Hello all,
This should be simple. One of the nipples on my booster check valve has snapped off...again. Second time in three years. It's a push in type with two nipples. The small diameter nipple doesn't hold up for long.
Does anyone know if there is a metal version available? Can the threaded aluminum version be adapted to fit? Or, is there a superior supplier than the common Dorman one that is found eveywhere?
I'm going to install another inferior one to enjoy the rest of the season but I would prefer a more permanent solution.
Thanks
Ken
Booster check valve replacement part
Moderator: ABQTBird
Booster check valve replacement part
1962 Corinthian white convertible
Past birds
1977 Town Landau
1978 t-top
Past birds
1977 Town Landau
1978 t-top
- Alan H. Tast
- Posts: 4225
- Joined: Wed Aug 20, 2003 10:52 pm
- Location: Omaha, NE
Re: Booster check valve replacement part
Pictures, please. The original Kelsey-Hayes 10-screw booster used a cast aluminum fitting that was held in place by a large hollowed-out bolt/retainer. It sounds like you've got an aftermarket/replacement booster. More than likely all that was available for them was a nylon/plastic fitting.
Alan H. Tast, AIA
Technical Director/Past President,
Vintage Thunderbird Club Int'l.
Author, "Thunderbird 1955-1966" & "Thunderbird 50 Years"
1963 Hardtop & 1963 Sports Roadster
Technical Director/Past President,
Vintage Thunderbird Club Int'l.
Author, "Thunderbird 1955-1966" & "Thunderbird 50 Years"
1963 Hardtop & 1963 Sports Roadster
Re: Booster check valve replacement part
Hello Alan,
You quick reply is greatly appreciated. Pic is below. I believe you are correct in your assertion that this is not the original booster.
I did find the KH style check valve you mentioned from one of our supporters. I was hoping that someone has adapted this one to replace the plastic one.
Ken
You quick reply is greatly appreciated. Pic is below. I believe you are correct in your assertion that this is not the original booster.
I did find the KH style check valve you mentioned from one of our supporters. I was hoping that someone has adapted this one to replace the plastic one.
Ken
1962 Corinthian white convertible
Past birds
1977 Town Landau
1978 t-top
Past birds
1977 Town Landau
1978 t-top
Re: Booster check valve replacement part
Ken looking at your pictures you do have an aftermarket setup. The Dual Master cylinder gave that away. The 61-63s had a single master cylinders with a jelly jar design. I would suggest looking at Booster/Master cylinder combos that could be retrofit to the Bullet birds and specifically those that are similar in appearance to what you have. I believe most of the time when replacing the master the mechanic would opt for a combo system to ensure they work well in combination. Fortunately not many suppliers change their designs much over the past 10-15 yrs. Many 66-68 Mustang, Tbirds and full size Fords had setups that would fit the Bullet birds. If you can track down who sells that combination then you should be able to find more options for the check valve.
MN63
MN63
1963 Thunderbird Hardtop
1966 Mustang Coupe A code
1966 Mustang Coupe A code
Re: Booster check valve replacement part
MN63
Thank you for the reply. The booster was in the car when I purchased it a number of years ago. I installed the dual bowl MC, as well as the curved support bracket after an incident with complete brake failure. One of the rear brake cylinders failed and I lost all brake line pressure. Not fun when you live in the mountains. The MC is from a 68 Mustang. The rod length is the same as our cars. The brakes have worked perfectly since the dual MC upgrade. Other than that and the alternator, the car is original as possible. Or, what isn't original today will be in the future.
I may have found a solution to a more robust check valve. If it works I will post it.
Ken
Thank you for the reply. The booster was in the car when I purchased it a number of years ago. I installed the dual bowl MC, as well as the curved support bracket after an incident with complete brake failure. One of the rear brake cylinders failed and I lost all brake line pressure. Not fun when you live in the mountains. The MC is from a 68 Mustang. The rod length is the same as our cars. The brakes have worked perfectly since the dual MC upgrade. Other than that and the alternator, the car is original as possible. Or, what isn't original today will be in the future.
I may have found a solution to a more robust check valve. If it works I will post it.
Ken
1962 Corinthian white convertible
Past birds
1977 Town Landau
1978 t-top
Past birds
1977 Town Landau
1978 t-top
Re: Booster check valve replacement part
Ken hope your new solution works. I too have lost brakes twice. Even in relatively flat Minnesota that is not a fun time. The first was in a parking lot when a hose leaked and that was not too bad to stop. The second was on a local street and that was a little more challenging. After that incident I put in a new booster and dual master. A lot more piece of mind to stop a 2 ton car.
MN63
MN63
1963 Thunderbird Hardtop
1966 Mustang Coupe A code
1966 Mustang Coupe A code