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I have a 66 Toronado thats all original with 4 wheel drum power brakes, with a single res Master cylinder.
I don't want to upgrade to discs, as this would require different wheels. I would like to install a dual res Master cylinder for safety's sake. Does anyone have experience doing this and could offer some guidance? I can't be the only one who ever wanted to do this.
Is this a bolt in mod, or do I need different lines, proportioning valve and that kind of stuff? If its just a MaSter cylinder swap that sounds almost too good to be true.
You've definitely pointed me in the right direction. I love my car but I hate my brakes! I'd love to hear from someone who has done this swap, and what their experience was like.
I saw a video of a 66 Vette crashing into a house, likely due to failed brakes with a single res MC. I don't want that to be me!
Dual master cylinder cars have a different distribution block that is separated into front and rear brakes with a switch in between that alerts the driver if one has pressure and the other does not. 67 will work as well as 68. Your 66 would would have a distribution block with all lines coming together at a single point so you will need to buy a master cylinder, distribution block and make or buy new brake lines. You may be able to reuse/ modify the front to rear brake line and possibly the front lines that go from the block to each side if they are long enough. Obviously you will need new lines from the master cylinder to distribution block Inline tube now sells complete brake line kits for these cars.
Originally Posted by curvewrecker
You've definitely pointed me in the right direction. I love my car but I hate my brakes! I'd love to hear from someone who has done this swap, and what their experience was like.
I saw a video of a 66 Vette crashing into a house, likely due to failed brakes with a single res MC. I don't want that to be me!
This is a very wise upgrade. A few years ago I was at a car show in OC Maryland and a gorgeous red and white 56 olds convertible stuffed its nose into the back of the car in front of it (I assume due to a failed brake hose in a single master cylinder system).
Last edited by Loaded68W34; Nov 12, 2020 at 05:36 PM.
Your distribution block will look something like this:
The 67-68 distribution block looks like this:
If you use the above block, you will likely need to change the fittings on the end of some of your original lines as this block uses 1/4 and 3/16 inch lines like your current ones, but the rear and possibly one of the front lines use fittings with larger threads.
The block pictured above is designed to do exactly what you are trying to do. It fits where the original block fits, but separates the front and rear brakes into two different circuits. The one pictured above is made for a chevelle so you may still have to modify the front lines and you would still need new master cylinder lines.
Last edited by Loaded68W34; Nov 12, 2020 at 05:37 PM.
Classic Tube is another manufacturer that makes the brake tubing that you will need. Considering that Inline has a habit of sending the wrong parts and then charging a restocking fee, you might want to buy from Classic instead
You don't need to change the 1966 distribution block. Simply plug the port on the dist block that feeds the rear brakes and plumb the rear brake line directly to the port on the M/C. Less cost, fewer potential leak points. Since your car doesn't have a differential pressure switch now, there's no reason to add one. Just be sure to use a plug for an inverted flare port, NOT a pipe plug.
As Joe said. YOu can buy a coupler and a short line that is already flared with nuts on it to extend the line for the rear brakes so it goes to the master cylinder. I have seen such short lines at Pep Boys that already come with the special nut on one end to go into the master cylinder. Otherwise, you would need to cut off one end, install a correct nut (I got some at a junkyard), and make a double lap flare. Similarly, you need a short line with correct nuts to go from the other port on the master cylinder to your original distribution block.
