Re: [Amc-list] 59-60 Power brake unit in 64 Classic?

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

Thomas, when you reply how about editing the subject line to what you're referring to? 

The unit will fit -- Tom must not have looked at it. But there's no way Id use it unless doing a museum restoration. Part of the reason is what Tom says -- single master cylinder. It's an old design with some valving inside the booster that's a bit odd compared to current boosters. That thing must use an awful lot of vacuum to require a storage tank, especially one of that size! The "modern" boosters started being used in 1962, and the design is still used. The only thing you could really put to use is the stand-off brackets and linkage, and probably the pedal (the body design is different 56-62/63+, so the pedal may be to long). 

If you want power brakes and don't have them now, you can get a new setup from MP Brakes. Get one for a 70s Ford, but tell them it's either going in a Ford or it's a replacement for a custom hot rod. If you tell them it's for an AMC they will tell you they have nothing that fits AMCs, even though I know for a fact it's the same Bendix part used by AMC. It's a liability issue -- they haven't fit one in an AMC and the manufacturer doesn't support it for AMC, and they won't sell it "for an AMC". 

It's an odd policy in a way because they will sell stuff for hot-rods. There's an implied liability issue with a custom though that relieves the manufacturer/seller of responsibility. A rod/custom is by nature a hand fabricated car with a wide assortment of parts, safety and parts fitment is up to the builder.  

That or find one from a late 60s/early 70s Ford in a salvage yard. Other candidates include an early 70s Chevy/GMC truck (same Bendix part!) or CJ-5/CJ-7 Jeep (turn bracket upside down, master cylinder should be good to go). You may have to adjust the pedal and/or pushrod from bellcrank to pedal. 

If you just want a bolt-in ready to go system, you can only use 63-66 Classic/Ambassador/Rebel parts. The 67-69 sedan parts will fit, but the pushrod length and pedal may be different (pedal shouldn't be). Sometime in the 70s AMC switched to a mount that holds the master at an angle from the firewall (and away from it) instead of using the bell crank type mount. Not sure when, the TSMs don't show the mounting from 70-74, and the mount may just be for the Matador Coupe in the 75 TSM, there's no indication, but it may be for all. I don't get under the hood of many mid to late 70s big cars, haven't for a long time anyway. 

-------------------
Date: Wed, 09 Jan 2008 16:47:47 -0800
From: Tom Jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: [Amc-list] Amc-list Digest, Vol 13, Issue 16


-- Thomas Garner <Tgarner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> > Hey guys,
> >  I know this is a few years older, but could I put this in my 64 Classic?
> >
>   

That thing is as old as the hills! The master cyl is single-circuit, you 
want a dual.

Master cyls that fit you can get for $30 new (not rebuilt!) from NAPA.

The problem fitting power boosters into your chassis is clearance, and I 
doubt pre-63 will fit for that reason.


-- 
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
(free download available!)

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