Rob manual brake setup off of S-10?

[Ledsled87]

Guys, I have a salvage yard near by that has a large collection of early S-10 trucks, and I was wondering if I could just rob the master cylinder, pushrod, and pedal off of one with manual brakes to convert to a manual brake set up on my car. I will still need the firewall adapter plate right? Thanks.

 

[simpleman64]

I did this with a previous Malibu project I had.The only problem is that you must shorten the master cylinder pushrod.Also make sure you use the top hole in the pedal for the correct leverage from the pedal.I took the s-10 pedal and cut out the pin where the pushrod connected and welded it in the upper hole in the Malibu pedal.It worked great for me and I will do it again on the project I am working on now.

 

[Supe]

x2. If you get one, make sure it has an angled reservoir though. If it's not, it will hit the hood when you close it.

 

[simpleman64]

I forgot to mention that I reused the power brake master cylinder that was already on the Malibu.The metal plate from the s-10 will bolt right up and cover the hole in the firewall from the booster.I had to trim just a little on the firewall to get the master cylinder to clear were is goes through the hole.Line the plate up on the firewall and you will see what I mean.All in all a very easy swap.Good luck.

 

[Ledsled87]

Darn, the one I got has the straight master cylinder. So you are saying I can use my power master cylinder, I just have to modify the rod length?

 

[simpleman64]

Yes you can.I unbolted the master cylinder with the lines still hooked up and pulled it away from the booster.then unbolted the booster and also took the pedal assembly out from insidethe car.Where the booster bolted to the pedal bracket,I tack welded long bolts to so that there were studs sticking through the firewall to bolt the master cylinder to.Also while the pedal assembly was out of the car,I mocked it up bolting a master cylinder and the firewall cover plate to it using washers to get the width of the firewall so I knew how long the rod needed to be cut.JJust remember to move the pin to the upper hole on the brake pedal to get the right leverage or it will be very hard to push.I hope this helps.

 

[Ledsled87]

I went to Advance Auto parts today, and they can get the 1978 Malibu manual brake master cylinder for $32 + $5 core charge. (They were cheaper than Autozone) I think I am heading in the right direction now.

 

[jrm8]

I went to Advance Auto parts today, and they can get the 1978 Malibu manual brake master cylinder for $32 + $5 core charge. (They were cheaper than Autozone) I think I am heading in the right direction now.

Is all you have to do for the swap is remove the power booster and master cyl and install the manual master cylinder? I am wanting to do this myself on a 83 Malibu.