How To Install Brake Booster on '37 LaSalle

[carlhungness]

     Anyone have experience with installing a (vacuum probably) brake booster on a '37 LaSalle. Looking for suggestions. Since I have the car down to the bare frame and not installing discs, I at least want to explore my options for installing a brake booster without too much surgery.

[cadillac ken]

Hi Carl:  I used the booster/brake pedal assembly in my '37 Cadillac from my 1970 Eldo parts car.  It's kinda big but it fits well under the hood without a lot of modification and stays clear of interfering with the engine access. But I am going with disc brakes front and rear.

I like using the pedal assembly with the booster as one to keep the proper geometry.  I didn't change anything but the length of the pedal arm and I put a bend in it to situate it to the side of the column where I wanted it to live.  When I get a chance I'll send you some pictures.

All the best, Ken

[carlhungness]

Hi Ken: I am positively going to keep my pedal coming out of the floor, so I'm looking for a booster that will fit under the floor-boards. Actually I probably don't need it, the stock LaSalle brakes will lock up the wheels, right now. I was going to go with discs but after researching the possible wheel problems I decided against them. But I've seen your car and all the mods you have done are first rate. I don't have access to a heli-arc or lathe so can't use my fabrication skills as I'd like as well.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

I have fitted Vacuum Brake and Master Cylinders to a few cars ofer time, and it is just a matter of placing the unit where it sits the best, giving road clearance as well as floor clearance, and line of actuation from the actuator.

Not a problem with the length of the pushrod, as it will need to be lengthened, but needs to be strong enough to not bend when pressed hard.

As for Vacuum Booster, I used the smallest ones I could find that fitted, and searched many wrecking yards to find the correct ones.

I know I am breaking the Forum Rules by posting pictures of a Non Cadillac or LaSalle, but these are the only pictures I have of what I am referring to in the above story.

Bruce.

[carlhungness]

   Great looking flathead in the photo. I have been researching which type of brake booster to use, single or dual diaphgram,  7" or 8", and can or should I use my stock master cylinder. Getting all the gubbins in order relating to mastery cylinder size, booster size, etc. is my main problem at the moment. For certain I want to keep the stock brake pedal, and it currently has a nice long pushrod. But space is a real consideration as I think I can only wiggle in a 7" booster without having it hang below the frame rail, and don't know if that is large enough.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

I am presently working on a brake M/C mounting on a 1934 Hudson, and we are using the original Brakes at the wheels, but converting to Hydraulic operation.

Haven't any pictures at present, but as soon as we have decided what M/C to use, that is compatible with the original brakes, using later model Hudson Wheel Cylinders, I will advise.

Bruce.  

[carlhungness]

      Your challenge is quite different than mine. You need to know wheel cylinder travel, master cylinder capacity that matches the wheel cylinders.
       I am of course using the stock wheel cylinders and not totally opposed to changing the master cylinder. I am researching what size master cylinder to use with what size brake booster, another kettle of fish.
        I don't have the precise figures at hand, but there were two master cylinders used on the LaSalle and I believe they are within 1/32" of an inch difference. They are so close that it doesn't matter which one I have. I must ascertain which booster will work. One may give an extremely hard pedal while another may be too touchy.  I have found some great information and I'll pass it along.

[TMoore - NTCLC]

Hi Carl -

I applaud your decision to keep the drum brakes on your car, and the effort you are going thru to consider adding the booster.  One thing that you did not mention is upgrading to a dual master cylinder.  A lot of people have reported satisfaction using the kits to convert to a dual master, and it seems like a reasonable upgrade to make.

Keep us posted on progress -

[carlhungness]

Installing the brake booster would also involve changing the pedal ratio, now probably 6-7 to1 down to 3-4 to 1, so I don't know if I'm going to do it or not. The dual cylinder may give one some additional peace of mind (in case of a leak) but other than that I don't know that it would make any difference in pedal feel or effectiveness.