FYI FORD - MustangSteve's Ford Mustang Forum
The Internet's Most Knowledgeable Classic Mustang Information
IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT CLASSIC FORD MUSTANGS, YOU HAVE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!
MustangSteve has over 30 years of Mustang experience, having owned 30 of them and restored several others. With the help of other Mustangers, this site is dedicated to helping anyone wanting to restore or modify their Mustang.... THERE ARE NO DUMB QUESTIONS!!!!!
Visit MustangSteve's web site to view some of my work and find details for:
FYIFORD Contributors' PICTURES - Power Brake Retrofit Kits for 65-66 Stangs - Classic Mustang FAQ's by MustangSteve - How to wire in a Duraspark Ignition - Mustang Ride Height Pictures and Descriptions - Steel Bushings to fit Granada Spindles to Mustang Tie Rods - Visit my EBAY store MustangSteve Performance - How to Install Granada Disc Brakes MustangSteve's Disc Brake Swap Page - FYIFORD Acronyms for guide to all the acronyms used on this page - FYIFORD Important information and upcoming events

You are not logged in. Would you like to login or register?

  • Index
  •  » FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion
  •  » brake pedal adjustment

    • 1 of 1

       

    4/18/2020 11:57 AM  #1

    Cab4word67
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Portland, Ore
    Registered: 4/06/2019
    Posts: 1,154

    brake pedal adjustment

    Good morning everyone. on my 65 coupe with the new ft power disc brake conversion my stock manual brake pedal sits very high. It has a return stop bracket with a rubber pad that stops it.  My question is now that I know my brakes are working can I move the pedal down some . I have about 2-2-1/2"" from the floor when the pedal stops hard. Could I adjust that so it is more like 1" from the floor or does the arm have to use the stop bumper? This would lower the pedal some so I don't have to lift my foot up off the floor just to use the brakes. I think this is why MS makes the pedal swing conversion but right now its not in the cards. 
    Chris

    Slammed Big Blue, ran over the varmints that messed with the Stang. Now all is good in the NW
     

    4/18/2020 1:54 PM  #2

    Ron68
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Mukilteo, Washington
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 1,587

    Re: brake pedal adjustment

    If you are converting to power brakes then you need to install a power brake pedal. It is a longer pedal than the manual brake pedal, and you will also need to install a power brake pedal brake light switch. It is a much lighter spring than the manual brake pedal switch. I converted my 68 to power brakes and had to to all that for them to work properly. I had left the manual brake switch in, and almost got rear ended twice, as the brakes were coming on before the brake lights illuminated.

    68 coupe - 351W, 4R70W, 9" 3.25 -- 65 convertible - 289 4v, C4, 8" 3.00
     

    4/18/2020 2:03 PM  #3

    MS
    Forum Originator

    Offline

    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,279

    Re: brake pedal adjustment

    Ron68 wrote:

    If you are converting to power brakes then you need to install a power brake pedal. It is a longer pedal than the manual brake pedal, and you will also need to install a power brake pedal brake light switch. It is a much lighter spring than the manual brake pedal switch. I converted my 68 to power brakes and had to to all that for them to work properly. I had left the manual brake switch in, and almost got rear ended twice, as the brakes were coming on before the brake lights illuminated.

    Ron, that is not true on 65-66 models.  67-70, yes, but not the early cars.  His issue is he went with a booster that just bolts in, vs one that is designed to fit and work properly.

    The booster he used MIGHT have an adjustable input shaft. If so, then the static pedal position might be able to be lowered.  If it in not adjustable, the other option is to put washers or a spacer between the booster and firewall. Since the pedal has a 6:1 ratio, a 1/8” spacer will lower the pedal 6/8”, or 3/4” at the foot contact plate.

