KaiserWillys jeep power brake upgrade

Ever driven a car without power brakes? When driving our today’s daily drivers, 2017 Cx5 for instance, my how we take for granted that the vehicle will stop effortlessly!

Oh, Hey, dne’ here!  I remember my first vehicle(1971) had all drum brake non-power, but honestly, I don’t remember having a panic attack if I was going to stop or not, and I for sure don’t remember the first car I had which had power brakes or did I even notice!

Moving right along, early jeeps, (Willys, Kaiser) and probably most pre-70 model cars/trucks/tractors had non-power drum brakes. I suppose the main problem back then was going through high water and you learned to “pump-your-brakes” to dry them out I guess or perhaps braking and the cars pulls to the left or right, kind of bad!

http://axd.qfc.mybluehost.me/2019/03/11/first-car/

Early jeeps have a well hidden single reservoir master cylinder(under the floor board) with all drum brakes. My particular jeep has the basic 9″ drum brakes (all new stuff). I don’t know when, but 11″ came around, then of course there are upgrades to front disc with 11″ rear drum and upgrading to a double master cylinder for added safety.

I can always upgrade later on, but in the meantime, knowing this jeep will probably never get over 50 mph, never be on a highway, hopefully what’s on it will suffice!

Ding ding!! However, there is a power brake upgrade offered by https://www.kaiserwillys.com/ for the stock system which I have. It’s unique to only a single cylinder master cylinder.;)

https://www.kaiserwillys.com/brake-booster-kit-with-vacuum-tank-fits-41-66-jeep-willys

Brake Booster Kit with Vacuum Tank Fits 41-66 Jeep & Willys Item # 805220, notice right under the brake booster, the extra vacuum reservoir?

This is pretty much what you get along with some instructions, but the thinking and imagination of the install is up to you;) Perhaps Mike or Mark can make some suggestions if you need it? But I must say the booster itself is well made which is the heart of the system, yes?

This is a googled pic, just to show the old heater system, sad they don’t make it anymore. They made everything else:(

Finding a place for the new booster required some decision making, but since the old heater system wasn’t there, and which isn’t available anymore, that spot seemed logical;)

But, backing up a bit, knowing I’m not wanting to have the old holes leading to whatever, I decided to blank this area out, I do want a clean engine compartment;)

OMG, look at that beautiful engine!! 😉

So, now with a blank slate, I can do whatever I want there;)

So anyway, just took some 20 gauge sheet metal and covered the area of concern.

In the meantime as far as supplying the new booster with vacuum, I used a left over port from the fuel pump which was blocked off for a vacuum operated windshield wiper. So, I’ll see how it works, if it’s starved for vacuum, I’ll reconsider my idea. It’s all about problem solving, it’s what we do, right?;)

With the fender back in place, hopefully for good, the new booster looks like it belongs there and it quite unique and conversation starter at car meets;)

I do know that I didn’t want to remove the little access panel to get to the master cylinder, so I bought this Wilwood Master cylinder remote reservoir kit #260-11098 off of eBay for about 30ish bucks; may be found cheaper elsewhere, but I hit the click button to save time! lol

The illustrations from the installation was vague, but the hydraulics helped me just to know which hydraulic line goes where.  I had the system pretty close to the master cylinder, but there wasn’t enough brake line from the kit, but I just happen to have leftovers from running brake lines.

I had the fender off, the held the booster to check for clearance, but on, off, on, off with the fender until I was comfortable with the location, then made holes.

Brass Barb Tee Fitting 1/4″ x 1/4″ x 1/8″ , seems large in the picture, but it’s a small T

Another irritating thing was the vacuum valve is 3/8″, it came with ample 3/8 line, but usable source line was 1/4″, the vacuum reservoir for additional vacuum is 3/16″, just took some juggling to get vacuum where it need be. I’ll be more clear on this later

Ok, I’m going to leave it at this for now and come back after a test drive, bear with me as the holidays have hit and might be a couple weeks for a report and upgrades to the blog!;)

Have a very Merry Christmas to all my Classic Car enthusiast friends!!!;)

dne’ 😉