Manual to Power brakes

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M

MattR

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St. Clair, Missouri
I'm new to FABO as of today. I purchased a 72 duster 318, 904 with a 7 1/4 rear end a few months ago and have not owned an older car since I was 18 and had a 318 dart. My first question and not the last I'm sure is what is involved with adding power brakes to the car. It currently has manual drum all around. I don't want to change the fronts to disc yet as I will have to buy new wheels and tires as they are 5x4 14" Cragars w/good tires. I purchased a used power brake booster, master cyclinder that was supposed to be out of a 73 duster. The p/n on the booster is 3580121, which I can't find any reference to anywhere. How do I know if it's the right one? How do I know if I need to rebuild it and what is involved. What is involved in changing from manual to power? On a side note, while I am working on the brakes, one of them is making a loud grind/squeal. Any suggestion on what to look at first? I am no mechanic, but very hands on. Any help is much appreciated.
 
You will need to change the rod from the peddle. I am converting mine from power to manual and I need some parts for the manual set up. Maybe we could work something out for trading parts or something...
 
mullinax95 said:
I would stay manual but convert to disc.
Click to expand...

X2 best advice
disk brakes stop better, they have more efficient braking ability so your car STOPS FASTER

power brakes don't stop better, they just require less pedal pressure, but the do nothing to slow your car FASTER

manual disk brakes in an A-body dont require much pedal pressure to begin with so power assist isn't really necessary

 
Just keep the master cylinder bore to 15/16" or less. If staying manual, which you should do.
 
The used booster that I purchased has the rod already attached, plus the two support brackets. Looks to be ready to go. other than not knowing if it works. I would love to go disc, but I can not afford the $495 from scarebird. I will look into the other options caferacerx suggested. My duster is currently pretty basic, no p/s, no p/b, no a/c. It's been 30 years since I had my 72 dart which was power drum and p/s and I guess I got spoiled with the comforts of power everything. 440dartsport, why are you going back to manual?
 
I am putting a big block in my car and with the large cam and fenderwell headers the manual brakes will be much easier for me. Would you want to sell me your manual brake rod?
 
the adapter brackets from scarebird are only $105 it includes a list of parts you need to get from your local auto parts store or junk yard

the kit is $495 and includes all new parts
 
It's going to be a few months before I get to work on the brakes. I don't have a warm place to work on the car right now. I'm just starting to gather parts. 440dartsport, I'll keep you in mind if I stay with my current power booster plan and have the manual rod to sell. I will also look at the scarebird option again. I thought you had to buy the complete package. I wasn't sure about joining this forum and still don't know all the in's and out's of it, but you have made me feel confident that I can do much of the work myself. It's great talking to people that have the same interests and are willing to help. Thanks everyone for all the help.
 
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