The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Firewall mount brake booster on 52 truck

Well here I is again! I need further input. I have a 1952 chevy 1/2 ton. I am converting to front disc brakes. I currently have the brake booster that mounts in the factory location. Basically It appears to be a real inconvenience in the long run. So my question, has anyone performed the booster conversion that mounts on the firewall? If so, I would really like your insight on installation. I'm debating doing this as opposed to the factory location. Is the brake pedal any easier when driving. Is there any major modification needed or is it pretty straight forward? Will this work with the stock inline 6 with one carb?

Help

I'm going to give you my opinion and I hope you don't take offense.

You have already bought the under floor set-up and are having trouble getting it installed. So you figure the easy way out is to spend more money on another system that is not going to be a bolt and go deal. You are going to have to overcome problems with that too.

You'll never finish the truck with that approach. Throwing more money at it isn't going to fix your problem. You need to jump in there and do what it takes to get it fixed.

I sent you a link to a site detailing the problems I had and how I solved them. That should get you started.

Cletis-
I appreciate your honestly. As far as the money goes, the company I purchased the kit from said they would switch units with me at no additional cost. My concerns were more regarding serviceability and accessibility. Although I do take fault in not doing my do diligence prior to ordering my kit, this is my first conversion. My experience with modification is minimal hence the reason I am trying to gain insight from fellow truck owners.

Cletis,

I'll take that link if you don't mind

Guys,
I was planning the same swap (stock location) and I was not aware of any issues. Could you please explain??
Thanks, Bob.

I like my firewall mount. Wasn't painful to install as I recall, and no significant issues. The bracing is stout so no firewall cracking at 8 years and 66500 miles. :

http://www.chuckthetruck.com/page5.html

Nospark-
well it depends on what u have. Mine is Totally stock 52 chevy 3100. Inline 6. 4speed manual....the booster hits the transmission rear cross member support, which means you will need a new cross member which you can get. You will need to drill 3 additional holes in the frame for the bracket. You will also need to "tweak" one of the bracket arms which hits the forward transmission support. The brake master does not sit under the factory fill hole. It sits more under the gas tank. So serviceability is not easy.

Chuckthetruck-
I take it you still have the L6 engine? Single or dual carb? I'm concerned about enough room. Also with the new brake pedal, does it make it any easier to apply the brake and/or put the truck in reverse?

Thanks the the posts guys. Hope to talk soon

Installation of the POL disc brake kit on a '54 GMC Suburban.

Installation of the CPP disc brake kit on a '54 GMC pickup. (scroll down)

Any modification you make on these trucks or any other vehicle requires overcoming problems. There is no such thing as a bolt in, trouble free replacement. Even most of the "stock" aftermarket parts don't fit right. If it were easy, girls could do it.

http://www.chuckthetruck.com/files/cruise_installed.jpg

Sits above the manifolds on my 250. Pedal is comfortable - I don't recall what original felt like.

Chuckthetruck- thanks for the help. I appreciate. It seems to me the firewall mount makes more sense. Serviceability is better. Easy to access not to mention running brake lines might be easier as well. The factory pedal come out really high. It makes it a little tough to put the truck in reverse hence the reason I was asking about ergonomics. Looks like you did a great job with your truck!

Danhami,
My truck is also a bone stock 52 with a 216 and 4 sp trans.
Maybe I will have to rethink my planned brake upgrade???
Is it a good idea to upgrade to front disc and dual res master without the power booster???
I will not be keeping my truck completly stock, I am planning the 3:55 R&P swap and I just want to have dependable brakes.
Bob.

I am a learn as you go mechanic who is doing projects on my truck mostly by braille. I installed a power, four wheel disc, set-up that is on the firewall on my 1952 Chevy Pickup. I bought it from CPP, "Classic Performance Products inc", in Southern California. (Right near Disneyland) The install was painless, It was a reasonable price, I actually enjoyed creating the new brake lines, and it works great. It came with a really solid under dash framework that beefs up the dash and the unit. It also even came with a bench bleeding kit. The CPP guys were great and gave me lots of help.
It is easy to service and looks real good. The brakes are easy to apply. The only negative is that it clutters up the engine compartment a little more than the under floorboard unit.

Nice topic guys thanks alot i was just getting ready to start one until i decided to do some searching LOL im glad to know i can use this style booster and pedal set up with my 292 and dual carbs

I installed the CPP unit as well .....
Works great, is very stout, and frees up all
kinds of room once the original pedal assembly, master cal, etc are
removed.

mike

Let's try this again:

Here's the set up on my '53:

http://s783.photobucket.com/albums/...ct/?action=view&current=brake126.jpg

http://s783.photobucket.com/albums/...t/?action=view&current=brake311A.jpg

http://s783.photobucket.com/albums/...?action=view&current=fenders418A.jpg

http://s783.photobucket.com/albums/...?action=view&current=fenders418B.jpg

We'll get there someday! even if the money runs out...
this is the way we are attempting to cross that bridge:

Donor truck bracket

Brake pedal bracket

mounting the brake booster on firewall

Donor truck bracket and brake pedal bracket 73'- 80s from a cut up Chevy truck . The 2006 Hydroboost we had thrown in with purchase of our 6Ltr. engine accessories. Our parts cost for this brake upgrade is basically free so far, except new Lines. $Wow custom High pressure lines arn't cheap$

Found what i was looking for thanks

Hello guys
I was looking for a little help with information on brackets for a Chevy chassis swap. I have a 1950 Chevy pick up would like to put on a 79 short bed frame. I see there is a suburban It looks great

Dogs51Burb
I like what you did with the suburban
I am looking to do the same with my 50 pick up.
Was wondering if you had any information on the brackets you made. Thanks.

Pulling up an old thread and changing the subject is frowned upon. Just start a new thread. Read the users manual on the home page. Welcome to Stovebolt. Once you get 4 posts you can send Dogs51Burb a private message. He has not posted in over a year and is not a frequent visitor.🛠