Current Classifieds

pinto for sale
Date: 09/11/2016 09:47 pm
FLOOR PANS
Date: 06/12/2020 07:24 pm
NOS Sedan decklid

Date: 10/23/2019 11:51 am
ISO instrument panel 80 hatchback
Date: 04/20/2017 08:56 pm
parting out 1975 & 80 pintos
Date: 04/28/2018 04:12 pm
Hatch needed
Date: 09/10/2017 09:16 pm
Pinto porthole exterior trim wanted
Date: 03/30/2021 12:29 pm
Pinto Wagon
Date: 05/25/2018 01:50 pm
2 liter blocks and heads
Date: 03/28/2018 09:58 am
Trailer Hitch - 73 Pinto Wagon
Date: 02/04/2018 08:26 am
NEED 77/78 MUSTANG II Left Motor Mount
Date: 04/15/2017 05:14 pm
Early Rare Small window hatch
Date: 08/16/2017 08:26 am

Author Topic: My first question: Power brake conversion?  (Read 3582 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Jauntimus Prime

  • Pinto Member
  • **
  • Posts: 29
  • FeedBack: +0/-0
  • Another Pinto Driver

  • Total Badges: 5
    Badges: (View All)
    Fifth year Anniversary Mobile User Topic Starter Signature Apple User
My first question: Power brake conversion?
« on: February 26, 2012, 11:47:14 PM »
What's up, Pinto fans? I'm Jordan, and I'm new to the forum, though I've been mining it for knowledge for the past few months. Thanks to y'all for such a great resource when it comes to these cars.

I have a '77 Cruising Wagon, 2.3/4sp, metallic brown on tan, in the garage waitin' for spring. Her name's Sarsaparilla Jones, and you'll all become well acquainted with her, I hope. I've got some plans for her, including a freshening of the engine, a header and all new exhaust, a 5-speed conversion, some body/paint/interior work, etc., etc. One of the first thing I'd like to do is convert the manual brakes to power assist.

Who here has converted one of these cars to power brakes? Which parts will I need besides the vacuum booster and master cylinder? What's involved?

Thanks in advance, folks! And may this be the first of many. ;)

-- Jordan
Sarsaparilla Jones, '77 C/W
Coming soon: '89 XR4Ti 2.3T, T5, and a big @$$ intercooler

Offline dave1987

  • Pinto Sr. Master
  • ******
  • Posts: 3431
  • FeedBack: +25/-0
  • Gender: Male

  • Total Badges: 11
    Badges: (View All)
    Topic Starter Signature Tenth year Anniversary Poll Voter Mobile User Apple User Linux User Windows User 1000 Posts Fifth year Anniversary Photographer
Re: My first question: Power brake conversion?
« Reply #1 on: February 27, 2012, 01:23:10 AM »
From what I have heard you need to get the steering column/bracket assembly from the car as well as the pedal mounting or the booster mounts different than regular brakes do. Something to do with pedal lengths I think as well, but that may be limited to manual and auto transmission differences.

Take note that you want to pull it from a later model car as there were firewall mounting differences from earlier cars.
1978 Ford Pinto Sedan - Family owned since new

Remembering Jeff Fitcher with every drive in my 78 Sedan.

I am a Pinto Surgeon. Fixing problems and giving Pintos a chance to live again is more than a hobby, it's a passion!

Offline D.R.Ball

  • Pinto Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 558
  • FeedBack: +36/-2
  • Gender: Male

  • Total Badges: 5
    Badges: (View All)
    Topic Starter Tenth year Anniversary Poll Voter Windows User Fifth year Anniversary
Re: My first question: Power brake conversion?
« Reply #2 on: February 27, 2012, 02:42:12 PM »
Are you sure you do not have them or where was the booster removed? I have never seen a post 1974 Pinto with out power brakes. However you should just have to get the brake pedal, I not sure about the brake/clutch housing assembly that is on top of the steering column the Ford Manual did not show any difference in the info on brakes. You can check EBay they do show up from time to time or try the classifieds here....Lot's of parts. Also get a brake proportion valve as well.These are a common after market parts and unlike the stock unit are adjustable.Are there any changes to the disc and drums I'm not sure check with Autozone etc on line and get some good info, like I said I do not recall seeing a Pinto of later years with out power brakes.I remember seeing the Pre 1974 series however. Just ensure to get the post 1974 parts with the 2.3 and you should be fine.

