Topic: Correct Master Cylinder for 1967 San Jose 289 Manual drum brakes

[craig429]

What would be the correct master cylinder for a 67 Mustang built in San Jose with a 289 manual drum brakes?  What would the cover look like.  I am not sure if I have the correct one.

[Andrew@MagMustangs]

Every 1967 with Manual Drums that I have ever seen had the 'Bolt-Top' Master cylinder. This is a Dual Reservoir Unit that has a Basically Flat Lid with a Bolt Mounting it to the Cylinder in the Top-Middle.  Andrew

[J_Speegle]

The original master cylinders for that application have a wire clip retaining them NOT a bolt (those are often found on rebuilt units and American Motors - using the bolt style- interchange with some of the Mustang units) Never seen an original classic Mustang with a bolt on lid - though I have at shows Of course these were deducted for :0

As for markings in the cap surface I'm check

[Andrew@MagMustangs]

I respectfully disagree. Here is a 67 Fastback 289 with 37K Documented Original miles. I have owned about 100 of the crazy things. I always expect to find a Bolt-top on any 67 Manual Drum Brake Car and am never disappointed.

[craig429]

Would the master cylinder have an allen bolt for the piston stop at the bottom of the master cylinder?

Would there be any casting numbers?

[ruppstang]

The original master cylinders for that application have a wire clip retaining them NOT a bolt (those are often found on rebuilt units and American Motors - using the bolt style- interchange with some of the Mustang units) Never seen an original classic Mustang with a bolt on lid - though I have at shows Of course these were deducted for :0

As for markings in the cap surface I'm check

+1 Marty 67-68 gold card judge

[J_Speegle]

I respectfully disagree. Here is a 67 Fastback 289 with 37K Documented Original miles. I have owned about 100 of the crazy things. I always expect to find a Bolt-top on any 67 Manual Drum Brake Car and am never disappointed.

Would respectfully offer that that master cylinder has been replaced IMHO. Did you happen to look at the car in person and if so did it still have the sealant around the base?

Can offer many pictures of low mileage 67 non disc San Jose master cylinders to support what I've seen

[craig429]

Jeff, If you could post some of those pics that would be great.  I am going over to a guy's shop that says he may have a master cylinder, and I would like to see a picture of a correct one.
Thank you

[J_Speegle]

Jeff, If you could post some of those pics that would be great.  I am going over to a guy's shop that says he may have a master cylinder, and I would like to see a picture of a correct one.

Here you go - the last one is an example (from another year) of what it generally looks like

[craig429]

Thank you Jeff

[Andrew@MagMustangs]

Would respectfully offer that that master cylinder has been replaced IMHO. Did you happen to look at the car in person and if so did it still have the sealant around the base?

Can offer many pictures of low mileage 67 non disc San Jose master cylinders to support what I've seen

Yes, I personally spent hours going over this car. It was brought to me because the owner wanted verification that it was truly a 37K Original, and we told him yes it is after going over every aspect of the car. Even the Belts and hoses were the Date Correct Originals, Starter and Solenoid, Cables, Alternator etc.(All the things commonly replaced were still there). Only things I found replaced on the Car were the Battery and the Tires. Even the Paint is Original. I didn't check for Sealer around the M/C because once I saw the Bolt-Top I knew it was original. This car is a true Survivor.

I already know that the MCA rule book differs in other areas that contradict my opinion. I won't try to change the rules, but I will stick to my beliefs. And I do have the Factory 1967 Shop Manual which shows the M/C that you posted photos of. But, I find discrepancies in the books all the time. I have another 67 down at my storage shop that was parked in the Very Early 70's and sat rusting into the ground until I pulled it out of the dirt and it also Still has a Bolt-Top. And 1967 Cougar with Manual Drums was the same also, IMHO.   

[gtamustang]

While opinions are good and conventional widsom should be challenged, I think you are barking up the wrong tree on the master cylinder.  The judges and the MCA has amassed plenty of documentation that confirms that the master cylinders for 1967 and later are of the style that Jeff states. The bolt-on lid is an aftermarket. Jeff, Tim, Charles, and myself have seem 100s and 100s of original Mustangs and we hold firm that the the lid is held on by the wire retaining clip.

What other areas of the MCA rules do you have differing opinions?

Regards,
Pete Morgan

[Andrew@MagMustangs]

Pete, I do not feel that I am barking up any Tree. I stated my thoughts and opinion which sometimes differs from other thoughts and opinions. 'Nuf Said. I am all about the preservation of True Mustang Originality and History, I would never try to change it. I would prefer that this conversation shift back to helping Craig get the information he needs on his car from the people who will eventually judge his car, which isn't me. I'm not an MCA judge, just a Vintage Mustang Enthusiast. Andrew.

[craig429]

Bringing this back to life.  What do the judges look for to see if it is a correct Master Cylinder.  So no bolt on cap.  Would they expect to see a bump/nipple on the front port (I think I can see it in Jeff's last pic of an NOS MC and on my attached pic). Or is the bump only for 69 and newer?  I do not see the bump on Jeff's other pictures. Any special verbage on the cap? Or do judges only look for a wire clip master cylinder?

I do have the opportunity to pick up an NOS Power Drum brake master cylinder.  Does anyone know if I rebuild it with a manual drum brake kit with a manual brake piston, would this work? I attached a picture of it, would this be correct if I can convert it for manual drum brake?

[J_Speegle]

Bringing this back to life.  What do the judges look for to see if it is a correct Master Cylinder.  So no bolt on cap.  Would they expect to see a bump/nipple on the front port (I think I can see it in Jeff's last pic of an NOS MC and on my attached pic). Or is the bump only for 69 and newer?

Looking at allot of pictures I appears to me that the "bump" was not present on original master cylinders for this period of production. NOS and later units did have the "bump" which might example why some cars have those to day

  I do not see the bump on Jeff's other pictures. Any special verbage on the cap? Or do judges only look for a wire clip master cylinder?

Yes there is verbage but it normally gets covered over with the warning decal on a restored car though sometimes judges can make the writting out