The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Brake question with Saginaw Conversion

I have searched and studied these questions but, have come to the conclusion I need more suggestions. I have a 1954 Chevy with 235. I have ordered and will be installing Patrick's Saginaw 4 speed transmission.

My problem is, I have my floor cut out around the master cylinder to repair the rust damage. I feel now is a great time to update my brakes. I will eventually put disk brakes on the front. (When I have the cash) I have read where there is a conflict with the Saginaw and a dual master cylinder. My questions are:

1. Is there a conflict with the non-booster dual master cylinder and the transmission?

2. Do I have to have a booster to run disk brakes on the front?

3. Could I install a dual master cylinder (non-booster type) now, while keeping the drum brakes with the intention of updating the front to disk brakes with a simple proportioning valve installation to the master cylinder? I realize I will need to re-plumb the system for the dual cylinder.

4. It seems to me on the '54 (no rear transmission mount) you could modify the master cylinder brake bracket and mount it back a ways and have more room for the booster and brake lines. I would extend the actuator. I don't have the transmission in right now to determine clearance issues. Does this make sense?

5. What have guys previously done?

Patrick's recommends running a remote booster with the stock master cylinder. Has anyone seen their setup?

I sure hate to patch this floor right now, it gives me such great access to the master cylinder.

Thanks.

Check with Classic Performance Parts, www.classicperform.com
They have all of yer stuff and all of yer answers...

Thanks, Geoff I'll take a look.

Anyone else with this setup with suggestions?

Man, am I glad I found THIS thread... I was about to order the Saginaw conversion kit and I have a power dual MC. With all of the problems we had with that disk brake conversion, I go ballistic if one more problem cropped up because of it.

My stock 4-speed has been spinning along happily for almost 60 years and FAIC it can keep it's job.

I've got Patrick's Saginaw conversion and a stock master. There is little room with the side loader of the Saginaw. I would think that you could buy a new dual master with plumbing outlets on both sides and use the outlets on the left. Then you have to think about the rear crossmember if you want to use a booster...I don't think there is room with the stock crossmember. I am thinking about the same set-up minus the booster. I know others have run non-boosted disc and are happy with them.

I've got Patrick's Saginaw conversion and am in the process of putting disc brakes on my '51.
I purchased a manual disc/drum MC and proportioning valve from CPP along with a mounting bracket. I had to modify the bracket (weld a plate to the top and drill new holes) to lower the MC location, welded metal to form an upside down "T" to which I bolted the PV.
Here's a link to the modified bracket that you can cut and paste.

http://s241.photobucket.com/albums/ff93/jal12147/1951%20Chevrolet%20Pick%20up/

I also purchased a complete brake line kit from Inline Tube and am using all the lines with the exception of the 1/4" line that connected the old MC to the tee fitting on the passenger side. I have 2 "L" fittings to connect the lines I am still trying to bend and flare from the PV to the replaced original front and rear lines of the truck.

The lines enter the PV from the MC on the trans side and exit at the rear and front on the frame side. I have room between the shifter and master cylinder and trans crossmenber for everything to fit.

Hope this helps.

John
Milford, MI

John,

This is good information. Thanks. I think on the '54 I can mount the power booster master Cylinder back further (since there is no rear crossmember) and extend the actuator to reach. I have the floor out now so the access is unbeatable. How do you like the Saginaw? Your truck is Very Nice!

Cory,
Your trucks are terrific!

The Saginaw is great. I picked it up at a swap meet and installed a rebuilding kit from JC Whitney. I also have the 3.55:1 rear gears from Patricks.