What exactly would it take to convert my '64 Dart (stock 9" drums all around) to a dual pot master cylinder? What parts would I need? Would I need to fabricate anything? How much time would it take? I have a feeling that as soon as my first child is born in a few months that safety will finally become a priority for me. Please feel free to assume that I know little, if nothing at all, about brake systems.

thanks,
josh


p.s. Just as a warning, I'll let you all know now that over the next couple months I will be rushing to finish all the "important" things on the Dart that I have been putting off. So, you can expect to be hearing a lot of silly questions. I thank you and apologize in advance.

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64 Dart 170 /6

Ask for a 68 Dart m/c at your parts store; it should bolt right in place of your m/c. Connect the existing brake line to the first port on the new m/c. There is a junction block on the frame below the m/c; disconnect the line going to the rear brakes and thread in a brass plug to close off the opening. Then, connect the rear brake line to the second port on the new m/c. The parts store should be able to set you up with the plug, extra line, unions (NOT COMPRESSION FITTINGS), and any line adapters you may need (sometimes the m/c ports are different thread sizes than the lines). This is the same basic setup the factory used from 67-up on the drum cars, so it should work ok. However, the disc upgrade, while more involved, will greatly enhance stopping power and fade resistance, and is highly recommended. Something to think about...

I did the conversion on a Saturday morning with my '64 Valiant. It only took one trip to the parts store for the master cylinder and one for the adapters. I had to make one hardline and do a couple of double-flares (Ok, I had to redo one - plumbing is not one of my talents).
The brakes do no feel any different, but I'm more confident in them - still remembering that they're 9" drums ...
Having had wheel cylinder and brake line failures before, I like the idea of the dual circuit. Better some brakes than none.

Oh, yeah, you'll need a stick of brake line.