I got a really nice letter from Bennett, one of my local Scout friends, when I was laid up last month. He offered to get our local group of IH guys together and get some work done on Peer Pressure while I was laid up, the generosity of which blew me away. We set up a date in early March and he had me put together a list of stuff I’d like to tackle: Hydroboost, fuel sender, and maybe something else if we have the time.
The Hydroboost project involves removing the big stock brake booster and replacing it with a GM hydraulic unit sourced from an Astro van and hooking it into the power steering pump. What this does is improve overall braking power, allow for added stopping power in the event of an engine shutoff, and make more room in the engine bay. Back in 2013 I assembled all of the parts but stalled out, because I don’t trust myself enough to follow the sparse instructions found online or bleed the brake system correctly by myself.
Clockwise, from upper left: Astro brake unit, power steering hoses, power steering adaptors, aluminum standoff block, brass fittings.
[Update]: some more specific information about the specialized bushings:
They’re made by Lee Manufacturing: 818-768-0371
Pressure bushing 40620 $3.97
Return bushing 40630 $3.97
So I’m sending this photo over to Bennett and Ray, the acknowledged experts, to make sure I’ve got everything I need. I’ve got to pick up new brake fluid for sure, but hopefully everything else is correct.
Neal in Boston says:
That’s exciting news that stopped me in my tracks!
Get it? See what I did there?
Seriously, though, that’s a nice showing of friendship and camaraderie. And hearing that you are “laid up” reminds me that I’ve been wanting to write to let you know that you have been on my mind, really (and even though we haven’t met in person) since the fall when I learned of your medical challenges when you sent your IdiotKing Mortality “post”. Hope you are well and progressing through the healing. My father recently went through a similar procedure this fall/winter with ileostomy and resection, and is now recovering quite well after a bowel obstruction NOT involving the added layer of cancer. Anyway, you have been on my mind, your “Mortality” page has been open on my phone browser, and I wish you the best.
If I were in Maryland instead of Boston I’d be happy to help the crew help you and your harlequin Scout.
Eagles-Patriots this weekend: either way I can’t lose (since I’m from Philly). You an Eagles fan? Hold on to the underdog longshot, in the game and beyond, Bill.
BeeMoe says:
Looks like you have everything. If we can find a one-piece t fitting, Inprefer them since it’s fewer joints to leak. The hydroboost shouldn’t take much more than an hour, so we’ll definitely need more tasks!
Looking forward to it!
BeeMoe says:
How do your soft brake line hoses look, front and back? This would be a good time to replace those as well if they are showing some age.
bill says:
Hey Bennett—
What kind of T fitting do you prefer? If you can send me a link, I’ll get it ordered this week. As far as the soft brake hoses, I’ll take a look this weekend.
As for more tasks, hell, if we’re taking the brake system apart, the other thing I was going to do this year was service the brakes front and back. Peer Pressure came with a spare set of shoes for the rear drums and a refurb kit, but I’ve never checked to see if it was actually for the truck. I’d pick up a new service kit for the front and rear if that was something we could tackle…
bill says:
Neal,
Thanks for the kind words and support! I’m healing up pretty well from surgery and have been back to work this week and last. I actually had PP out on the road last weekend for the first time in a month and a half. I do wish you were closer than Boston so that you could meet up with the whole IH crew here. And if you’re ever in the area, please set aside a little time to stop by and say Hi.
As for the Superbowl, Brady has enough rings. I always root for the underdog!
Guillermo says:
were did you purchase the angled aluminum standoff block?
bill says:
Hey Guillermo—
I got it from my friend Ray, who (at one point) commissioned and made about ten of them. I think he’s out of them though. Most of the Light Line dealers can hook you up, I think—try IHPartsAmerica or Super Scout Specialists?