Replacing power booster

[glassman74]

Any tricks or tips on doing this job? 74 coupe.
Have read very little on the subject. Look like a big PITA.

glassman74

[72LS1Vette]

Originally Posted by glassman74

Any tricks or tips on doing this job? 74 coupe.
Have read very little on the subject. Look like a big PITA.

glassman74

Be prepared to spend several hours laying on your back wedged underneath the steering column.

1. Remove the driver's seat.
2. Use 2 U-joints and an extension on your ratchet. Wrap the u-joints with electrical tape so that they don't flop around. You need flexability but not a lot. One u-joint attaches to the ratchet and the other goes between the extension and the socket (deep socket needed).

I don't remember the socket size but it might be 11/16".
Put a cloth over the edge of the carpet so that things that you drop won't fall under the carpet. They will hit you in the face instead.

If you have a standard trans it is easier to loosen the switch on the clutch pedal to get access to the upper left bolt (the worst one). There is a tiny clip on the switch linkage that has to be removed - don't lose it. When I say tiny I mean TINY.

Like the manuals always say, installation is the reverse of the removal.



Rick B.

[1969 L46]

Rick, I read your description and LMAO. I have had the wonderful opportunity to replace the power booster on two C3's I had to have my wife drag me out by my feet and I had a knot on my forehead for several days after a socket fell on me. Good times, Good times!!!

[lsejlowe]

times like these I'm glad I have manual brakes! I didn't know it was just a PITA

[1Fordman]

Originally Posted by lsejlowe

times like these I'm glad I have manual brakes! I didn't know it was just a PITA

That makes 2 of us! Luckily Craig (Glassman 74) is not a real big guy so he'll fit under there. He will learn some new words, learn patience and learn to keep a bottle of Jack Daniels within reach!

[blkvette94]

Originally Posted by 72LS1Vette

Be prepared to spend several hours laying on your back wedged underneath the steering column.

1. Remove the driver's seat.
2. Use 2 U-joints and an extension on your ratchet. Wrap the u-joints with electrical tape so that they don't flop around. You need flexability but not a lot. One u-joint attaches to the ratchet and the other goes between the extension and the socket (deep socket needed).

I don't remember the socket size but it might be 11/16".
Put a cloth over the edge of the carpet so that things that you drop won't fall under the carpet. They will hit you in the face instead.

If you have a standard trans it is easier to loosen the switch on the clutch pedal to get access to the upper left bolt (the worst one). There is a tiny clip on the switch linkage that has to be removed - don't lose it. When I say tiny I mean TINY.

Like the manuals always say, installation is the reverse of the removal.



Rick B.

you forgot to add the extra three hours necessary to reinstall.. This time is spent looking for dropped crap (even though you KNOW it fell on the floor board) when you pulled it out with something and it rolled under your car to the other side to end up under your bench-- and you don't have a spare bolt/nut that size.

[iburke]

Ivan's C3 hint #823 go to a thrift shop and find a flat cushion out of a chair about 3" or 4" thick, and about the size of the floorboard in the vette. It makes jobs like this one a lot less painfull...

[MaineVette]

Yep, access is a real... well, you know. I'm a pretty short guy and even I had a hard time getting to everything. My neck was sore for quite a while after I finished if I remember right. It took me quite a while to get those four nuts off!

Here's a writeup I did on my website, maybe it'll be of some use http://www.corvette-restoration.com/...er_removal.htm

Here's my tip: Keep plenty of beer handy to numb your pain/frustration.

[gtr1999]

Hi Tim
good to see you here as well,keep the posting up as you have done a lot of work the guys here could use.

Check the rod on new boosters too, I heard that some of the aftermarket ones had different lengths so you want to be sure about this first.