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    4/18/2020 2:07 PM  #4

    Ron68
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Mukilteo, Washington
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 1,587

    Re: brake pedal adjustment

    MS wrote:

    Ron68 wrote:

    If you are converting to power brakes then you need to install a power brake pedal. It is a longer pedal than the manual brake pedal, and you will also need to install a power brake pedal brake light switch. It is a much lighter spring than the manual brake pedal switch. I converted my 68 to power brakes and had to to all that for them to work properly. I had left the manual brake switch in, and almost got rear ended twice, as the brakes were coming on before the brake lights illuminated.

    Ron, that is not true on 65-66 models. 67-70, yes, but not the early cars. His issue is he went with a booster that just bolts in, vs one that is designed to fit and work properly.

    The booster he used MIGHT have an adjustable input shaft. If so, then the static pedal position might be able to be lowered. If it in not adjustable, the other option is to put washers or a spacer between the booster and firewall. Since the pedal has a 6:1 ratio, a 1/8” spacer will lower the pedal 6/8”, or 3/4” at the foot contact plate.

    LOL - you're supposed to say "Actually" MS. Thanks for correcting me. Did not know the early cars were different.
     

    68 coupe - 351W, 4R70W, 9" 3.25 -- 65 convertible - 289 4v, C4, 8" 3.00
     

    4/18/2020 2:25 PM  #5

    Cab4word67
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Portland, Ore
    Registered: 4/06/2019
    Posts: 1,154

    Re: brake pedal adjustment

    Thanks, yes I do have the adjustable pedal rod and no the PBS as it was worse than my original stock manual brake switch. Spring is stiffer than my switch. 

    Slammed Big Blue, ran over the varmints that messed with the Stang. Now all is good in the NW
       •Thread Starter
     

    4/18/2020 3:29 PM  #6

    6sally6
    Hyper FYIFORD ADDICT

    Online!

    From: Surfside Beach,SC
    Registered: 4/02/2013
    Posts: 6,865

    Re: brake pedal adjustment

    Aw Yesssssssssssss the old "ACTUALLY" comment!!
    6s6

    Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
     

    4/18/2020 4:12 PM  #7

    rpm
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Bakersfield, Ca
    Registered: 9/17/2013
    Posts: 3,668

    Re: brake pedal adjustment

    Cab4word67 wrote:

    Thanks, yes I do have the adjustable pedal rod and no the PBS as it was worse than my original stock manual brake switch. Spring is stiffer than my switch. 

    Then play with adjustment till it's where you want it.

    Bob. 69 Mach 1, 393W, SMOD Toploader, Armstrong  steering, factory AC.
     

    4/19/2020 12:11 AM  #8

    Cab4word67
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Portland, Ore
    Registered: 4/06/2019
    Posts: 1,154

    Re: brake pedal adjustment

    Got to love the internet.
    I discovered today that the pushrod is supposed to be almost touching inside the master cylinder. That is where most of my play is. I took off the 2 bolts to the MC and slowly pushed the pedal and it moved almost 3/4" maybe more before the MC moved. I played with the adjustment on the front of the rod going into the MC and took up almost all of the play. There is still just a little play, so I should be fine. I cant get the MC off to measure because the brake line to the proportioning valve goes around the front and down into the valve. I'll keep doing it over and over if it ain't right. And all this time I thought I was supposed to get used to the 3" travel. Nope just wouldnt leave me alone.

    Last edited by Cab4word67 (4/19/2020 12:13 AM)

    Slammed Big Blue, ran over the varmints that messed with the Stang. Now all is good in the NW
       •Thread Starter
     

    4/19/2020 6:20 PM  #9

    MS
    Forum Originator

    Offline

    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,279

    Re: brake pedal adjustment

    Ron68 wrote:

    MS wrote:

    Ron68 wrote:

    If you are converting to power brakes then you need to install a power brake pedal. It is a longer pedal than the manual brake pedal, and you will also need to install a power brake pedal brake light switch. It is a much lighter spring than the manual brake pedal switch. I converted my 68 to power brakes and had to to all that for them to work properly. I had left the manual brake switch in, and almost got rear ended twice, as the brakes were coming on before the brake lights illuminated.

