On my 55 Tbird I replaced the front drum brakes with a non power disk brake kit and eliminated the booster. That was like 15 years ago
and I have never felt a need to re install it. My opinion. Pete

They work, given the times. So did the treadle-vac. You won’t confuse them with modern brake boosters, or the light effort I remember from Chysler products in the early 60’s. I’d say if you’re comfortable driving the car leave well enough alone. If it’s marginal (like some of us old guys with bad knees and shoulders) power brakes and steering are more attractive than they used to be.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

Not to hi-jack but how well does this style of power brake function?  Is it worth the cost for a retrofit?


1956 Ford Fairlane Town Sedan - 292 Y8 - Ford-O-Matic - 155,000 mi

While the Tbird and sedan units are  slightly different, they function the same and are pretty much inter-changeable.  A lot of the Birds got a sedan unit when theirs went bad, most likely because there were more of them that were rebuilt.

For the purists, a  sedan unit can be converted into a TBird configuration easily and the parts are available from the parts people





54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

the boosters i had,both from 55birds where the same as cars except the mount bracket. simple how they work,they boost the had pressure with vacuum. the had portion has a brake cup that has a hole so if vacuum to booster is interrupted you still have some breaks
i rebuilt 1 for my 32ford and had problems getting parts,midland dealer hear claimed no longer avail. purchased som on treble bay. thewhol issue was a wast for very little  boost. sold the core and went to  proper booster.

Booster between the Tbirds and the sedans were a little different so if you it to be "correct"  get the for the model you have.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Check Larry's Thunderbird for a Booster already rebuilt as well as a mounting Bracket.

  

i found parts next to impossible, hear in canada. some small parts where the worst,. good luck

Thanks for the help , I have my eye on a booster on eBay now it will have to be rebuilt and I see the lines to hook it up are available from a few parts guys . The whole thing most likely will be a Christmas present to myself. Thanks for the diagrams

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