Reply to "Losing brake pressure...any ideas?"

Kats:

Agree with above. Providing booster is not leaking, I'd be willing to bet it's your Master bypassing fluid internally. I rebuilt the stock Girling calipers on my '74, installed stainless flex lines, and pressure bled the system. Still needed to pump the brakes. Not very confidence inspiring! I bought the 1" bore late model Ford master with the billet adapter from Pantera East ($250). It's like night and day. You may be able to buy the same type of master for around $100 and hack around adapting it. For me, it wasn't worth it. Marino is great, his stuff always fits. Period. You do have to re-work the lines at the master though because the modern master uses 3/16" standard double flares versus the "bubble" flares on the stock unit. Figure about $50 is miscellaneous fittings. I would recommend removal of the old non-adjustable proportioning valve and installation of a Wilwood adjustable prportioning valve going to the rear calipers. I left the stock shuttle valve and brake switch in place. Some guys remove this as well and put in a plain brass distribution block and a more common brake switch (one with standard threads) Since the stock calipers are comical, the proportioning valve will be set at zero bias (100% to rear). But while you have the system opened, it make sense to put this in if you ever plan to update to a real brake system with beefier calipers out back. If you DON'T install the master yourself, figure about 5-6 hours time for a COMPETENT mechanic.

Swen