Got my Hydrovac brake booster rebuilt and installed on the car. Hasn't been on the car for the last 36 years. Finally got around to getting it back in place.
![331885]( "331885")
![331886]( "331886")
Hydrovac installed
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4drsedan
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I'm fascinated by the dealer ac. I always wondered if they had that option in 57. I know for sure they had it in 56. I was lucky to get to own one in the 90's, but didn't understand or appreciate it then. Is your blower motor located on the passenger side in front of the grill, or was it located elsewhere?
I wonder just how similar the 56 and 57 dealer ac are?
Your car has some very cool, very rare options. I'm jealous!
Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
I wonder just how similar the 56 and 57 dealer ac are?
Your car has some very cool, very rare options. I'm jealous!
Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
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In
Back story: I looked for one to put on my '57 but (1) could not locate a core and (2) the power brake specialists here advised the rebuild kits for the Australian equivalents were long gone.
I am actually very interested in this – if there were actually that many set up this way (from factory) even though the documentation says so ... there are just so few of these set-ups anywhere, as parts or on running cars.
Back story: I looked for one to put on my '57 but (1) could not locate a core and (2) the power brake specialists here advised the rebuild kits for the Australian equivalents were long gone.
The blower motor is located on the evaporator box, coming out at a 45 degree angle towards the distributor. Yes, the car does have some good options. Sure would like to know who ordered it originally. Some of the options are A/C, factory tinted windows, 280 power pac engine, powerglide, power brakes (hydrovac), HD leaf springs, bumberettes and bumper guards.
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My Dad and I restore trifive hydrovacs for the love of the hobby to help people keep their cars original and have better brakes. I'm only mentioning that in this thread since there's been a lot of interest. If you are interested about them, please feel free to message me.
I put an original 1957 hydrovac on my car a couple years ago which can be seen in my build thread probably with much cobwebs on it due to me not posting on here much. When I drive my car, it makes me feel like it's almost modern when driving it as the units work excellent (your brakes also need to be working right prior of course). But, as-is with most things, not everyone can just rebuild these units and have them work either. They sure make an engine compartment look cool too
Here's the latest image of my engine compartment on my sport coupe.
Regards,
Kevin
I put an original 1957 hydrovac on my car a couple years ago which can be seen in my build thread probably with much cobwebs on it due to me not posting on here much. When I drive my car, it makes me feel like it's almost modern when driving it as the units work excellent (your brakes also need to be working right prior of course). But, as-is with most things, not everyone can just rebuild these units and have them work either. They sure make an engine compartment look cool too
Here's the latest image of my engine compartment on my sport coupe.Regards,
Kevin
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In 1973 I had found an old mom & pop bone yard in Lancaster Massachusetts with close to 200 wrecked 55-57 Chevrolets. That summer I had spent every Saturday pulling off every Hydro-Vac,every Treadle Vac, every Overdrive, every Power Steering set ups and every other power option set up that was to be had. There were dozens of Hydro-Vacs included and they didn't seem all that rare back then. The strange thing was that I sold everything that Fall at Hershey and made a bundle, but most of the Hydro-Vac's were bought by Cadillac guys .Fast forward forty eight plus years. Now i'm in need of a Hydro-Vac Decal. Any suggestions? Gimme a call 508-881-1447 Thanx, Happy Motoring - Dave
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I too spent many a day in that yard pulling 55-57 goodies.
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Hydro vac is a booster system in addition to the regular master cylinder. It adds boost via vacumn to the system and reduces the force you need on the pedal. It is an added system. The T-vac is
the master and booster all in one and if it fails....no brakes.
Mikey
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Regarding Hydro Vac systems in Australia many early GM modeled cars had the hydro vac system installed for cars that had 4 wheel drum brakes. Below is a pic from a 1964 EH Holden sedan that has this set up.
My question is that these systems are common here compared to original Chevrolet set ups, will they work the same way, mounting can be adapted to fit.
