Topic: 66 manual drum brakes: add dual master cylinder, etc?

[bandit1]

I have several questions about my brakes (bear with me). I consider myself mechanically inclined and I've done the brakes before, so I plan on doing this work myself. When applying the brakes, the pedal is hard. It almost goes to the floor before stopping completely. It's manual drum brakes with a single master cylinder. It's been 10 years since any brake work has been done. The car is driven on a limited basis, but I'd like to drive it more often.

I'm going to replace the wheel cylinders, shoes, hardware, hoses/lines, and master cylinder (moisture/rust/old fluid). Should I replace the drums or just have them turned? Considering my limited budget, should I upgrade to disc brakes, power brakes, or a dual master cylinder? What is the best method to bleed the brakes using 1 person? What is bench bleeding and when is it required? Should I get stainless steel brake lines? What brand and supplier(s) should I look at for all these items? Any advice is welcome. Thanks.   

[Soaring]

The first thing you need to decide is whether you want to spend the money to upgrade to disk brakes or not.  That will cost you anywhere from a front disk brake conversion of about 700 bucks to several thousand depending on which route you take and how much work you do yourself.  You also have another alternative.  You can install a dual master cylinder so that if your front brakes go out you will still have back brakes.  You do that by replacing your single jelly jar MC with a 1967 Mustang dual MC that you can purchase at any Autozone.  If you want to know how to hook it up, get back.   

__________________
 

[rmodel65]

if you want to make it a DD go disc


heres a great buy on the kits http://www.discbrakeswap.com/Mustang%20Disc%20Brake%20Conversion%20Kits%20SWAP2.html  and it will give you the 2 bowl setup too

they have great reviews other than the instruction but its very straight forward and they have great customer service

[bandit1]

Thanks for the info/advice. I have some photos at: http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee82/steel3rivers/66%20Mustang/

[Soaring]

OK, now what is your question?  We know you have a 6 banger 4 bolt shoe brake system.  We have given you two choices.  Which way do you want to go? 

[bandit1]

Here's what I'm thinking... convert from manual to power brakes, convert from single MC to dual MC, replace the wheel cylinders, clean up/use the existing shoes, have drums turned. I'm still looking around for new brake hardware/lines/hoses. Converting to disc brakes (front) is out of my $ range for now.

[Soaring]

I can help you convert from single to dual MC, but not from going to power brakes.  That, to me, is a waste of money on these light weight cars. 

[bandit1]

I wasn't set on power brakes, I just thought it would be good to go from manual to power (conventional wisdom). What are the the pros/cons of power brakes? Have you had them on your car(s)?

[Soaring]

No, I have not put power brakes on my 65.  Personally, I feel that if you want power brakes and disk brakes on a 65-66 classic, then you need to buy a different car than a classic 1965-66 Mustang.  They don't need that.  If you want the feel of driving a classic 65-66, then don't screw around with putting power and disk brakes on them.  Others have differing opinions.  However, I did put a dual MC  on my 65 and there is a certain procedure you need to follow.  So, if you wish to keep the drum brakes, but add the dual MC, let me know. 

[bandit1]

No, I have not put power brakes on my 65.  Personally, I feel that if you want power brakes and disk brakes on a 65-66 classic, then you need to buy a different car than a classic 1965-66 Mustang.  They were not designed for that.  If you want the feel of driving a classic, then don't screw around with putting power and disk brakes on them.  Others have differing opinions.  However, I did put a dual MC  on my 65 and there is a certain procedure you need to follow.  So, if you wish to keep the drum brakes, but add the dual MC, let me know. 

I'm interested in your information/advice/photos on the upgrade from single mc to dual mc. Thanks.

[Soaring]

OK, you have to buy two major things.  1. A dual bowl master cylinder for a 1967 Mustang.  This dual bowl will have two equal sized bowls.  If you decide to go with disk brakes later, you will use another bowl.  You can get that MC from Autozone or just about any parts place.  2.  Brake Master Cylinder single bowl to dual bowl conversion kit.  You get that from CJ Pony Parts.  It's on page 54 of their latest catalog.  Call them.  1-800-888-6473. 3.  One quart sized jug of dot 3 brake fluid and one small can.
Once you get the new parts, drain your old single jelly jar by using some old rags to soak up the fluid.  Be careful not to get this shit on your paint. 
Now, unscrew the line then unbolt the two bolts that are holding the bowl on.  You will be using that rod on your new MC so clean it up and save it.  Now, put your new dual master cylinder in the vice, and using the bench bleeding tubes that come with it, bench bleed the new MC.  Instructions will come with the new MC. 
Once the new MC is bench bled, go ahead and mount in in the car using the old rod.  Once the two bolts are snug, then here is where you are going to have to do some alterations.  Be sure you have a double flare tool and a line cutter.  The lines on the kit are too long, so you have to cut them and re-flare them.  All of the correct fittings come with the kit except for one.  That is a collar that connects the rear line.  The two lines are both male. but the collar is both ffemale.  The collar can be picked up a parts place.  It is 3/16" in size.
Here are a couple of pictures of mine for reference.  Notice that you use your original distribution block, and plug one of the rear line holes with the plug that comes with the kit.  Now bleed your brakes all the way around.  If you need help with that, get back. Good luck with it.  If you run into trouble, get back.