Is the 1966 master cylinder safe enough

[norm02]

Hey guys,

I've been advised by a few people that it would be a smart/safe idea to upgrade the original style master cylinder in my '66 to a dual reservoir unit. I'm curious as to whether or not it's worth the money to complete this as a temporary upgrade knowing that I'm going to add power disc brakes at all four corners in the future.

Realistically, it will be a year or so before and probably a thousand or more miles before I add a lift, bigger tires, more power to the truck. In the meantime, is the dual reservoir necessary or should I drive it as-is until I've completed the aforementioned mods?

 

[broncnaz]

I would upgrade its not that expensive the safety factor is doubled. Right now if the MC goes out or a brake line blows you will have no brakes at all at least with a dual unit you have some brakes. Of course on the flip side if your current MC is working and you dont drive much then I probably wouldnt mess with it. You can wait until later when you upgrade the brakes.

 

[sprint289]

Dual bowl is a lot safer, but if your going to change in a year, i would stay with single bowl, with good emergency brakes.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

If you're using the oil bath filter on a 170 it will not clear a dual reservoir master cylinder

 

[okie4570]

Safe..yes. Is there safer..yes. Is it the safest..no. Since you're not keeping it original I'd switch it out.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Its worked for the past 50 years, can't be too bad.
You are dealing with 50 year old parts, parts that were never expected to survive 5 years. There were reasons that a duel reservoir master was legally required after '67.

I have a '62 truck in the back yard, aging. Went to move it last week. Got it started, got it moving, found out that the single bowl brake system goes to the floor. Its always worked before. Pump pump pump pump... Crap, the gate is still closed and I am heading for it. Slam it into reverse and dump the clutch. Gate saved. Time to quit putting off the split brake system upgrade.

 

[okie4570]

Its worked for the past 50 years, can't be too bad.
You are dealing with 50 year old parts, parts that were never expected to survive 5 years. There were reasons that a duel reservoir master was legally required after '67.

I have a '62 truck in the back yard, aging. Went to move it last week. Got it started, got it moving, found out that the single bowl brake system goes to the floor. Its always worked before. Pump pump pump pump... Crap, the gate is still closed and I am heading for it. Slam it into reverse and dump the clutch. Gate saved. Time to quit putting off the split brake system upgrade.

What causes that issue? My rusty 66' did the same thing last week. It's been fine but got in it to move it to the other side of the shop and all the way to the floor it went. No leakage anywhere.

 

[broncnaz]

usually corrosion in the bore of the MC then the seals get torn up and no pedal.. Remember brake fluid attracts water thats why its recommended to be changed yearly although few people actually do it.

 

[okie4570]

usually corrosion in the bore of the MC then the seals get torn up and no pedal.. Remember brake fluid attracts water thats why its recommended to be changed yearly although few people actually do it.

I see thanks, appreciate it...........chances are it has the brake fluid that the guy in Michigan put in it 50 years ago lol.

 

[norm02]

If you're using the oil bath filter on a 170 it will not clear a dual reservoir master cylinder

Interesting. I was planning on driving the truck with that filter system on it as I have not found another solution that will fit.

 

[norm02]

I just ordered a single MC. If it fails you always have the emergency brake.

Live a little.

This is true and I'm not overly concerned with it failing. However, I'll occasionally have my young kids in it with it and I'd like to not have to drive it off into a ditch if the brakes fail. I'm sure it will be fine with regular maintenance.

 

[Apogee]

I just ordered a single MC. If it fails you always have the emergency brake.

Live a little.

It's funny to me how it was called an "emergency brake" back in the day when total brake failure was fairly common, in large part due to single-circuit master cylinders. It has evolved into a "parking brake" as brake failure wasn't so much of a common issue. Considering the minimal cost to upgrade and huge increase in safety, I'd consider it a mandatory upgrade. You want to kill yourself, be my guest...but when you put those around you at unnecessary risk, that's unacceptable in my mind.

 

[Major Tom]

If you're using the oil bath filter on a 170 it will not clear a dual reservoir master cylinder

my 66 with dual master cylinder, and inline brake switch, and oil bath air cleaner.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

my 66 with dual master cylinder, and inline brake switch, and oil bath air cleaner.

Interesting. I couldn't get mine to fit without modifying the support bracket that bolts to the engine. I did run the pressure switch basically as you did.

 

[norm02]

my 66 with dual master cylinder, and inline brake switch, and oil bath air cleaner.

Major Tom, any modifications necessary to install and where did you purchase yours from? Thanks!

 

[mp]

my 66 with dual master cylinder, and inline brake switch, and oil bath air cleaner.

Do you have a part number or application for that dual reservoir?

 

[Redhorse1]

Would like to convert my 66. Does it come in a kit form?

 

[Major Tom]

Major Tom, any modifications necessary to install and where did you purchase yours from? Thanks!

this was not a kit. I will get some part #s together and snap a few more pictures tomorrow and explain further

 

[NC-Fordguy]

this was not a kit. I will get some part #s together and snap a few more pictures tomorrow and explain further

Looking forward to the part list.

Your master cylinder looks a bit more compact.

 

[norm02]

Looking forward to the part list.

Your master cylinder looks a bit more compact.

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