firewall mounted brake question...

I have a 55 (second series) chevy truck that I am going to be moving the brake booster/master cylinder/pedals up to the firewall and I have a question.

Should I reinforce the firewall? I was thinking about making a plate that covers the firewall like is on my 52 chevy.


or maybe something smaller that just fits where the booster mounts to the firewall.

Or, is the firewall strong enough stock? It is not rusted.

 

It shouldnt be necessary as long as you have the rear of the pedal ***embly bolted to the bottom of the dash or to the steering column to brace it. You'll have to do some fab work to do this.

 

yeah, I am heading out now to look at my pedal setups...I have one from a 80s S10 and one from a 70s caddy that I can use.

I also noticed under the dash is a bracket that runs from the dash to the firewall where the pedal setup is probably going to end up too.

fun stuff

 

You may want to use a pedal set up off s-series or a upper mid sized car like a monte carlo. same for the proportioning valve.I had to use a piece of 16 gauge on one to spread out the load for when you stomp on them to stop.

 

The first pedal ***embly I installed in my 1957 flexed too much with just the firewall for support. I cut a plate to smooth and double the firewall to help prevent the flexing.

Also the dash bar is a pretty weak sister; It was replaced with a piece of "B" style uni-strut and this help a lot.

Last, I will run a brace from the cowl to the top of the pedal box (modified '65 Chevy pickup) to make it practically immovable. I am kinda a big guy and wanted to be sure that not only did the pedal box not flex, but the steering wheel and column are solid and can be grabbed on to getting in and out of the truck.

The dash is in/out of the truck right now. PM if you want pics. Matt

 

Reinforce it. I used a piece of 16 ga. steel, plug welded behind the firewall, where the pedals mounted. Bent up the sides 90*, about 1/2" for extra strength.x

 

I have a firewall mounted booster set up onmy 52 Chevy truck. The firewall is smoothed so it's been doubled, but it still flexes.
I plan on plating mine this winter.
Just a little added structure.. Can't hurt that's for sure.

 

I put MC on firewall in 48 car put 1/8 plate behind it made my pedal and hinged it off this plate.

 

I would

the late 80s to mid 90s fords trucks had a problem
with their clutch and brake pedals braking loose
from the firewall of course after 100,000 miles

 

I will add some to the firewall. It seems like after looking over some pics of people that do these that if you have it tied to the firewall/dash/steering column correctly it would form a pretty strong setup.

 

Have you considered putting a Brake Booster and daul m/c in the stock location.A lot of people make them.Thats what I did with my 50' p/u,cheap and easy.
Besides IMHO nothing cluters up or takes away from a nice smooth firewall then a ugly booster and m/c just stareing you in the face.

 

I do not have the stock mounting plate on the frame anymore...

 

I would!
I relocated the (brake booster/master cylinder/pedals) to the firewall as well on my '51 Pontiac. I had to fabricate a plate that would incorporate the bb to the pedal. Once installed, I pushed on the pedal and noticed some flex occuring on the lower part of the firewall. I fab'd a brace from the plate to the steering column, and now no flex and the brakes work firm.