Brake System Setup
#1
Brake System Setup
The next step is to replace the old master cylinder. The 1972 Cutlass S is drum all the way around (restored drum and will be upgraded to disc in front). Original system did not have power booster. Would like to add power booster and correct master cylinder along with proportioning valve if required. Which setup is correct to work with drum setup for now and will also work with front disc upgrade in the future. Is this 1972 Cutlass specific or will different years and gm makes interchange.
#2
Rick, welcome to the site! There's been a lot of discussion on this topic as it's a common upgrade. You can use the search option to find threads on the topic. But I'd read this one first if I were you. Joe put a lot of details into it and I think you'll find it helpful. John
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...sk-brakes.html
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...sk-brakes.html
#3
The next step is to replace the old master cylinder. The 1972 Cutlass S is drum all the way around (restored drum and will be upgraded to disc in front). Original system did not have power booster. Would like to add power booster and correct master cylinder along with proportioning valve if required. Which setup is correct to work with drum setup for now and will also work with front disc upgrade in the future. Is this 1972 Cutlass specific or will different years and gm makes interchange.
#5
The drum brake parts are pretty much the same from 1967-1972. There are some minor differences in master cylinder piston diameter, and manual M/Cs have a different diameter from power M/Cs. All GM A-body cars from those years use common brake parts.
#6
Thank you Joe. Started project in 2001 and removed distribution block at approximately that time. Was not my original plan to restore drum system. Finances halted the upgrade to disc/drum. The frame was the starting place for the restoration and I most likely threw out the the old block with no intention of reuse. Checked with local auto parts store and is not available. Any ideas in which direction to search for these parts as the power booster will be used in both setups, but the m/c and distribution block will not. Thanks again for previous information.
#7
Thank you Joe. Started project in 2001 and removed distribution block at approximately that time. Was not my original plan to restore drum system. Finances halted the upgrade to disc/drum. The frame was the starting place for the restoration and I most likely threw out the the old block with no intention of reuse. Checked with local auto parts store and is not available. Any ideas in which direction to search for these parts as the power booster will be used in both setups, but the m/c and distribution block will not. Thanks again for previous information.
#9
dont try to run the disk master on the car if it still has drums. The P.O. had one installed on my 72 and the brakes really sucked on this car. you had to stand on the brake pedal to get the car to stop. worst set of brakes on any car I ever drove. the part is only $30 or so. run the drum master for now.
I understand the "going to swap" plan, but I have been "going to swap" to disk brakes for 15 years now......
I understand the "going to swap" plan, but I have been "going to swap" to disk brakes for 15 years now......
#10
Also of note- if you are converting from Manual brakes to power- you will need to change the MC's Pushrod location on the brake pedal.
There are two holes on the pedal arm- one is for manual brakes one is for power- I can never remember which is which, but just be sure to switch the positions on yours when you add the booster.
There are two holes on the pedal arm- one is for manual brakes one is for power- I can never remember which is which, but just be sure to switch the positions on yours when you add the booster.
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gearheads78
Brakes/Hydraulic Systems
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October 17th, 2011 02:39 PM