Offline Norman Bagi

  • Founder PintoStampede.com
  • PCCA Management Board
  • Pinto Master
  • ******
  • Posts: 904
  • FeedBack: +51/-0
  • Gender: Male
  • Trail Boss "Pinto Stampede"
    • The Pinto Stampede

  • Total Badges: 10
    Badges: (View All)
    Tenth year Anniversary Topic Starter Signature Poll Voter Windows User Apple User Mobile User Webmaster Fifth year Anniversary Photographer
Re: My first question: Power brake conversion?
« Reply #3 on: February 27, 2012, 04:19:10 PM »
Sasparilla Jones, that is one of the best names I ever heard for a car.  "Sassy J " for short?
 
Here is a link to watch. turn it up and put the speakers toward Sasparilla Jones.
 
Welcome and post some pics of Sasparilla.
 

Offline Cookieboystoys

  • Eater of Cookies
  • PCCA Management Board
  • Pinto Master
  • ******
  • Posts: 2253
  • FeedBack: +59/-1
  • Gender: Male
  • It's All About The Pinto's! Baby!
    • Cookieboy's Toys on Facebook

  • Total Badges: 9
    Badges: (View All)
    Tenth year Anniversary Signature Topic Starter Poll Voter Photographer Windows User 1000 Posts Webmaster Fifth year Anniversary
Re: My first question: Power brake conversion?
« Reply #4 on: February 27, 2012, 05:26:19 PM »
like I said I do not recall seeing a Pinto of later years with out power brakes

I currenty own 7 of the them... 77 and newer... only 1 has power brakes, last 3 I sold or scrapped were also later models and all without power brakes. Power brakes are not really a common item among Pinto's I have seen or owned.
It's all about the Pintos! Baby!

Offline popbumper

  • Pinto Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1919
  • FeedBack: +100/-1
  • Gender: Male

  • Total Badges: 8
    Badges: (View All)
    Tenth year Anniversary Topic Starter Signature Mobile User Poll Voter Windows User 1000 Posts Fifth year Anniversary
Re: My first question: Power brake conversion?
« Reply #5 on: March 04, 2012, 09:29:40 PM »
From what I have heard you need to get the steering column/bracket assembly from the car as well as the pedal mounting or the booster mounts different than regular brakes do. Something to do with pedal lengths I think as well, but that may be limited to manual and auto transmission differences.

Take note that you want to pull it from a later model car as there were firewall mounting differences from earlier cars.


I have a '76 wagon 2.3 four speed that was purchased with manual brakes, and I converted it to power brakes. It's a reasonably complex task even IF you have the right parts. The pedal setup is different (because the push rod for the brake booster is different than the manual setup), and a power brake pedal is typically wider than a manual, as well as the being structurally different - so it requires some special work.

You will also need to get a different plate for the firewall - it's a small but important piece that mounts to the firewall and is tucked up behind the firewall insulation - so you wouldn't know it's there - but it allows for the correct mounting of the brake booster, so you HAVE to have it.

You will need to cannibalize a power brake setup from another car set up with it, make sure you get the whole bracket/pedal mounting setup under the dash, as well as the firewall interface plate. I did a thorough writeup of this process in one of the Pinto Times issues, I'd have to go back and dig for it to let you know more.

Like another poster said, it's not a common thing on the 2.3, but it CAN be done and makes braking a LOT more enjoyable/efficient.

Chris
Restoring a 1976 MPG wagon - purchased 6/08

Offline earthquake

  • Pinto Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 767
  • FeedBack: +4/-0
  • Gender: Male

  • Total Badges: 5
    Badges: (View All)
    Topic Starter Signature Tenth year Anniversary Poll Voter Fifth year Anniversary
Re: My first question: Power brake conversion?
« Reply #6 on: March 09, 2012, 05:28:20 PM »
I have a near mint condition pedal.Very slight wear on the pad.All bushings bolts and clips like new.
73 sedan parts car,80 crusin wagon conversion,76 F 250 460 SCJ,74 Ranchero 4x4,88 mustang lx convertable,and the readheaded step child 86 uhhh Chevy 4x4(Sorry guys it was cheap)

Offline ToniJ1960

  • Pinto Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 544
  • FeedBack: +13/-0
  • Gender: Female
  • Another Pinto Driver

  • Total Badges: 5
    Badges: (View All)
    Tenth year Anniversary Topic Starter Poll Voter Fifth year Anniversary Windows User
Re: My first question: Power brake conversion?
« Reply #7 on: March 09, 2012, 06:33:38 PM »
I have a '76 wagon 2.3 four speed that was purchased with manual brakes, and I converted it to power brakes. It's a reasonably complex task even IF you have the right parts. The pedal setup is different (because the push rod for the brake booster is different than the manual setup), and a power brake pedal is typically wider than a manual, as well as the being structurally different - so it requires some special work.

You will also need to get a different plate for the firewall - it's a small but important piece that mounts to the firewall and is tucked up behind the firewall insulation - so you wouldn't know it's there - but it allows for the correct mounting of the brake booster, so you HAVE to have it.

You will need to cannibalize a power brake setup from another car set up with it, make sure you get the whole bracket/pedal mounting setup under the dash, as well as the firewall interface plate. I did a thorough writeup of this process in one of the Pinto Times issues, I'd have to go back and dig for it to let you know more.

Like another poster said, it's not a common thing on the 2.3, but it CAN be done and makes braking a LOT more enjoyable/efficient.

Chris

 I had a 1979 wagon with non power steering and non power brakes. I sort of liked it :) My 78 has all power but if the rack ever does have to be replaced Im thinking of having it changed to non powered for both. No fluids to leak no pump to replace no pressure hoes to leak no vacuum leaks maybe more power for the wheels :)

Offline D.R.Ball

  • Pinto Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 558
  • FeedBack: +36/-2
  • Gender: Male

  • Total Badges: 5
    Badges: (View All)
    Topic Starter Tenth year Anniversary Poll Voter Windows User Fifth year Anniversary
Re: My first question: Power brake conversion?
« Reply #8 on: March 12, 2012, 10:00:41 PM »
Yeah Armstrong Power Steering...... As for the Power Brakes Versus Non Power Brakes I guess it's a California thing.....All of the Pintos I've had or seen had power brakes....2 owned many seen in junk yards in California.

Offline Fred Morgan

  • RETIRED- PCCA Trusted Parts Vendor
  • Pinto Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 2313
  • FeedBack: +342/-0
  • Gender: Male

  • Total Badges: 5
    Badges: (View All)
    Topic Starter Signature Poll Voter 1000 Posts Fifth year Anniversary
Re: My first question: Power brake conversion?
« Reply #9 on: March 12, 2012, 10:03:26 PM »
I am your information booth as always you can ask me about power and non I have them all !   Fred    :)
Fred Morgan- Missing from us...
January 20th 1951-January 6th 2014

Beloved PCCA Parts Supplier and Friend to many.
Post your well wishes,
http://www.fordpinto.com/in-memory-of-our-fallen-pinto-heros/fred-morgan-23434/

Offline Jauntimus Prime

  • Pinto Member
  • **
  • Posts: 29
  • FeedBack: +0/-0
  • Another Pinto Driver

  • Total Badges: 5
    Badges: (View All)
    Fifth year Anniversary Mobile User Topic Starter Signature Apple User
Re: My first question: Power brake conversion?
« Reply #10 on: May 10, 2012, 01:42:03 AM »
Appreciate the input guys! Definitely more involved than I anticipated. And you're right... you don't see too many with p/b, or at least I haven't.  I saw the lack of power brakes as a real deficiency, but since then I noticed it getting worse, but more intermittent. A new master cylinder's definitely in order, and I'll probably flush the lines and go thru the brakes completely whiles I'm at it. She just might stop like a champ after that.

Thanks for the vid Norman! Hell yeah. Sassy J, or Brown Sunshine. I've got a few pics I'll put up of her next to another '77 C/W. There's a guy on this forum in the Seattle area who has a bright yellow one with the green factory decals that he turbocharged.. . he saw mine parked on the street and had to knock on my door! Are you here dude? Or anyone know who that is?
Sarsaparilla Jones, '77 C/W
Coming soon: '89 XR4Ti 2.3T, T5, and a big @$$ intercooler

Offline cromcru

  • Pinto Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 135
  • FeedBack: +1/-0
  • Gender: Male

  • Total Badges: 5
    Badges: (View All)
    Mobile User Topic Starter Signature Tenth year Anniversary Fifth year Anniversary
Re: My first question: Power brake conversion?
« Reply #11 on: May 10, 2012, 10:03:19 PM »
when doing this conversion. take the brake lines and proportion valve for the master cylinder donating car, you will find that power brake lines are shorter in some cases and the pro valve will be mounted in a different position. so you will have to drill one or two holes on your driver side inner fender
79 bobcat  78 ford pinto station wagon   93 ford mustang lx   90 ford mustang cont lx  63 chevy truck    52 studebaker 2r16a