    Ron, that is not true on 65-66 models. 67-70, yes, but not the early cars. His issue is he went with a booster that just bolts in, vs one that is designed to fit and work properly.

    The booster he used MIGHT have an adjustable input shaft. If so, then the static pedal position might be able to be lowered. If it in not adjustable, the other option is to put washers or a spacer between the booster and firewall. Since the pedal has a 6:1 ratio, a 1/8” spacer will lower the pedal 6/8”, or 3/4” at the foot contact plate.

    LOL - you're supposed to say "Actually" MS. Thanks for correcting me. Did not know the early cars were different.
     

     
    I was being polite, Ron.  I knew you probably did not have 65-66 experience, and, after all, you DID personally help me get FYIFORD off the ground way back in 1999.

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    4/19/2020 6:21 PM  #10

    MS
    Forum Originator

    Offline

    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,279

    Re: brake pedal adjustment

    Cab4word67 wrote:

    Thanks, yes I do have the adjustable pedal rod and no the PBS as it was worse than my original stock manual brake switch. Spring is stiffer than my switch. 

     
    Might work fine now that you have adjusted the booster output shaft.

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    4/19/2020 11:29 PM  #11

    Ron68
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Mukilteo, Washington
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 1,587

    Re: brake pedal adjustment

    MS wrote:

    Ron68 wrote:

    MS wrote:


    Ron, that is not true on 65-66 models. 67-70, yes, but not the early cars. His issue is he went with a booster that just bolts in, vs one that is designed to fit and work properly.

    The booster he used MIGHT have an adjustable input shaft. If so, then the static pedal position might be able to be lowered. If it in not adjustable, the other option is to put washers or a spacer between the booster and firewall. Since the pedal has a 6:1 ratio, a 1/8” spacer will lower the pedal 6/8”, or 3/4” at the foot contact plate.

    LOL - you're supposed to say "Actually" MS. Thanks for correcting me. Did not know the early cars were different.
     

     
    I was being polite, Ron. I knew you probably did not have 65-66 experience, and, after all, you DID personally help me get FYIFORD off the ground way back in 1999.

    Wow - has it been THAT long ago??? Seems like just a couple of years.....but then of course the loss of too many brain cells during my time across the pond in that little war from the adult beverages (San Miguel, Kirin, Ashahi, Akadama, to name a few) I was forced to consume may have affected my memory. :-) Thanks for the kudos MS - but the glory for FYIFORD is all to you. If I was indeed partially responsible for helping you get this off the ground, then it was my honor to do so.
     

    68 coupe - 351W, 4R70W, 9" 3.25 -- 65 convertible - 289 4v, C4, 8" 3.00
     

    4/20/2020 3:37 PM  #12

    TimC
    I FYI 24-7

    Offline

    From: Wheaton, Illinois
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 876

    Re: brake pedal adjustment

    6sally6 wrote:

    Aw Yesssssssssssss the old "ACTUALLY" comment!!
    6s6

    I hold the dubious honor of receiving an "ACTUALLY" response to my very first post on the old FYI Ford forum.  I made the mistake of rounding the width of a Granada rear end up or down 1/8th of an inch on a topic relating to swapping rear ends on 65/66 T code cars.  It accomplished the purpose of encouraging me to be more precise.  To a lot of people, an extra 1/8 means the difference between rub an no rub.  I appreciate MS setting standards high.  It's what makes this the BEST forum around.

    Sorry about the hijack.... now back to the regular programs.... 

     

     

    1 of 1

  • Index
  •  » FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion
  •  »  brake pedal adjustment

    • Board footera


    REMEMBER!!! When posting a question about your Mustang or other Ford on this forum, BE SURE to tell us what it is, what year, engine, etc so we have enough information to go on.