63 power brake conversion

[Frank D.]

I'm installing the power brake master cylinder and booster on my previously manual brake 63 coupe...
Am I correct that the brake pedal return spring and the nylon bushing it rides on (both shown in pic) are NOT installed on a factory power brake setup ?

[Bob R.]

Re: 63 power brake conversion

There are 2 plastic bushings on the brake pedal which you need to install with some lube, the spring was not used on power brake cars.

[Frank D.]

Re: 63 power brake conversion

Thanks, I have the bushings already..

[Kent S.]

Re: 63 power brake conversion

Frank - I thought you installed the correct power brake setup on you '63 some time ago? Kent

[Frank D.]

Re: 63 power brake conversion

Frank - I thought you installed the correct power brake setup on you '63 some time ago? Kent

I DID and thought I was all done with it - I made a rookie mistake and left the spring and bushing on the brake pedal horizontal shaft as I didn't know any better, it was caught at judging.

But the repro POS clutch pedal weld failed so I had to pull the pedal bracket down and remove the pedals anyway so I thought I would make things correct while in there...

BTW - the repro pedals are crappy, the weld on the outside of the pedal face just tacks the rectangular "tongue" of the shaft to the pedal face and only on two sides of the "tongue".

After grinding the failed weld down I could see there was NO real penetration and I don't know how this even lasted 4 years....a pal rewelded it and will reinstall today... Maddening to have to redo things you that you had fixed for good because of shoddy parts.

[Tom D.]

Re: 63 power brake conversion

1965 Power Brake Pedal Bushings - 1.jpg
Brake pedal from 1965 Corvette # 11843, a power brake Corvette. No spring found. Worn nylon bushings found. These bushings were 3798256 in 1965. Can also be seen in the 1966 AIM. UPC 5, drawing A2.

[Dave S.]

Re: 63 power brake conversion

Frank,
Is the pedal the same for PB and non PB cars.??? Does it involve just removing the spring and leaving the plastic bushings.???

[Tom D.]

Re: 63 power brake conversion

I believe the same pedal, as it works fine on a prior conversion project.

Anti-rattle Sleeve under the spring is also not used with PB.

There IS a "tab bracket" with a round hole on the main housing for outer "tang" on one end of the spring (when non-PB).
Such a tab was/is there (not used or worn) on 1965 #11843; Photo can be provided.

[Edward J.]

Re: 63 power brake conversion

Frank,
Is the pedal the same for PB and non PB cars.??? Does it involve just removing the spring and leaving the plastic bushings.???

Dave, there is a nut plate in the wiper cowl area that was unique to mid year cars, its not make correctly as a reproduction. It’s another give away for the judges? Also power master cylinders have a bleeder, which can be tough to find.

[Frank D.]

Re: 63 power brake conversion

The pedals are the same, however the brake clevis rod goes into the lower hole on the pedal downrod and there is a metal "flag" that goes into the upper hole that has a tab to properly hit the brake light switch plunger. Its all in the AIM

[Dave S.]

Re: 63 power brake conversion

The pedals are the same, however the brake clevis rod goes into the lower hole on the pedal downrod and there is a metal "flag" that goes into the upper hole that has a tab to properly hit the brake light switch plunger. Its all in the AIM

Is that "flag" loose and then bolted through the existing top hole. ???
My 65 w/ PB seems to have a different brake pedal configuration so comparing them doesn't help.

[Frank D.]

Re: 63 power brake conversion

Yes... The flag is bolted into the top hole, for 63 at least, all the vendors sell this piece.
Those sites claim it was used thru 67

[Dave S.]

Re: 63 power brake conversion

Thanks Frank.
Seems I have to remove the pedal bracket in order to remove the spring.
In reading the archives it seems most think PB 63's never had the spring.
Just another decision !!!!!!

[Tom D.]

Re: 63 power brake conversion

1965 "flag" Bolt head has "L" - This has not been taken apart, but someone (me) hit it too hard with the sand.
1965 Power Brake Pedal blasted - 1.jpg
1963 Removal? Not sure but you might get the clutch pedal out just far enough, then remove and insert the brake pedal from the bottom.

[Dave S.]

Re: 63 power brake conversion

Its interesting that the 63 AIM shows the nut plate being installed as part of the PB option and not shown in the body assembly area. From reading a lot of information it seems that at least 63's had the nut plate installed on the assembly line. Several have been seen them with POP rivets holding the nut plate according to others who are much more knowledgeable that me.