Featured Hot Rods 56 Ford Mainline

More obstacles.

Someone put an aftermarket brake booster unit on the car. It cleared the 305 chevy engine, but will not allow the Y-block valve cover to fit. I will remove the booster and fit the valve cover. Maybe put a dent in it.


The 1957 bellcrank does not match the 1956 inline six firewall accelerator linkage. The 1957 trans pressure rod (”kickdown rod”) will probably not clear the 1957 valve covers. Even though the 57 parts came off the same running car. Also, Bubba has done some welding to the bellcrank and the rod. Very confusing.

I guess I must hunt down some 1956 parts to move forward.

 

I have the old 1956 inline six accelerator linkage on the firewall. Is it different from the V8 linkage?

 

I remember seeing a Chevy booster that was much much smaller than the one you have. I think it came off a mid 50's chevy. Sorry I can't be more help as to the year and make to look for but it is smaller in Dia. and length.

Mike

 

So glad that you are junking that shivrola. Ford in a Ford.

 

Thanks, the process is kind of frustrating. But I want THE SOUND.

 

Ford used a small diameter booster and a bracket that raised it up a few inches, they were used early to mid 60’s Ford. The bolt pattern on the firewall is the same as the ‘55-‘56 Fords.
I believe it was a Midland brand booster.

 

Booster for a ‘93 Cobra Mustang fit very well in my ‘54 and cleared the Yblock valve cover.

 

If not already you need to cut the front rubber stops in half. I forgot when I put in the AeroStars 7 years ago and busted up the rubber. The shocks installed needed a floor jack to get up to bolt on but really helped the ride. kYB’s but I don’t remember the #. Larry’s Thunderbird in Corona Ca. Sells a 1-1/8” sway bar to replace the 7/8”.

 

I.M.O.: That car needs it's Y- Block!
I don't believe the booster is needed on that car. Manual brakes work quite well when adjusted properly. To eliminate the booster may involve a different master cylinder, but it would work well and be worth it visually.
Also, the V-8 vs. 6 cylinder throttle linkage is almost certainly different.

 

Yeah, that is my experience as well - drums work very well if everything is ok in the whole brake system.

I will remove the booster and fit the valve cover first. The problem is to get it over the stud, with the booster in place. If this wont work, I most likely will get an original master cylinder instead and be done with it.

 

I have seen different types of 1956 firewall linkages on ebay. Here is a pic from an auction. The bracket is the same as the one on my car, but the top arm is shorter, and should (?) fit the extra piece of linkage that connects to the bellcrank in the intake.

There is an old junkyard marking on it that seems to read ”6 cyl” or something. I have asked the seller if he knows where it came from.

I would like to find one that fits right. Drilling holes and fabrication requires the engine to be taken out again.