55 ford ranch wagon/ Power Brake question

P

poolplayer1

Senior Member
My wagon is running great now and even took it to a few car shows. Now I am going to start another project on it. It has the OEM manual brake system in it right now but want to install a new power brake system. Can someone here tell me what all I need to convert the brake system from manual to power brakes. Also, where would be the best place to get the parts at. Would I have to replace the steering gear box, and put in new rotors, and pads. What else would I need. Do I need a power brake booster too? Thanks for all your help.
 
Fomoco had an optional power brake booster during the '50's. It is a total add-on system including a Treadlevac or Hydrovac style booster and slave cylinder system which only requires some minor modifications and additions to the upper brake fluid lines. This original system uses your original master cylinder unchanged but adds the Hydrovac unit which includes a slave cylinder. They also sell the duplicate of original inner fender apron mounting bracket for the Hydrovac unit.
If you look in your Ford Car Shop Manual, all the components for the original power brake system are shown. All those parts can be purchased new or rebuilt from some of the repro parts suppliers. Mac's comes to mind as showing all the parts available.
Or;
You can get a very expensive power/disc brake conversion kit from some places. Likely, the disc brake swap parts are from a '70's Ford Granada and the kit has an integral power brake dual-master cylinder unit. The disc brake conversion is only for the front brakes. I've seen them offered at a couple of places but can't remember where.
 
Kultulz already answered your question in another post. Post number 14 here.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=312646

I’m fairly sure the tbird and passenger cars are the same, except maybe the mounting bracket and the bends in the lines. It’s not the level of boost we’re used to on modern cars, but it helps. Many years ago I had one of these on my 55 bird using the typical bird conversion to front disc. Dual master cylinder, boost to the disc only, IIRC different rear wheel cylinders to balance the system.

There’s a fellow with a 56 pass car that recently used a kit from Prestige Thunderbird. He’s jimmysix on the HAMB, and Drylakesracer at yblocksforever. He did considerable research, and since Prestige is local to him went and looked first. I don’t think he added a booster, his system is fine without boost. It would be worth a search for his stuff on both sites before you get your wallet out.

Remember the Granada spindle conversions lower the front, and require reaming (of some sort) for one of the ball joints. They’re not so easy to find in a wrecking yard as they used to be.
 
Dual master cylinder, boost to the disc only, IIRC different rear wheel cylinders to balance the system.
Click to expand...

This is a misnomer. There is no way changing the wheel cylinder size(s) will replace the purpose of a PROPORTIONING VALVE (PPV). It will only change brake bias. If you notice, later kits now use a PPV.

Thought I would start a new controversy and food fight ..:D.

KULTULZ - Pulling on his poncho ... (that's rain gear) ...

One Seller Source - https://www.ctci.org/thunderbird-parts-suppliers-bob-walkers-thunderbirds-1/

It seems all the suppliers are sourcing one vendor kit -

489352
 

Attachments

  • DISC BRAKE KIT - FRT - 55-57 BIRD - WALKER _2.jpg
    DISC BRAKE KIT - FRT - 55-57 BIRD - WALKER _2.jpg
    43.2 KB · Views: 71
Last edited:
Don't mention loss of memory. Every time my wife wants me to do something and I don't do it, I tell her I have loss of memory. Anyway, it looks like its a good size job and also at a hefty price. My brakes are working ok, I was just thinking about power brakes. I think I'll take some time and think about this one. Thanks to all with your great advice and idea's on this matter. Much appreciated. PS - Does anyone know if I ever posted a picture of my 55 wagon? Like I said, I am well known for the LOM syndrome.
 
Don't mention loss of memory. Every time my wife wants me to do something and I don't do it, I tell her I have loss of memory.
Click to expand...

Tell me about it. When I tried that trick she would bounce a 12" iron skillet off the side of my head. Sounded like church bells ringing ... :(

Did you ask if the new MC came with an included RESIDUAL PRESSURE VALVE (if CHINESEUM most likely not). That will have a lot to do with pedal height. Let the shoes set in and get back.

I don't remember seeing a photo, but then again ... :confused:

:eek: ... wait a minute ... 1955 FORD, correct?
 
Thanks guys for your help. I will be thinking this over and than decide what to do. I think in a few days I will be posting a picture of my 55 wagon. Stay tuned.
 
poolplayer1 said:
Thanks guys for your help. I will be thinking this over and than decide what to do. I think in a few days I will be posting a picture of my 55 wagon. Stay tuned.
Click to expand...

Check you WSM on 1955 FORD front drum brakes. There is an eccentric on the primary shoe that will have to be adjusted.
 

Attachments

  • 1955 FORD- R FRT Brake Assy _6.jpg
    1955 FORD- R FRT Brake Assy _6.jpg
    43 KB · Views: 8
Last edited:
evintho said:
I put power brakes on my '54. 4-wheel drum brakes. I used this booster and this master cylinder.

489561


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dual-Diaph...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

https://www.autozone.com/brakes-and...t-new-brake-master-cylinder-nm1488/305042_0_0

https://www.fordbarn.com/attachments/489561/
Click to expand...

NICE INSTALL! ... but ... :o

I see the MC has an application of 1967 to 1973. In 1971, FORD dropped the use of residual pressure valves and used another system. Are there RPV's in that MC?
 
Thank you sir! It's for a '68 Mustang and yes it has RPV. Many in our HAMB social group have used this setup with no issues.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top