Power Brake Booster

[Zedman]

Being proactive, I looked to replacing/overhauling the power Brake Booster in my '81 rebuild rather than waiting for the original 40yo unit to fail.  I'm led to believe the Cardone overhauled 54-73105 (AMC cars) is the one to go for. Problem is that there doesn't seem to be much of a supply of 'em from the likes of Summit Racing, et-al. I'd like some leads on current suppliers of remanufactured units or even where I can get parts and do my own (done it before....long time ago). Kindly, before anyone suggests sending one for repair in the USA....  'taint gunna happen (🙃 down under).

Edited February 28, 2023 by Zedman

[Stacey]

A 100 years ago, well not really that long, but at least 23 years ago we used Booster Dewey, now known as Power Brake Booster Exchange in Washington  state and they would turn an old tired and worn out booster into a functioning new looking unit. We used them a few times and always thought they did an excellent job. Power Brake Booster Exchange Inc. 
17820 Hwy 99 #C( 5(503) 238-888203) 238-8882
Lynnwood, WA 98037 Phone 503-238-8882

[Zedman]

I have done an awful lot of research on this subject and found out more than I bargained on. I thought it might be worth mentioning it here for the benefit of others not necessarily in the USA. 

<gripe mode -on>  Here 'down under' you just naturally get fleeced for everything.... period. What might be relatively cheap in the USA is poisonous down here.  Years ago I was always used to buying parts and installing these myself but these days you just can't get 'em because  (A) nobody supplies 'em,  (B) the rebuilders hold the supply and (C) nobody wants to tell you anything 'cos they wanna make a buck out of you

Ok, I give in.

I have had two quotes for around $570 through two Brake specialists (in two states)- who then (1) Charges to be the go-between, (2) Charges you the freight both ways to a specialist rebuilder, (3) Adds the rebuilders charge, and into the bargain (C) will never tell you who does the work (And I did ask!)

I got a lead through a Facebook AMC group here in Oz that reminded me of a 'one-man-shop' rebuilder in rural Victoria. He was more than was happy to tell me that the Booster is common enough and not only is it used on AMC's, but Jaguar XJ6's, Volvos and is a common enough GM or Bendix product. Bottom line he said that $570 is the collusive cost that you will get from the all brake shops (yep) and that HE'S THE BLOKE DOING MOST OF THE REBUILDS !  His prices are way more reasonable BTW. 

So the upshot is that I'd asked for my Booster to be sent back from the first brake shop quote- untouched.  I resolved to paint it, keep my dough- and wait for it to fail one day, and rebuild it then knowing it wasn't such a rare beast after all.  Now I am reconsidering the rebuild in advance given a far better quote.

Long winded, sorry.  But you fellers in the US get more breaks than you think! 🙃

[John D]

23 hours ago, Zedman said:

I have done an awful lot of research on this subject and found out more than I bargained on. I thought it might be worth mentioning it here for the benefit of others not necessarily in the USA. 

<gripe mode -on>  Here 'down under' you just naturally get fleeced for everything.... period. What might be relatively cheap in the USA is poisonous down here.  Years ago I was always used to buying parts and installing these myself but these days you just can't get 'em because  (A) nobody supplies 'em,  (B) the rebuilders hold the supply and (C) nobody wants to tell you anything 'cos they wanna make a buck out of you

Ok, I give in.

I have had two quotes for around $570 through two Brake specialists (in two states)- who then (1) Charges to be the go-between, (2) Charges you the freight both ways to a specialist rebuilder, (3) Adds the rebuilders charge, and into the bargain (C) will never tell you who does the work (And I did ask!)

I got a lead through a Facebook AMC group here in Oz that reminded me of a 'one-man-shop' rebuilder in rural Victoria. He was more than was happy to tell me that the Booster is common enough and not only is it used on AMC's, but Jaguar XJ6's, Volvos and is a common enough GM or Bendix product. Bottom line he said that $570 is the collusive cost that you will get from the all brake shops (yep) and that HE'S THE BLOKE DOING MOST OF THE REBUILDS !  His prices are way more reasonable BTW. 

So the upshot is that I'd asked for my Booster to be sent back from the first brake shop quote- untouched.  I resolved to paint it, keep my dough- and wait for it to fail one day, and rebuild it then knowing it wasn't such a rare beast after all.  Now I am reconsidering the rebuild in advance given a far better quote.

Long winded, sorry.  But you fellers in the US get more breaks than you think! 🙃

My break is that I live 25 minutes from Booster Dewey's shop as noted above. it's actually his son now. He turned mine around in less than a week. 

[John D]

... for around $200 AU all in... 

[1inxs]

Zedman,

Before I found the company that affordable did the quick and super rebuild on my booster, I almost purchased the 1970-1974 Mopar brake booster to install. You need to fabricate a mounting plate that bolts to the original boosters modified (cut short) mounting studs and have properly positioned studs welded in place on the plate. This may be right up your ally in the Down Under! Good Luck on whatever direction you go

Robert

[Zedman]

On 3/9/2023 at 8:27 AM, 1inxs said:

Zedman,

Before I found the company that affordable did the quick and super rebuild on my booster, I almost purchased the 1970-1974 Mopar brake booster to install. You need to fabricate a mounting plate that bolts to the original boosters modified (cut short) mounting studs and have properly positioned studs welded in place on the plate. This may be right up your ally in the Down Under! Good Luck on whatever direction you go

Robert

Thanks Robert- Yep, this was an option I was investigating. Thankfully, I reckon I have it sorted now. At least this Booster has a previous Avanti application.

If I were so mercenary (and I'm not quite there yet) I would possibly opt for one of these (available in Australia for well under $200 AUD) although an adaptor plate would need to be fabbed....

https://www.amazon.ca/Team-Performance-Diaphragm-Booster-Universal/dp/B083N7ZK86

Edited March 11, 2023 by Zedman

[1inxs]

You’ll be back on the road in no time! Keep us updated and post back here with your success and progress.