Converting from Powermaster to Vacuum Brake

[MCH86GN]

I do not have any issues with my Powermaster, Powermaster is functioning fine, but I figured with the Powermaster now being close to 38 years old that it's time to convert over the vacuum brake setup. I bought a kit from SpoolFool and I am getting ready to start removing the Powermaster setup and install the kit purchased from SpoolFool. I am going to document what I can. I have not searched YouTube to see if anyone has recorded and uploaded the swapping out of the different systems. I am not going to record, but rather take some pictures of what I find interesting and what I ultimately mess up being that I am not a mechanic, but I do not think I need to be to do this job. Lets see if these are my famous last words.

 

[GNVYUS 1]

I remember installing the vacuum pedal was the bitch, not even sure these days it's worth the swap with how everyone rebuilds and makes things better. Best of luck

 

[Nigel]

I remember installing the vacuum pedal was the bitch, not even sure these days it's worth the swap with how everyone rebuilds and makes things better. Best of luck

I would imagine the older you get, the harder it gets. Getting up under the dash requires a little "contortion" and a little "flexibility".

 

[1KWIKSIX]

I would imagine the older you get, the harder it gets. Getting up under the dash requires a little "contortion" and a little "flexibility".

Removing the drivers seat sure helps you do this job.
Don’t forget to remove your running shoes & wear a clean pair of socks (don’t wanna leave any footprints on your headliner )

 

[MCH86GN]

I think I will have a friend of my mine who has done this already and who is a few inches shorter do the removal.

 

[sylvanmaker]

I do not have any issues with my Powermaster, Powermaster is functioning fine, but I figured with the Powermaster now being close to 38 years old that it's time to convert over the vacuum brake setup. I bought a kit from SpoolFool and I am getting ready to start removing the Powermaster setup and install the kit purchased from SpoolFool. I am going to document what I can. I have not searched YouTube to see if anyone has recorded and uploaded the swapping out of the different systems. I am not going to record, but rather take some pictures of what I find interesting and what I ultimately mess up being that I am not a mechanic, but I do not think I need to be to do this job. Lets see if these are my famous last words.

I'm having the same thought. Please do post a link and how it went.

 

[MCH86GN]

I'm having the same thought. Please do post a link and how it went.

When I get a chance to start, I will document as much as I can. I want my blood sweat and tears to keep others from their the blood, sweat and tears.

 

[TType85]

Pulling the pedal is a pain in the ass but it can be done with 2 open end wrenches. The other alternative is to pull the one other bolt holding the whole quadrant out; there is one more bolt towards the front after you pull the booster plate off (the 4 nuts you need to pull anyways).

 

[TurboBob]

Swapped to vacuum last week. I used a vacuum pedal from a junk car rather than drill mine.

I used the big Caprice booster and master, Its a tight fit but works extremely well. Pedal feel is smooth and linear, pedal 'catch point' is fairly high. I have not tried a true panic stop, too much junk in the car would go flying, but heavy braking really works, and a brake torque was sliding the front tires (might swap out the rear wheel cylinders at some point).

2 thumbs up.

 

[BEATAV8]

this one works great.
Wanted a “dedicated” vacuum source, so I drilled & tapped for a 3/8”npt fitting.