1966 brakes; dual master conversion & brake shoes

**Bill L.** · September 6, 2015, 11:34 AM

Re: 1966 brakes; dual master converion & brake shoes

HI Rich:

Why not just convert the car to '66 power brakes instead of hanging a '67 master cylinder on it? The '66 power brake set up is a dual style. You would need to change out the brake lines, get a "710" booster and correct cylinder, the fire wall bellows / seal, hook up the vacuum source to the intake manifold and a few other items. At least you would retain a stock look. The '66 power brakes were very good. Just be sure to get a '66 cylinder vs. a '65. Though identical in outward appearance the '65 had smaller outlet ports.

Just my two cents ----

Regards
Bill

**Joe L.** · September 6, 2015, 11:52 AM

Re: 1966 brakes; dual master converion & brake shoes

Originally posted by Bill Lucia (8620)

HI Rich:

Why not just convert the car to '66 power brakes instead of hanging a '67 master cylinder on it? The '66 power brake set up is a dual style. You would need to change out the brake lines, get a "710" booster and correct cylinder, the fire wall bellows / seal, hook up the vacuum source to the intake manifold and a few other items. At least you would retain a stock look. The '66 power brakes were very good. Just be sure to get a '66 cylinder vs. a '65. Though identical in outward appearance the '65 had smaller outlet ports.

Just my two cents ----

Regards
Bill

Bill-------

I agree and I was about to suggest the same thing. It would be a much more expensive conversion due to the cost of the master cylinder but it's the way to go. To take a little of the cost out of it, the 1966 reproduction master cylinder without correct "embossments" is less expensive than the one with the correct "embossments".

As far as brake pads go, I would recommend the current GM/Delco OEM replacement brake pads, GM #18028641.

**Michael W.** · September 6, 2015, 03:10 PM

Re: 1966 brakes; dual master conversion & brake shoes

Originally posted by Richard Edquist (16402)

I
I plan to re-surface my original rotors vs. purchase new (assuming tolerances can be met) as I understand the steel quality of the original rotors is superior to what can be purchased today for stock type rotors. Good advice, I'm not sure?

Avoid resurfacing or replacing the rotors if at all possible. If unavoidable, the existing rotors must be turned in situ and not removed to be be machined on a separate lathe. Replacement rotors must be finish machined in place or shimmed. C2/C3 rotors are not routine replacement items like cars of today.

Do a search on rotor runout for more details.

**Joe L.** · September 6, 2015, 04:00 PM

Re: 1966 brakes; dual master conversion & brake shoes

Originally posted by Michael Ward (29001)

C2/C3 rotors are not routine replacement items like cars of today.

Mike------

Yes, and this is primarily due to the fact that 1965-82 Corvettes use a brake system with FIXED calipers. Most modern cars use FLOATING calipers. However, there are a few modern, ultra high performance cars that do use fixed calipers. I expect that those might suffer from the same maladies as 65-82 Corvettes.

**Jim T.** · September 6, 2015, 04:56 PM

Re: 1966 brakes; dual master conversion & brake shoes

Richard I have over 160,000 miles on my 1970's brake discs and almost 100,000 on my 1968's and have no plans of ever resurfacing or changing and the brakes work fine, tested the 68's today. I used OE type BENDIX brake pads last time I changed.

**Richard E.** · September 8, 2015, 09:42 PM

Re: 1966 brakes; dual master converion & brake shoes

Any chance someone could provide a detail list of parts required (including lines, blocks, brackets, fasteners etc.) with a list of sources for the these components to convert to "original" power brakes? Are date coded parts reproduced? How would the proper date codes be determined? I also have a concern about the fasteners into the firewall and a template for mounting the vacuum unit. How is this accomplished (firewall modifications) and does the steering column need removal for this installation?
I did not find a "kit" for power brake conversion, but that does not mean one does not exist.
Again thanks everyone for the input, I have not started the project yet, so I am interested in the power set up if I can assemble a comprehensive parts list, with sources.
Thanks much.

**Neil C.** · September 10, 2015, 07:52 PM

Re: 1966 brakes; dual master converion & brake shoes

Did the Conversion on a leaking 66 Manual MC by a Kit thru CSSB in FLA/// Bought the MC ( expensive but 66 with 1/4 in lines 100 % CORRECT repo ) and came with the Brake Booster 70 series that I also had Stamp Dated .. Included all Blocks and necessary new lines about $1100 +. Only other parts needed were Swan Correct Vac Hose and Clamps for Booster and a New Vacuum Input with Correct Males In my Case 2 fittings for P Booster and AC.. As 66 follows the Frame you can do with Body On....Have fun...

