Brake conversion to power assist.

[ted55ford]

Hi all,
I want to convert the brakes on my 55 Fairlane to power assist.
What parts are needed and where can I purchase them? Can I keep the original res. and just add a booster?

 

[Daves55Sedan]

The original Ford "Swift-Sure" power brake system is a factory add on vacuum-booster/slave cylinder. The standard master cylinder remains un-changed, but it is piped to the slave cylinder then down to the main pressure junction block, also unchanged.
Very easy to install.
New or rebuilt power-booster/slave cylinder assemblies can be purchased from some of the repro parts suppliers like Concourse or Mac's. They even have the repro mounting bracket that the booster fits on. The bracket mounts on the inner fender apron in front of the master cylinder. They also sell the repro "swift-Sure" power brake pedal, although it is strictly cosmetic.
You may need to get an old hydrovac unit from a donor car and send it in to Lares Mfg to get rebuilt or send to the repro parts vendor and they can swap it for a rebuilt one.

 

[paul2748]

You won't be able to purchase from Mac' (Ecklers) anymore - out of the old car parts business so I am told.


I believe the basic unit was the same as on the early Tbirds so the Tbird parts suppliers may have the units (CASCO, Hill's, Prestige)

 

[miker98038]

This is the link to Larry’s Thunderbird on the original style booster. Note the “call for availability”. You might also want to sit down and have an adult beverage handy before you open it.

There are similar aftermarket units available in both single and dual circuits. Unless “original
appearance” is important it would be worth pricing one of those.

https://www.larrystbird.com/product/brake-booster-kit-55/

 

[dmsfrr]

Hi all,
I want to convert the brakes on my 55 Fairlane to power assist.
What parts are needed and where can I purchase them? Can I keep the original res. and just add a booster?

. . . I believe the basic unit was the same as on the early Tbirds so the Tbird parts suppliers may have the units (CASCO, Hill's, Prestige)

ted55ford,
Just an old 'before' photo to help you visualize the misc parts & plumbing connections...
('55 T-bird)

 

[ted55ford]

many thanks Dave.

 

[ted55ford]

thanks for the info Paul!

 

[ted55ford]

Thanks Mike.....I spat out my Canadian beer when I saw the cost!

 

[ted55ford]

thanks for the info and pix for reference.

 

[evintho]

Does it have to be factory? I converted my 4-wheel drums to power on my '54. Used a Mustang dual MC. Also, had to fab one front brake line from the tee to the MC and made the pushrod adjustable from the pedal to the booster. I think it cost around $100 pre-inflation prices. It's a bit more now.

https://www.jegs.com/i/Speedmaster/...33Oh2y8gbeUyaIva7wVHOws2ES8MHEWBoC6hYQAvD_BwE

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

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attachment.php?
attachmentid=508269&stc=1&d=1674613368

https://www.fordbarn.com/attachments/508270/

 

[JeffB2]

Hi all,
I want to convert the brakes on my 55 Fairlane to power assist.
What parts are needed, and where can I purchase them? Can I keep the original res. and just add a booster?

You should use a unit like this as it includes a dual master cylinder and the correct bracket to clear a y-blocks exhaust. Put this number in ebay Search 332519698056 guys in my 1952-59 Ford Group have used this company for well over a decade with positive results.

 

[54VICTORIA]

Here are the links to what I used to convert my ‘54:

https://www.autocityclassic.com/ful...ford-disc-brake-conversion-granada-fdpwr5556/

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/leb-vp001b

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g1463b

 

[ted55ford]

Many thanks....I converted my 67 Mustang a few years ago and it used the same parts.
I should be able to get my parts here in Toronto area!