66 Repro Power Brake Master Cylinder

[Cathy S.]

Has anyone purchased stainless steel brakes new repro unit? Is the design faithful to the original? Operational? Fit and finish?

Thanks Greg

[Page C.]

Re: 66 Repro Power Brake Master Cylinder

Hi Cathy,
I don't think the 1965-66 repro power brake master cylinder has any Delco logo on it.
Regards,
Page Campbell

[Dick W.]

Re: 66 Repro Power Brake Master Cylinder

Page, I don't believe the originals had a logo either

[Page C.]

Re: 66 Repro Power Brake Master Cylinder

Hi Dickie,
The ones I have say Delco Moraine on the inboard side along with a casting #(6467084) and 1 Dia. These are a raised casting. Outboard side has a F and R above the line connections and a D3 (maybe a Mold # or plant #) and a date code. The mold # and the F & R are recessed and the date is raised.
Regards,
Page

[Cathy S.]

Re: 66 Repro Power Brake Master Cylinder

Thanks for the reference.

[Michael G.]

Re: 66 Repro Power Brake Master Cylinder

Greg,

To further answer your question, believe you'll discover the repro master cylinder is faithful in design and function.....just minus the Delco Moriane embossment.

.

[Bill C.]

Re: 66 Repro Power Brake Master Cylinder

Has anyone purchased stainless steel brakes new repro unit? Is the design faithful to the original? Operational? Fit and finish?

Thanks Greg

Greg,
I have restored/rebuilt many of the originals and still do, and redo the boosters for full disclosure. I recently purchased one of the repo's for comparison of cosmetics. They did a pretty good job. The current manufacturer does not hold license to do them so they are grinding off the delco reference and parts of the other info cast into the side. They are being offered at a special price like this and state that when they do get license they will stop grinding off the delco, etc. The price will then double to a list price of at least $799.00 (as stated on their website), although it is cheaper than an original, still pretty pricey for a repo

These units, even if they did not grind off any characters are easily distinguishable from an original do to different size/type of characters, casting lines, etc. Although the average individual would not be able to tell, once an individual knows what to look for, its easy to tell its a repo.

That said, if one only wants a 65-66 power brake master cylinder similar in appearance to original at a cheaper price ,well, these may be a good choice. They are as good a duplication as the repo 67 -up master cylinders they have been doing for a few years also. They are pretty good, but one can tell its a repo. Only time will tell how they function and hold up, how the castings are made and out of what material is always in question as they are for sure "imported", although the 67-up units appear to be holding up OK

Original 65-66 P/B masters are definitely more expensive, but original. Just depends on what you want. Same holds true for the boosters being reproduced, there are a few different models/versions out there and they are really not to bad for the price, although I can tell you they are not rebuildable as none of the internals are the same and parts are not available and that out of a few dozen I have installed for others, each one has a different "feel" to it, so they are not consistent in operation

Teak steering wheels in repo form can be had for $500 to $600 and are really nice and 1/3 of the cost of a nice restored original, but are they different? You bet! But the cheaper one is good enough for some.

It just depends on what you want on your car, if you want original parts, they cost more, if you want to spend less for similar appearance/function, the repo parts may be for you.

[Cathy S.]

Re: 66 Repro Power Brake Master Cylinder

Thanks to all! I've never been one to go for the less expensive unit on my cars. Originality has always been very important to retain in my cars. Chalk it up to a moment of "un" clarity. The master being the first repro I've seen for the car, tho wrong, was tempting for the moment. Sometimes I just need to be reminded that the end result is worth the hunt.

Greg

[Peter J.]

Re: 66 Repro Power Brake Master Cylinder

Cathy,
After a two year hunt I found one on ebay with the right date for my 66, the seller said rebuilt but I sent it off to Steve Gregori of Brake Boosters Inc. anyway not wanting to take a chance. He replated and rebuilt it and is a thing of beauty now. I have seen both side by side and it's like Bill Caldwell said you would have know or compare them.
Check with the booster rebuilders and see if they have one that will fit your needs in stock.

[Bill C.]

Re: 66 Repro Power Brake Master Cylinder

Cathy,
After a two year hunt I found one on ebay with the right date for my 66, the seller said rebuilt but I sent it off to Steve Gregori of Brake Boosters Inc. anyway not wanting to take a chance. He replated and rebuilt it and is a thing of beauty now. I have seen both side by side and it's like Bill Caldwell said you would have know or compare them.
Check with the booster rebuilders and see if they have one that will fit your needs in stock.

Steve Gregori has been doing my work as of late for all the boosters I have restored for resale, excellent results. I usually pay a bit extra and he has someone who can polish out any of the typical pitting seen, well worth it and they look like jewelry, the plating color and finish is excellent, plus of course, they work well and are always rebuildable, doubt they will need to be done again in our lifetime!
BTW, Steve also does plating for hardware and bolts also.