**Richard E.** · September 10, 2015, 08:48 PM

Re: 1966 brakes; dual master converion & brake shoes

Neil, Thanks much for the information, I will look into this kit.
How would I determine a date code for the booster? Are date codes also available for the master cylinder?
Did the kit come with MC rod, booster mounting plate with weld nuts, and pedal actuator bracket with hardware etc? Seems like a lot of little parts needed for this conversion, not sure where they all get installed.
Did the kit come with detail install instructions? How difficult was it to mount the booster as I will be converting a manual system also, so no existing mounting holes / brackets are in firewall. Must carpet be removed to install booster?

Thanks much for your assistance.

**Richard E.** · September 10, 2015, 08:58 PM

Re: 1966 brakes; dual master converion & brake shoes

Bill, Joe,
My local GM dealer was not sure the GM pad number (18028641) was applicable for a 66 corvette. He apparently tried to find a corresponding Delco p/n which he said he did locate however the Delco p/n was discontinued. Long story short, I was quoted about $50.00 for a set of 4 pads (included about $10.00 shipping) Does this sound correct? Is this the best price out there?

Thanks much.

**Neil C.** · September 10, 2015, 09:52 PM

Re: 1966 brakes; dual master converion & brake shoes

CCSB out of FLA will ask you for the VIN # or Build date on Trim tag... OK to have them Julian Date the Booster but dont get the MC stamp dated like I did for extra $$ as I later learned it was not originaly stamp dated so OK if you want but not necessary or needed unlike the BOOSTER with a Year Code 7011 series Stamped on side facing forward at 10 o'clock and optional but was done originaly I believe get the Date on the reverse if you decide to Julian Date the Booster at least. Kit was $100 or so Extra for Dating BB and also for MC but dont do it. @ other items are the Manifold Vacuum Port Cheap around $22 and also correct BB Swan booster Hose and Clamps $15 or so..Google Corvette Stainless Steel Brakes in Miami I think...Conversion to Power from Manual requires you Knock out two Bolts that Faced forward with head inside Firewall but then you install the Upper Set of Booster Bolts in the opposite direction I recall and reuse the lower Bolts for the bottom of the Booster that are already there as Car is in the Shop not here so I may be off or reversed on Bolt Order Kit had more parts than you needed as to extra Brake Junction Brass Block need only if you rear is in bad shape. The Front Brass Block tho Must be changed as you need two seperate lines now for F and R... Bolts are with Mini Direction where to Place Bracket in the Wiper Cowl Drivers Side.. As I recall The Carpet can stay etc Hope it goes well...Hardest parts are changing the real Brake line from MC... Take Care

**Joe L.** · September 10, 2015, 11:51 PM

Re: 1966 brakes; dual master converion & brake shoes

Originally posted by Richard Edquist (16402)

Bill, Joe,
My local GM dealer was not sure the GM pad number (18028641) was applicable for a 66 corvette. He apparently tried to find a corresponding Delco p/n which he said he did locate however the Delco p/n was discontinued. Long story short, I was quoted about $50.00 for a set of 4 pads (included about $10.00 shipping) Does this sound correct? Is this the best price out there?

Thanks much.

Richard-------

The 18028641 is definitely applicable to 1966 Corvette. In fact, it's applicable to 1965-1982, except J-56.

The Delco part number for the 18028641 is 17D8. Both numbers are usually on the Delco box. As far as I can tell, it's not discontinued.

50 bucks is about right for an axle set of these brake pads. 2 axle sets are required to do all 4 wheels. However, Rock Auto sells these pads for about 36 bucks an axle set.

**Richard E.** · September 11, 2015, 10:15 PM

Re: 1966 brakes; dual master converion & brake shoes

Thank you Joe. I was confident the information you provided was correct, it always has been. I will get the pads on order!

**Richard E.** · September 11, 2015, 10:22 PM

Re: 1966 brakes; dual master converion & brake shoes

Appreciate the details Neil. I will contact CCSB on the kit.
Does the brake rod require a special adapter to fasten to the brake pedal when using the booster?
Thanks again Neil (and all others) for the help.
Rich

**Richard E.** · September 11, 2015, 10:29 PM

Re: 1966 brakes; dual master conversion & brake shoes

Mike,
Rotors look real good except for a narrow ring of rust (maybe 1/4") around outer perimeter. I can clean this up with a 80 grit sanding disk I expect.

Thanks,
Rich

1966 brakes; dual master conversion & brake shoes

1966 brakes; dual master conversion & brake shoes

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