From power to manual brakes 73 Dart

[tbrikner]

Hey everyone-
I want to convert from power front discs to manual front discs (rear drum) on my 73 Dart custom. I found a reman master cylinder at Autozone (bore size 1.031 in.) and I have a manual brake push-rod for the brake pedal. Do I need to change the proportioning valve and other items along with just bending the brake lines to fit and bleeding the system?

Thanks
Ted

 

[BillGrissom]

I can't think of any reason why you would need to change the proportioning valve, since staying with the same disk/drum brakes. The master cylinder's job is to generate fluid pressure and you will need the same pressure to realize the same braking, power-assisted or not.

I assume you are going to a smaller bore master cylinder to generate more pressure for the same pedal force. Of course, there will be more pedal movement, so more critical to insure everything is tight in the brakes to not risk the pedal bottoming out. That means no air bubbles, self adjusters work, etc. Caliper pistons have much more area than drums so require more volume flow (why reservoir is bigger).

 

[mopardude318]

instead of using a remanufactured chinese piece of **** iron master cylinder, take a look at this:

http://www.reillymotorsports.com/store/product.php?productid=16200&cat=273&page=1

Thats what I and quite a few other members on this site have in their cars. works terrific, no problems, its lighter, it doesnt rust like the junk iron ones do, and overall its a much cleaner install...

or instead of using that kit with a 1 1/8" bore, you can piece together the same kit with another master cylinder that has a 1 1/32" bore for a little bit softer pedal (a little bit more travel).

Here's that adapter:

http://chucker54.stores.yahoo.net/mamacyadnst1.html

and heres the master cyliner:

http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performa.../10002/-1?parentProductId=1287082#moreDetails

 

[tbrikner]

Thanks guys for the great info. Awesome stuff. Mopardude I will check into those aluminum/plastic MC's.