[Nitebird]

I am having a difficult time getting to the nuts that hold the brake booster to the firewall of my 79 TA/SE with 4wheel disc. I cant even get a proper tool on them to get them off. Any tips would be appreciated.

Anybody know what size the nuts are?

[Scarebird]

3/8-16, uses 9/16"wrench

[Don 79 TA]

if you are referring the 4 bolts that hold the booster to the FW on my car they were metric (79 TA with a large booster)
15mm and a MOFO and half to get off
i replaced the bolts with nice lock washers and loctite from home depot, i don't recall the ptich off hand but again was metric (fine thread too if not mistaken)

OMG.... so much easier, but still a PITA cause you had VERY limited wrench movement, something like 1 1/16 to 1/8 turn at most (well with my FAT hands at least)

[2manyT/A'S]

A 15mm ratcheting box end wrench works well on this job....the nut/studs are usually sprayed over with a black sealant and can be a PAIN to take off......especially the first time.............

Be prepared to bleed on the job..........

[Nitebird]

Originally Posted by Don 79 TA

if you are referring the 4 bolts that hold the booster to the FW on my car they were metric (79 TA with a large booster)
15mm and a MOFO and half to get off
i replaced the bolts with nice lock washers and loctite from home depot, i don't recall the ptich off hand but again was metric (fine thread too if not mistaken)

OMG.... so much easier, but still a PITA cause you had VERY limited wrench movement, something like 1 1/16 to 1/8 turn at most (well with my FAT hands at least)

I knew something was weird with those nuts as I tried a 9/16 wrench and it didn't want to seat properly.

I will get 15mm wrenches and try those.

[Nitebird]

Originally Posted by 2manyT/A'S

A 15mm ratcheting box end wrench works well on this job....the nut/studs are usually sprayed over with a black sealant and can be a PAIN to take off......especially the first time.............

Be prepared to bleed on the job..........

Those nuts are a real pain to reach. I will try that type of tool today.

[bankbook]

Buy yourself a ratcheting wrench.

[2manyT/A'S]

Originally Posted by Nitebird

Those nuts are a real pain to reach. I will try that type of tool today.

That job is a whole lot more fun if the hood and left front fender are out of the picture......

[Nitebird]

Originally Posted by 2manyT/A'S

That job is a whole lot more fun if the hood and left front fender are out of the picture......

I am working by myself in the garage so taking the hood off is not going to happen at this time. However I do have the left inner fender out right now so maybe that helps me out a little.

[Scarebird]

Interesting on the size discrepancy - my 79 T/A is 98k+ production number and has the SAE studs.

That said it may be worth your time to make 90* offset wrench to reach the studs.

[2manyT/A'S]

Perhaps yours is an early build?
Which plant.... Norwood or VN.....

Also,the complete steering column was "metrified" for 79......

My 78 was metric bolts holding transmission mount (4 speed) to trans case and crossmember...

[Scarebird]

198XXX on the build, so it was late in the model year 403 Van Nuys car.

My theory is they may have been low on these parts and dipped into the older parts inventory to keep things going.

[Nitebird]

Mine are 15mm the booster is original and doesnt look to have ever been disturbed or off the car . It is a Van Nuys build TA/SE 4speed W72 and WS6 car.

[Skip Fix]

My 79 Camaro had 15mm and the angling ratcheting wrench was great for getting in there.

[gtohurstjudge]

The proper tool for this job is an end wrench with a ratchet built
into it's head. Pretty impossible to do without one of those wrenches when the fender and hood are in the way.

[Skip Fix]

Originally Posted by gtohurstjudge

The proper tool for this job is an end wrench with a ratchet built
into it's head. Pretty impossible to do without one of those wrenches when the fender and hood are in the way.

Exactly and get one that can angle the head.

[Don 79 TA]

I had the hood off, and yes the fender off would be even nicer too, but you don't have to have these off, just A LOT of patience and don't do it in a 100 degree humid garage (ask me how i know)

and YES... it was a MOFO and half to do
I had the SUPER huge booster too and lets just call em FAT hands too

[jmurray878]

Maybe it's a Norwood/Van Nuys thing??? I have both a 79 T/A and a 79 Formula (both Norwood cars) and both have M10 x 1.5 thread studs for the booster.