Re: 1954 Deluxe Clipper power brake to regular brake?

Posted by HH56 On 2015/10/7 19:32:29

It can be done but the job is not an easy "take the BTV power booster out and put in a manual" operation. The 51-4 manual master mounts to the frame rail just behind the steering box so you will need to change the suspended power pedal. The as built Packard suspended pedal does not have the geometry or, IMO, strength for a manual operation. IMO, to get a safe manual brake operation you will need to install the floor pedal and all the mounting hardware and linkage. The manual needs a much higher pedal ratio so you need that floor setup to get the proper 6 or 7:1 ratio. The plumbing needs to re-route a bit too.

Documentation is marginal so best approach for a drop in manual install would be a parts car where you can see the layout and remove the small pieces yourself or else finding someone who has removed a complete system and has kept all the parts intact for sale. Without a parts car or compete system the easiest alternative for a manual system would be a universal floor mount system from one of the brake suppliers like ABS or MasterPower Brake. That approach could look almost stock with the proper pedal top and would work but would probably need some custom manufacturing, fitting and welding in of brackets and supports.

Unless you can do all the fabricating and mounting yourself I think you will be talking some serious money. Even if you do the fabrication yourself, by the time you get the parts it might be less expensive to do an exchange BTV or have yours rebuilt by a reputable rebuilder.

Another alternative would be to change the BTV to a modern booster and master. That has been done by several and is almost drop in as far as mounting the booster. The plumbing changes a bit since most have been using the dual masters but rerouting the tubing is fairly easy.. Downside is the pedal ratio a modern power system needs is approx 4:1 so is still different than the BTVs 1:1. The pedal has to be relocated and modified some. That change is visible and obvious for those wanting a stock look and it also changes the position and feel of the pedal slightly.

If you want to investigate that approach there are several threads here on site where the MasterPower Brake booster and cylinder has been used. Price for the MPB booster and cylinder is probably about the same as a BTV exchange or rebuild -- maybe slightly less. Pedal mod is not expensive unless you have to pay someone to cut and build up a bracket and new rod attachment.