket or whether I had to cut it out. The firewall was obviously made for both scenarios with the cover plate inserted when manual brakes were used. Oh wait!! I see two screws that I think are self tappers used to hold that plate in place. I'm pretty sure that's it.
There are a couple of posts going right now on this subject, go back through the others as I'm sure some of your questions are asked and answered there.
One more item, you'll need a different stop light switch if I remember.

 

[Hemikiller]

The cover plate will come out when you remove the two sheetmetal screws from the inside, and the lower fasteners which are studs. They will unthread from the pedal hanger bracket. It's been over twenty years since I converted a drum car to discs, but there *may* be a spotweld or two holding it in place.

 

[Stanglover]

The cover plate will come out when you remove the two sheetmetal screws from the inside, and the lower fasteners which are studs. They will unthread from the pedal hanger bracket. It's been over twenty years since I converted a drum car to discs, but there *may* be a spotweld or two holding it in place.

View attachment 93613

Your memory is better than mine!!

 

[hendrixftw22]

The cover plate will come out when you remove the two sheetmetal screws from the inside, and the lower fasteners which are studs. They will unthread from the pedal hanger bracket. It's been over twenty years since I converted a drum car to discs, but there *may* be a spotweld or two holding it in place.

View attachment 93613

How do we go about getting those studs out? Should we go ahead and drill them out? Also, where did you find this diagram? Is there a website or a book we can purchase?

 

[Stanglover]

How do we go about getting those studs out? Should we go ahead and drill them out? Also, where did you find this diagram? Is there a website or a book we can purchase?

The mind works in mysterious ways. I was at the gym just now when I remembered what to do with the studs (I think). They unscrew. you'll probably need to spray with penetrating oil around the base of the studs. Use two nuts, one as a jamb nut against the other and they should come out. Then you can drill the holes out with a 7/16" bit. I think any remaining weld nut that was on the back (bracket) will not interfere.
If I'm wrong, then my old mind is worse than I thought!!
Let us know if that works.

 

[Hemikiller]

Just like Stanglover said, they unscrew - they're doubled ended studs. I can't remember if I used the jam nut method or vice grips, it was 1991 the last time I did one of these.

The image is from the Ford assembly manuals. You can get them in print, CD or USB. I bought the CD and saved it to my cloud server. A little pc magic can get rid of the watermarks.

https://www.npdlink.com/1965-1973-m...factory/electrical-assembly-manuals?year=1973