Thread: Brakes, Firewall mount vs frame mount

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I am at the point where I am going to buy a brake setup with pedal and now I am wondering if I should go to a frame mount master instead. I would like a nice clean look under the hood and It would save me some work on the inside. Any regrets or pros or cons with either set up? Second, this is for a 53 Chev pickup and the frame rails are boxed, so if I order an under floor setup, would a made to fit one even fit anymore or should I just go with a universal setup. They seem to be a lot cheaper.

Ive put a few in 50's styled Chevy trucks. If you get the kit there might be some modification since it's boxed but it cant be much. They might even make a kit for a boxed frames? Cosmetics is the only reason I can think of to change it over. Don't forget you will need to cut an access door in the floor for fluids. Might want to double check all your clearances for things like exhaust and steering. Personally I like the floor models better... If your going to run a brake booster make sure you get one that has a small diameter.

You could also hang the whole thing under the dash. Some nice little aluminum remote fill canisters under the hood would keep you from dripping brake fluid on the carpet. Install a 90-degree under-dash swing pedal and master cylinder assembly.

I agree with Randy on the under dash unit if you've got the room. They're slick, and you still keep the smooth firewall.

Here is one i put on a '52 chevy suburban.. it's from TCI and is made for a boxed frame.. when set up the brake pedal fit right in the hole the stock pedal came out of, no cutting required .. It kept the fire wall very clean..

The biggest issues with on frame, Is be sure and have a good size access hole in the floor to fill and service the M/C, also getting the air out of the system, having a frame mount may put the M/C lower than the calipers you will need residual valves inline to the brakes at least 2, 1 front one rear, you may need 4 , 1 per wheel.

It is a cleaner look, and I like it, But I choose to install swing pedals and a firewall mount, no its not as clean a look, but it is easy to service and no residual valves required.

Godspeed
MrC.

Two basic items to consider-------------


One is the sound of a hotrod ( exhaust system)


Two is how it stops ( about half the rodders are complaining about something in there brake systems)(the other half have firewall mount masters)

i use a complete s10 setup . no rusting or problems. most under the floor setups just do not offer enough stopping power for me.

Originally Posted by jerry clayton

Two basic items to consider-------------


One is the sound of a hotrod ( exhaust system)


Two is how it stops ( about half the rodders are complaining about something in there brake systems)(the other half have firewall mount masters)

I do belive you changed me back to a firewall mount. This pickup is going to be a daily driver for the Mrs and I would like to drive it coast to cost. I like it to look nice but it is not going to be a show queen only, thanks. I have a salvage yard 2 miles away from me so I can have the pick of the litter for a setup, what would you guys recomend, I do like the look of Shine's S-10 setup. Parkwood, you got any other pics of that 52 Suburban? I am coveting like you wouldn't believe looking at it!

Originally Posted by 53 Chevy5

I do belive you changed me back to a firewall mount. This pickup is going to be a daily driver for the Mrs and I would like to drive it coast to cost. I like it to look nice but it is not going to be a show queen only, thanks. I have a salvage yard 2 miles away from me so I can have the pick of the litter for a setup, what would you guys recomend, I do like the look of Shine's S-10 setup. Parkwood, you got any other pics of that 52 Suburban? I am coveting like you wouldn't believe looking at it!

I can show you what i started with and how it ended up........ and about 950 pictures in between ...

Originally Posted by 53 Chevy5

I do belive you changed me back to a firewall mount. This pickup is going to be a daily driver for the Mrs and I would like to drive it coast to cost. I like it to look nice but it is not going to be a show queen only, thanks. I have a salvage yard 2 miles away from me so I can have the pick of the litter for a setup, what would you guys recomend, I do like the look of Shine's S-10 setup. Parkwood, you got any other pics of that 52 Suburban? I am coveting like you wouldn't believe looking at it!

Forgot to tell you go to the build forum and look under '51 school bus to show burb... you can see a lot of the pictures i posted of the suburban....

Originally Posted by parkwood

Forgot to tell you go to the build forum and look under '51 school bus to show burb... you can see a lot of the pictures i posted of the suburban....

A little link to make it easier....
'51 suburban school bus to show burb

I also used a s-10 M/C and pedal assembly, I have been told the Camaro (80-90s) will work even better.
I had to remake my brake pedal, I needed to lengthen it. The reason was I needed to mount the bracket for the M/C high up on the firewall to clear the engine, I was able to tie-in the dash to the firewall with the factory s-10 bracket with very little modification, but this did raise the pedal so I added about 3 inches to the arm of the pedal. make sure when your pedal has full stroke, before it hits the floor so you know you have full depression of the pedal.

You can use a manual or automatic pedal assembly/bracket, mines is a manual and I just removed the clutch pedal, But I can add it back If I change trans.

Godspeed
MrC.

thanks for the pics. If I could start over again i would look hard for a suburban or at least a panel truck. I did find a panel a couple miles from me that I think I could get someday but for right now it is fine where its at. I need to get this one done first.

Thanks Roger.......