63 power brake conversion

[Frank D.]

Re: 63 power brake conversion

1963 Removal? Not sure but you might get the clutch pedal out just far enough, then remove and insert the brake pedal from the bottom.

I've done it, its not impossible, but close to it.

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 power brake conversion

If a 63 is installed with pop-rivets or no rivets at all, it's accepted.

[Ed S.]

Re: 63 power brake conversion

I understand from this thread that the "flag" that is bolted to the brake pedal arm is only on cars with PB. If that is correct then what does the stop light switch plunger make contact with on non power brake cars?

[Richard M.]

Re: 63 power brake conversion

I understand from this thread that the "flag" that is bolted to the brake pedal arm is only on cars with PB. If that is correct then what does the stop light switch plunger make contact with on non power brake cars?

Ed,

It touches the forward edge of the pedal arm itself to activate.

[Edward J.]

Re: 63 power brake conversion

Harry, do you have a picture of the rivet. Most of the time I have seen aluminum rivets.

[Ed S.]

Re: 63 power brake conversion

Ed,

It touches the forward edge of the pedal arm itself to activate.

Richard - thanks, that is what I have on my no PB 64 - I was concerned that I might be missing a part that I should have. Unfortunate that GM did not decide to put the flag on all brake pedals - it is a nice, decent size target for the switch plunger.

[Jack J.]

Re: 63 power brake conversion

I'm installing the power brake master cylinder and booster on my previously manual brake 63 coupe...
Am I correct that the brake pedal return spring and the nylon bushing it rides on (both shown in pic) are NOT installed on a factory power brake setup ?

[Frank D.]

[Dave S.]

Re: 63 power brake conversion

No ! No way is it worth the trouble to remove the spring and bushing.

I think the spring is helpful. I have no idea why they excluded it from power brake cars. It makes no sense. Maybe to save $.10. 😀😀

[Frank D.]

Re: 63 power brake conversion

My theory is that the spring/bushing keep the pedal fully retracted when not in use so its not sitting down "riding" the brake; that's not required in a PB car because the booster isolates things and prevents that from happening, regardless of a sping (or not).

[Ed S.]

Re: 63 power brake conversion

For what it is worth - my '64 was built w/o PB. A PO installed a booster - but did not remove the spring. Pedal movement (both ways) felt good - it stopped on a dime. I removed the booster - had the MC restored - all back together, still stops on a dime, with just a bit more pedal effort. Those 12 inch brakes work fine - it is not that heavy of a car.

[Tom D.]

Re: 63 power brake conversion

Dave, there is a nut plate in the wiper cowl area that was unique to mid year cars, its not make correctly as a reproduction. It’s another give away for the judges? Also power master cylinders have a bleeder, which can be tough to find.

Edward J. Today, I sent emails showing the 1965 A O Smith original nut plate and rivets (installed on a PB coupe). I also have a repro (extra plate) without rivets to compare. The nuts are square on both the original and the reproduction version, so I am asking what the difference is that you noted above? THANKS!

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 power brake conversion

Ed, I need a better camera. The iPhone will not focus on the rivet. Both my 63's have pop-rivets on the bracket.

[Tom D.]

Re: 63 power brake conversion

1965 PB Nut Plate - 1.jpg

Ed, I need a better camera. The iPhone will not focus on the rivet. Both my 63's have pop-rivets on the bracket.

. My photo is from the backside of the firewall, showing the rivet heads. Original PB 1965 A O Smith body that became #11843. I have a photo to add to this from the firewall side. NOTE: THIS IS NOT A 1963 STL EXAMPLE.

1965 PB Nut Plate firewall side - 1.jpg

[Ronald L.]

Re: 63 power brake conversion

Frank, and others -

What are you using to get a correct looking (and fitting) Power booster?
What I understand the 64-67 has an angle that hits the hood?
What about stamped in numbers and other details?