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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... 
   
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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... 
   
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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... 
   
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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... 
   
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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... 
   
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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... 
   
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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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