The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts what are the odds

I'm doing a resto on a 52 6500 2 ton. I'm pretty sure the brake booster doesn't work because someone back in the day tried to bypass it. What are the odds I'll be able to rebuild that or find a working one? What are the odds that the rear end works and if it doesn't what are the odds I can make it work?

Hy 52FamrME, welcome, kits are available to rebuild the hydrovac, and some places offer a rebuild service, also straight purchase with yours for a rebuildable core may be possible. As to the rear axle you'll have to open it up and do an inspection. What makes you think the rear axle is bad?

Check the Jim Carter catalog for a hydrovac:

http://www.oldchevytrucks.biz/47_55/full.asp?page=81

Check the end cap where the J-bolts attach and make sure it hasn't deteriorated beyond repair.

Where are you talking about on the system for this end cap and J bolts.

Hy 52FamrME, Super55 is reffering to the aluminum cap which fits on the vacuum chamber of the hydrovac, it is on the end that the hydraulic lines go into. The end is held in place by four "J" bolts which pass through four holes or ears in the aluminum end cap, because the bolts are steel and the cap is made of aluminum the parts are often locked together by corrosion. In order for your core to be accepted the parts must not be broken, hope that helps.

thanks...aahh differential metal corrosion.

Hydrovac can be rebuilt like as been said. Hopefully check the oil in the rearend and go, their mighty tuff. My trucks hydrovac was rebuilt and I was surprised at how good it works. Best brakes I have ever had on an antique, good luck with yours.

Thanks I've heard that these brakes work great if maintained.

The only problem with a hydrovac is that it can't be used as a split system. If you want the added safety of a dual-chamber master cylinder setup, you'll need to go to another type of M/C-booster system.
Jerry