Remote Brake Booster for Trailer

[rrausch]

This is a long-shot, but if this thing exists, I'm sure some of you guys will know about it.



I'm trying to find a remote power brake booster for my old '53 Chevy. I've gotten a tip that some older makes of travel trailers had remote vacuum boosters instead of electric brakes. However, this tip came to me from a buddy in Australia, so it may not be applicable here in the U. S. Anybody know? GM used a "Hydrovac" power brake booster in the mid-1950's, as a factory option, but these units are rare and pricey. If I can find a generic remote booster, of a small size, I will be very happy. Thanks!

 

[NIsaacs]

Years ago, before firewall mount master cylinders, most 1 1/2-2 ton farm sized trucks used frame mount master cylinders w/vacuum boosters/hydravac. Look for a fifty's model Chevy truck, it will probably fit your pickup.





"NICK"

 

[PToombs]

'70's Fords and IH trucks used 'em, F700,750.

 

[rrausch]

Thanks. From what I know about these remote boosters (which ain't much) the bigger trucks used a bigger booster--I just need a smaller one. But I'll try to find one on a bigger truck--the only part which is bigger is the vacuum drum I think.

 

[Hoefler]

You can go back as far as the early 60s. All 2 ton trucks had them. If you can find one off of a C40, C50 Chevy or a F450, F550, they had a smaller version than the bigger C60, C70 or F750, F850. You can go as new as the early mid 80s, before they started to use hydro-boost more. On some of the larger trucks like the C70 or F850, they had an additional booster at the rear axle to just boost the rear axle, this one might suit your needs as well. The old Dodge, D40, D50 and IHC Loadstar 1500 and 1600 had them as well. Some of the late 50s and early 60s pickups had the optional booster on the fender under the hood. Just keep in mind, the size of the booster is related to the size of the piston in the master cylinder. With that said, you can also change to a smaller piston master cylinder and increase the line pressure with out having to exert any more effort to apply the brakes.

 

[rrausch]

Thanks Hoefler! That was real good info which will help me a lot. You have a PM.