Hey all, Took my ’bird into Los Angeles to get a new top motor, lines and cylinders installed, (actually only went in for a leaky hose replacement- $$$)
Anyway, on the way back I got caught in our infamous traffic, stop and go the whole way!. It took two and a half hours to go just over 50 miles, however this trip made me realize how much I hate the manual drum brakes that I have. It really can be a work - out in ,100 degree heat - wave, to be constantly applying those beasts.
SOOO I’ve decided that I want to install a vacuum brake booster with a new master cylinder etc. For those that have accomplished this; How big a job is it? Can an average DIY’r do it in a weekend? Any recommendation as to brands? ( I’m guessing a licensed Delco repro???)
Mike Its pretty easy. The master is the same, all you have to do is bolt in the booster and bend the lines a little, and add the vac hose. In fact I just sent you a pm telling you that my master cyl. is bad. I can do most all mech. work so any time you need help let me know. I have most all the tools to do most of the work. Also its very easy to convert to front disc. If you dont mind it being for a 69 and not a 68. 69's use single piston caliper as 68 used 4 piston I just looked at Classic, booster with master cyl is $279.95 I checked Napa and Kragen they dont list any for the Firebird but do for a Camaro, which is the same. Kragen was about $190 for both. These prices were for front disc's though. I think they have the drum brake ones for less $
Mike Its pretty easy. The master is the same, all you have to do is bolt in the booster and bend the lines a little, and add the vac hose. In fact I just sent you a pm telling you that my master cyl. is bad. I can do most all mech. work so any time you need help let me know. I have most all the tools to do most of the work. Also its very easy to convert to front disc. If you dont mind it being for a 69 and not a 68. 69's use single piston caliper as 68 used 4 piston I just looked at Classic, booster with master cyl is $279.95 I checked Napa and Kragen they dont list any for the Firebird but do for a Camaro, which is the same. Kragen was about $190 for both. These prices were for front disc's though. I think they have the drum brake ones for less $
These vacuum boosters are frequently sold are car shows much cheaper than through these vendors if you don't require an OEM Delco stamp. PB11001 from MBM was around $150 at Carlisle a few shows ago.
