Power Brake to Manual Brake conversion

[samssuperpro]

I'm Trying to convert a 79 firebird to manual brakes, I've done it on my 80 but the adjustable rod that i use is getting harder to find.

[samssuperpro]

I'm Trying to convert a 79 firebird to manual brakes, I've done it on my 80 but the adjustable rod that i use is getting harder to find.

[Ken MacNicol]

I have done my Grand Prix and reused the same rod, also just did a friends 87 Trans Am and used the same one also.

[jmax]

MP Brakes (Master Power Brakes) sells an adjustable manual brake pushrod with clevis for twenty bucks. They also have a complete conversion kit for 79 and up GM's for $126. www.mpbrakes.com (http://www.mpbrakes.com) or 888-251-2353

[PONTIAC DUDE]

Simple. Did this to my 76 T/A. Use an aluminum turnbuckle and take the original rod out of the booster. Then I cut it to a have more length in the master cylinder end or the buckle will hit the outer housing and won't apply any more brake. http://forums.performanceyears.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Then thread both rods with nuts to lock your settings in the turnbuckle. Adjust for slight 1/8" play in pedal.
I also use the Chrylser large bore aluminum M/C as it will bolt in the original spot with a slight elongation of the one hole and will aply more pressure.

Been running it for over 10 years.

You can use your original M/C but it has a shallow hole. Just drill it deeper so the rod can't come out with end play and brake pedal release.

[455firebird1969]

FYI...
I called Wilwoods tech line last week looking for a master cylinder for my 1969 Firebird. They will be selling a 1" GM tandam master cylinder in three to four weeks P/N 260-8555.
wilwood's phone is # 805-388-1188

[digger1978]

Do you have to drill a new hole in the brake pedal? I thought the power brake set up is slightly angled down. When you mount just a master cylidner to the firewall, doesn't it go straight in and therefore the hole on the brake pedal won't line up? Correct me if I am wrong. Also Dude, what is a turn buckle?

[russ467]

Actually the extra hole is to give better fulcrum leverage so there is less pedal effort to slow the car down without a booster.
I thought all cars were supposed to have both holes, but my 70 bird doesnt.

[JOE DEYTON]

I've done 4 2nd gen F bodies 70,75& 80 bird & 80 camaro.All of them had a second hole for the manual brake rod, it is larger and has a bolt through it and a metal tab attached. It is used for the brake light switch. I found a couple of camaros 74-77 I guess, anyway they all had manual brakes and straight 6s I took the push rod from these and also the stud for the push rod to hook to as the studs are bigger for manual,that goes in the aforementioned hole where the bolt and tab where. The brake light switch then gets readjusted and the vertical part of the pedal makes the switch work. Simple By the way there are tons of cars at the salvage yard near me with this setup, even 75-79 X bodies work.

[samssuperpro]

Thinks for the input. I'll defintly put it to good use. http://forums.performanceyears.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif