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How to Install Power Brakes in a Vintage Ford

Master Power Makes It Easy to Step Up (and Slow Down!)
By Jim Smart
Photography by Jim Smart
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1 Our Master Power Brake (No. BM1521KA) booster kit arrived withvirtually everything needed for installation: booster, master cylinder,distribution block with warning switch, vacuum hose, and installationhardware. Not shown here is the power-brake pedal assembly, alsoincluded. The GM distribution/proportioning-valve block combo shown hereis optional. You may have to do your own line fabrication or purchaselines, with fittings and flares, already made. Any seasoned auto partsstore or hydraulic-line shop can make lines for you.
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2 This is the area we are dealing with. To install the MasterPower Brakes booster, drill out the existing threaded-nut plates to getthe booster studs through the firewall. You also have to drill anadditional hole at the six o'clock position.
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3 (above & below) At the six o'clock position, relative to the master-cylinderopening in the firewall, drill a small pilot hole, followed by a3/8-inch hole. This accommodates the additional stud in the powerbooster.
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4 We have actually removed the brake-pedal support to show youthe drilling process. Existing nut plates are drilled out to 3/8-7/16inch to make way for the power-booster studs. You can do this with thepedal support still in the car.
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5 The Master Power Brakes power booster and master-cylinderassembly is test-fitted in place. Installation, even with a huge FEbig-block and Shelby pent-roof valve covers, is simple. It glides rightin--our test fit is perfect.
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6 Chuck Schnarr and Laurie Slawson install our power booster.Chuck holds the booster while Laurie runs the nuts down underdash.

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Ford Mustang Review in-depth reviews on the new Ford Mustang, featuring test drives, comparisons, options, features and more. The Mustang gets 16 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway, and has a comparable trade in value which should come in handy when you go to shop for your next car. Other similar vehicles are the Ford Shelby GT 500 and the Ford Fusion.
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