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| | | | Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 1,186 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 1,186 | How big of a problem are the Hydro-Vac systems? I have one off my 1954 parts truck and was thinking of putting it on my 1954 1 ton. Would it be worth while or just something else to mess with? 
Bruce | | | | | Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 | Bruce,
The system itself is trouble free and simple. It's self contained and requires only vacuum plumbing and some brake line plumbing.
My question would be, do you need the extra oink on a 1 ton. Aren't the brakes the same physical size for the smaller trucks as the 1 ton.
The 1 1/2 ton, with dual tires and a much higher GVW would require the extra help of the Hydro-vac, where the 1 ton probably was fine with the conventional master cylinder. My three cents!
Stuart | | | | | Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 1,186 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 1,186 | I don't know, I've never used this type of system. I have the dumb thing and thought it might be cool to have it on the truck. I'm already putting a 261 in Big Orange which has the dual rear wheel option. We go from just under 3000' to over 7200' here in the Black Hills area and I just wondered if it might help with stopping. I'm unsure if I will ever really work the truck very hard, depends how nice the restoration comes out. I guess it would be another toy on my truck. 
Bruce | | | | | Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,867 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,867 | | | | | | Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 1,186 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 1,186 | Perfect! Thanks for the link. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 | Bruce,
You probably are aware of this, but the Hydro-vac unit is a "power assist" only. It reduces the amount of peddle pressure the operator needs to develop. It doesn't make the brake system anymore efficient. Because it is easier to mash the brake peddle, it might give you the reverse effect which would be more brake heating and more chance of fade.
Stuart | | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 | They are good but sometimes they are too sensitive. If someone goes to drive it that is not used to it they will be all over the windshield.
They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | | | | Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 1,186 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 1,186 | What makes you think I generous enough to let somebody else drive my truck! So what I'm hearing, unless I plan on heavy loads...probably not a good idea?
Bruce | | | | | Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 190 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 190 | My truck has the hydro vac system, first old big truck I have ever had. But I have had and still have several antique vehichles, the 47 has the best brakes of any antique I have ever had. | | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 237 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: May 2006 Posts: 237 | My 1958 1 ton dually came with a Hydrovac. It is listed as an option in the owners manual.
Considering that I need a new master cylinder, and the hydrovac likely needs rebuilt, and the stock setup is a single reservoir brake system, I was considering going with a new fangled dual reservoir, power assist brakes. Probably save money, probably work better, probably be safer. | | |
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