DIY Network

'66 El Camino: Sway Bars, Hydraulics and Steering Column From "Resto Rides" episode DRRD-101

In this five-part DIY series Andrew Totolos Christie D'Amore perform a full restoration and performance upgrade on a 1966 El Camino. Thus far in the project, both the front and rear suspensions have been rebuilt. Now it's time to tighten down the sway bars and install a new hydraulics system that can handle the new performance disc brakes. Andrew continues the restoration by replacing the original steering column with a new aftermarket tilt steering column that's much safer than the original.

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Materials and tools:

In addition to standard auto-mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, torque wrench, etc.), the essential tools required for this phase of the project are listed below.

new master cylinder
new brake booster
steering components
quick ratio steering box
steering column with U-joint in the shaft

	Brake booster assembly
	Installing the rear sway bar
	Installing the cotter pin

Sway Bars Adjustment

Replacing the steering components will add more oomph to the front suspension and the control arms that were replaced earlier. Also, a new steering box will help the car's turning performance

• Next, tighten up the sway bars, which were added in the front and back. They attach to the suspension of both wheels to help turn flat and safe and help keep all the tires on the ground.

• After the sway bars are bolted up, hook up the tie arms to the steering rods that were transferred from the old spindles. Insert the cotter pins.

Hydraulics Upgrade

To handle the new disc brakes change out the master cylinder to one that has two big reservoirs. To strip out the old hydraulics first remove the hard brake lines from the master cylinder and then back off the four nuts that secure the booster to the firewall.

• Inside there's a clip that holds the pedal assembly to the booster. Once the clip is removed the whole assembly can come out.

• After the booster and master are out of the way it's time to address the lines. Then lines for the new system are 1/4" and the old line are 3/16". The old lines must be removed.

• Remove the calipers, then the distribution block. Then disconnect the line that feeds the rear brakes, and remove the old distribution block.

• Once the old parts are removed, install a new T-fitting to split the front lines to both sides. Now it's time for the new parts.

• First, install a new brake booster. Slide the new booster right on to the original bolts. Inside, use the original pin and clip to hold it to the pedal.

• After the nuts are secured outside, connect the soft lines to the calipers and clip the other end to the frame. Attach the pre-bent hard line from the soft line to the T-block. Add in another hard line from the distribution block on the master cylinder to the T-fitting. Add one more from the rear of the distribution block to the line that feeds the rear brakes.

• Complete by hooking up the passenger side and tightening the booster nuts at the firewall.

Note: This is a summary of steps included in the restoration procedures shown in this episode of Resto Rides. These are general guidelines for restoration procedures on this particular make and model of vehicle, and for the level of restoration selected for this project. There may be variations in procedures depending model, condition of vehicle, level of restoration undertaken and the types of replacement parts or upgrade kits selected. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with any replacement parts or kit that you select.

Safety Alert: As a standard safety precaution, don't rely solely on a jack to support the weight of a vehicle. When using a jack to access or work beneath a vehicle, always use jack stands for support. Make sure that the jack and stands that you use are rated for the weight and type of your vehicle.

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection and follow proper safety precautions when working with power tools or pneumatic tools. Also wear eye protection any time you are working underneath a vehicle.

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