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How to Install Power Brakes in a Vintage Ford

Master Power Makes It Easy to Step Up (and Slow Down!)

By Jim Smart
writer: Laurie Slawson
photographer: Jim Smart

Life has become easier for those of us who love classic Mustangs. In theold days--the '70s and '80s--we were limited in what we could do with avintage Mustang. At the mercy of salvage yards and a limited aftermarketindustry, we had to improvise at every turn.

Today, companies like Master Power Brakes make short work of upgradingyour braking system. You can bolt on disc brakes at all four corners.And, you can install power brakes any number of ways in '65-'66 Mustangsthat were never available with power disc brakes to begin with.

One of the greatest challenges for those with '67-'70 Mustangs isinstalling a power booster when there's a big-block underhood. Mix inthose Shelby pent-roof valve covers, and the potential for obscenitiesbecomes great. The stock power booster is virtually impossible to removeand install with the valve covers installed; it just doesn't fit. MasterPower Brakes changes all that with a compact power booster/mastercylinder combination that fits like a glove--without removing the valvecover.

Give Yourself A Boost

Master Power Brakes has power-brake booster packages for all '65-'73Mustangs. Here's the information you need to make an informed decision:

'65-'66: BM1522K (no brake pedal)

'67-'70: BM1521KA (brake pedal included)

'71-'73: BM1523 (no brake pedal)

Plumbing kit: AC2000

Combination valve: VL3350KF (Also called distribution block)

Vapor trap: No part number (keeps fuel vapors out of the powerbooster)

Petosin DOT 4 brake fluid

Electric vacuum pump: (Use when camshaft profile hurtsmanifold vacuum)

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4 We have actually removed the brake-pedal support to show youthe drilling process. Existing nut plates are drilled out to 3/8-7/16inch to make way for the power-booster studs. You can do this with thepedal support still in the car.
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5 The Master Power Brakes power booster and master-cylinderassembly is test-fitted in place. Installation, even with a huge FEbig-block and Shelby pent-roof valve covers, is simple. It glides rightin--our test fit is perfect.
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6 Chuck Schnarr and Laurie Slawson install our power booster.Chuck holds the booster while Laurie runs the nuts down underdash.

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