![343474]( "343474")
My question is that these systems are common here compared to original Chevrolet set ups, will they work the same way, mounting can be adapted to fit.
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Yes … PBR VH44. There was an earlier version that would be correct dates for 567 issue, but the brakes guys here don’t want to work on them – kits not readily available and not as effective in any case.
Most were fitted inside the front guards, so not readily seen.
Not as pretty as the Bendix unit, but still good.
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RECO CHANGE OVER VH24 BRAKE BOOSTER TO FX FJ FE FC FB EK EJ EH HOLDEN ORIGINAL | eBay Australia
FOR SALE IS A FULLY RECONDITIONED ORIGINAL VH24 BRAKE BOOSTER. YOU WILL NEED TO SEND US YOUR OLD VH24 BOOSTER IN ADVANCE AS PART OF THIS SALE. AFTER MANY YEARS, FINALLY FINISHED. READY TO BOLT ON.
www.ebay.com.au
Thanks for explaining that Mikey, but I don't think I would have an interest in that. Aren't you still left with the single line/reservoir master cylinder?? If anything, I would remove my tredle vac and install a dual reservoir master cylinder and booster. I want to keep the power brakes, Carmine.
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I guess it all depends on what your are comfortable with. For me, I have had all kinds of systems on cars and trucks. The best is on my 85 Suburban with 4 wheel discs and no anti lock BS. It will
stop from going 100 mph to zero is a short span, throwing you through the windshield if you are not prepared for it. Now my 99 Tahoe is another story. It needs extra stopping distance and the pedal
is (and always has been) soft.
I have had 55's with no power assist and 4 drums that will stop as if you just through out a boat anchor the size used on the Queen Marry.
With my now project having full disc brakes, and the hydrovac system stopping will not be an issue.
FYI: I detest the look of the new booster and dual master look on a 55-57 Chevrolet.
Mikey
stop from going 100 mph to zero is a short span, throwing you through the windshield if you are not prepared for it. Now my 99 Tahoe is another story. It needs extra stopping distance and the pedal
is (and always has been) soft.
I have had 55's with no power assist and 4 drums that will stop as if you just through out a boat anchor the size used on the Queen Marry.
With my now project having full disc brakes, and the hydrovac system stopping will not be an issue.
FYI: I detest the look of the new booster and dual master look on a 55-57 Chevrolet.
Mikey
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WHO HAS THE KITS FOR THESE HYDRO'S OR WHO WORKS ON THEM???
LARRY CHEVYMAN57
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I don't like the looks of the booster and mc either. It would be more of a safety concern. The change over was just something I was thinking about. I don't drive my car a lot and everything underneath looks to be in good shape. I can't say I don't think about it (the system developing a leak) and me being able to stop in time. I do. When I was 18, I had a '63 Chevy vert. and put the top down one night, to go out for a while. About 5 miles from home, I came to my first stop sign. Applied the brakes which went all the way to the floor. Not a good feeling. Almost soiled myself. Returned home using the emergency brake. I think one of the lines rusted through. Never forgot that, Carmine.
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The stock OEM single master cylinder safe use is only ok if you are prepared to maintain and check the whole braking system. In New Zealand for the older cars we have 6 monthly inspections at certified shops, the test also includes braking adequacy using a brake dyno or deceleration test. Because of this, I'm comfortable with the OEM look, we have 3 '57s, each have power brakes, HydroVac, TreadleVac and PBR VH44. Of these, the VH44 has the best brakes, followed by the HydroVac, then the TreadleVac, but all pull the car up well within the regulation limits, ie 3 consecutive 60mph stops within 5secs or 65 yds. That test is done when the car is certified for first registration to legally be used on the road.
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John, It's in the 2tone blue 4dr ht, I made a bracket that attaches to the master cylinder mount bolts. It looks kinda stock. There's a guy over here that sells them on TradeMe, apparently they are China copies, but he strips them and fits all OEM PBR seals and diaphragm.
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