53 olds manual to power brake conversion

va88 · July 20th, 2007, 07:30 PM

I am wanting to change from manual to power brakes. My mechanical skills are limited but I am ready to get my hands dirty! On my 53 the brake cylinder is under floor board, any advice??

redoldsman · July 21st, 2007, 09:37 PM

If you have limited mechanical skills, don't attempt this. A friend of mine has a 54 which I have overseen the restoration. We bought a donor car with power brakes (and steering) to get the parts. We then took both cars to a very good mechanic. Even for him, this was a lot of work. It is complicated by the fact everything is under the floorboard. There is a vacuum canister under the floor that is mounted on the frame. We had to have a new one built. There is a panel on the floorboard around the pedal that is different. I have pretty good mechanical skills and I would not attempt this. It is involves a lot more than getting dirty. The power brakes and steering really do help the car but they are both a lot of work. Just my two cents. Good Luck

ozoneblue · July 22nd, 2007, 08:06 AM

I agree with oldsman i have a54 with full power & even rebuilding the system was a pain.If you find a donar car & have alot of time it would be worth it ,& you wont say you have limited skills any more Good luck & keep us informed

va88 · July 29th, 2007, 01:41 PM

Thanks for the info! It is great to find things out this way then the hard way.

July 20th, 2007, 07:30 PM	#1 (permalink)
va88 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 5	53 olds manual to power brake conversion I am wanting to change from manual to power brakes. My mechanical skills are limited but I am ready to get my hands dirty! On my 53 the brake cylinder is under floor board, any advice??

July 21st, 2007, 09:37 PM	#2 (permalink)
redoldsman Proud Viet Nam Veteran Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Rowlett, TX Posts: 480	If you have limited mechanical skills, don't attempt this. A friend of mine has a 54 which I have overseen the restoration. We bought a donor car with power brakes (and steering) to get the parts. We then took both cars to a very good mechanic. Even for him, this was a lot of work. It is complicated by the fact everything is under the floorboard. There is a vacuum canister under the floor that is mounted on the frame. We had to have a new one built. There is a panel on the floorboard around the pedal that is different. I have pretty good mechanical skills and I would not attempt this. It is involves a lot more than getting dirty. The power brakes and steering really do help the car but they are both a lot of work. Just my two cents. Good Luck __________________ redoldsman

July 22nd, 2007, 08:06 AM	#3 (permalink)
ozoneblue Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 503	I agree with oldsman i have a54 with full power & even rebuilding the system was a pain.If you find a donar car & have alot of time it would be worth it ,& you wont say you have limited skills any more Good luck & keep us informed __________________ OzoneBlue project cars for sale

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July 29th, 2007, 01:41 PM	#4 (permalink)
va88 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 5	Thanks for the info! It is great to find things out this way then the hard way.