Power-Brakes Upgrade: Master Cylinder and Lines In this segment, the front and rear brakes on the 1968 Camaro have been completed, so we now proceed to the brake master cylinder and associated brake lines, replacing the old manual braking system with power brakes. Installation of the new master cylinder is relatively straightforward, as it is a one-piece bolt-in unit (figure A). Note: Following is a summary of the major steps in the installation of selected brake components on the 1968 Camaro as shown in the episode. There may be variations in installation procedures depending on the brand and product you choose. Whether using this kit or another, follow the manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety precautions for your installation.
Safety Alert: Servicing brakes can result in contact with asbestos. Be certain to follow proper safety precautions.
Materials: Power brake booster and master-cylinder
Brake lines
Brake proportioning valve
Automotive wrenches
Steps: - Loosen the nuts on the mounting bolts that hold the old master cylinder in place, and remove the old master cylinder.
- The new cylinder and power booster slides onto the existing studs coming out of the firewall for mounting (figure B)
- Tip: Because of the size and location of the new cylinder, the fit is a little tight. To help simplify mounting, the nuts that secure the top studs are placed on the studs using a long, thin screwdriver (figure C). The nut is placed on the tip of the driver, then slid down onto the end of the stud where the nut can be tightened by hand. Following this suggestion is likely to save you some time, as well as the skin off your knuckles!
- The bottom studs are easier to access, and the nuts can be put on by hand. With all of the nuts in place, they are tightened with the appropriate wrench to secure the power-booster to the firewall.
- With the power booster, the location of the master cylinder is now further off the firewall than with the old cylinder. As a result, the connecting brake lines may need to be lengthened. The kit includes new brake lines (figure D) in various lengths that should take accommodate any necessary adjustments. Some of the lines may need to be bent and fashioned creatively to achieve a precise fit.
- The addition of the power-brake booster in combination with front disc-brakes makes it necessary to install a brake-proportioning valve (figure E). This component is provided in the kit, and helps maintain the proper balance within the braking system between front and rear brakes. There is a base adjustment for the proportioning valve, and this is covered in the manufacturer's instructions.
- With the booster and master cylinder installed, the installation is completed by adding the associated brake lines according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Once all of the lines are installed and threaded onto their connections by hand (figure F), they can all be tightened down using the appropriate wrench.
Keep in mind that, in this brake overhaul, all of the newly installed systems -- front disc-brakes, rear brake upgrade, power booster and master cylinder -- are connected and interdependent systems. They all function in a coordinated way, so the components must all be compatible.
In the segment that follows, Ron provides a tip for bleeding brake lines.
RESOURCES :
Classic Car Restorer's Handbook: Restoration Tips and Techniques for Owners ...
Model: 1557881944
Author: Jim Richardson
Order this book from Amazon.com
H.P. Books
Classic Car Restoration Guide: The Complete Illustrated Step-By-Step Manual
Model: 1850108900
Author: Lindsay Porter
Order this book from Amazon.com
Haynes Publishing
Brake Handbook
Model: 0895862328
Author: Fred Puhn
(1985)
Order this book from Amazon.com.
Camaro Restoration Handbook: Ground-Up or Sectional Restoration Tips and Techniques
Model: 0895863758
Author: Tom Currao
Full title: Camaro Restoration Handbook: Ground-Up or Sectional Restoration Tips and Techniques for 1967 to 1981 Camaros
H.P. Books
Camaro Restoration Guide: 1967-1969 (Authentic Restoration Guides)
Model: 0760301603
Author: Jason Scott
Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)
Original Camaro: 1967-1969 (Bay View Original Series)
Model: 0760309256
Author: Jason Scott, Andy Kraushaar
Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)
Camaro Exposed: 1967-1969 - Designs, Decisions and the Inside View
Model: 0837608767
Author: Paul Zazarine
Bentley Publishers
Special thanks for DIY's Classic Car Restoration -- 1968 Camaro RS
East Tennessee Camaro Club
President: Harold Pena
3710 Washington Pike, Knoxville, TN 37917
Phone: 865-633-8340
E-mail: jalpeno@worldnet.att.net
Smokey Mountain F-Bodies
Website: www.smokeymountainf-bodies.cz28.com
Coker Tires
Website: www.coker.com
Photos provided by:
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Website: www.brickyard.com
Year One
Website: www.yearone.com
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