Master Cylinder relocation
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Trailering
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
From: Harrisonburg
Master Cylinder relocation
Good morning all,
I am looking for a good thread that addresses the relocation of the brake master cylinder to the firewall versus frame mounted/underfloor. I have a 1951 F-1 and will go with the underfloor setup if necessary but would much prefer mounting the master cylinder to the firewall. I would imagine that there is some modifying to be done to the firewall so I am looking for suggestions/pictures etc.... to help with some direction and inspiration. Thank you in advance for your time and assistance.
I am looking for a good thread that addresses the relocation of the brake master cylinder to the firewall versus frame mounted/underfloor. I have a 1951 F-1 and will go with the underfloor setup if necessary but would much prefer mounting the master cylinder to the firewall. I would imagine that there is some modifying to be done to the firewall so I am looking for suggestions/pictures etc.... to help with some direction and inspiration. Thank you in advance for your time and assistance.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 952
Likes: 346
From: Newton Illinois
I have never done the firewall mount but have done 2 of the frame mount with power booster, I like the look of the original pedals and the setup works good and you can still use the clutch pedal if you want, downside is it is a pain to check the brake fluid level
Parts Nerd Extraordinaire
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 4,380
Likes: 1,788
From: Western NY
Many of the frame mount kits have the option of using a remote reservoir akin to this example product:
https://www.lmctruck.com/1948-56-for...-reservoir-kit
https://www.lmctruck.com/1948-56-for...-reservoir-kit
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 952
Likes: 346
From: Newton Illinois
Many of the frame mount kits have the option of using a remote reservoir akin to this example product:
https://www.lmctruck.com/1948-56-for...-reservoir-kit
https://www.lmctruck.com/1948-56-for...-reservoir-kit
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,188
Likes: 4,795
From: Burbank, WA
The modification to the firewall isn't so much, not more than drilling a few holes and perhaps adding a doubling plate for good measure at the mount area, but the big thing is the bracing inside the cab, under the dash. The bracket needs to tie in the firewall with the dash structure for strength. Look under the dash of your modern car and you'll see what I mean. If you can, look under an older car, or even better an older truck, as it will be easier to see under there. Automakers use a large bracket/brace that bolts to the bottom of the dash and through the firewall, where the booster-m/c attaches, and the pedals hang from. Surprisingly, the distance between the firewall and dash hasn't changed that much over the years. I've contemplated doing the mod using a 70's or 80's Ford pickup pedal assembly. There are also aftermarket, universal kits to do the job, as well. Like anything of this nature, do your homework, research the options, and when you think you've got it figured out as for placement, comfort and function, go for it.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 1,264
Likes: 520
I am installing a Wilwood master cylinder that came from performance online. It is a 1955 version. I do not know if they make it for the F-1 truck.
As mentioned above, the setup has to brace the firewall to the dash. The instructions were not very good, but the quality was excellent.
There are a lot of folks who like to keep the firewall clean. For me, I like the firewall location because it is easily accessible and it is important to have the reservoir above the wheel cylinders. There is a reason most manufacturers have put the master cylinders there for decades. As long as the master cylinder looks good, I like it there. The Wilwood master cylinder looks awesome.
As mentioned above, the setup has to brace the firewall to the dash. The instructions were not very good, but the quality was excellent.
There are a lot of folks who like to keep the firewall clean. For me, I like the firewall location because it is easily accessible and it is important to have the reservoir above the wheel cylinders. There is a reason most manufacturers have put the master cylinders there for decades. As long as the master cylinder looks good, I like it there. The Wilwood master cylinder looks awesome.
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old and in the way
Joined: Jul 1997
Posts: 5,923
Likes: 1,052
From: Lovely Hueytown Alabama
Here's an article I did years ago when I had a Volare ifs... I took the m/c-booster and pedal assembly from the same car and altered it to fit
Might not be an exact fit for a '48 but might give you some ideas on the xformation..
john
https://www.fordtruckzone.com/thread...-f-100.655090/
Might not be an exact fit for a '48 but might give you some ideas on the xformation..
john
https://www.fordtruckzone.com/thread...-f-100.655090/
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From: South Dakota
Jim
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