Brake booster to MC mounting spacer?

[Darrellinceres]

Well I've got everything back together but something is not right with the brakes. I have the Midland booster (Clamp Type) and am having hard break pedal with poor rear brakes and the pedal just doesn’t seem to return like I think it should. If I stand on them and hold them to the floor it almost stops the rear wheels with the car in the air. After reading other posts I figured I either have a bad booster or proportioning valve.

While looking at parts and cost they list a spacer between the booster and the MC.

The brakes have been apart for 7 years and the master cylinder had gotten lost so I can’t remember how they came apart. I bought a new Raybestos MC and bled the system until the fluid was clean. If I’m missing a spacer then that is probably my problem. Can anyone tell me if there is supposed to be a spacer there? The cars production day is 3-23-66. It has the 428.

Thanks

[Harley Eaton]

Did you adjust the booster push rod? Do you have a shop manual? I don't think you are referring to a "spacer" between the booster and mc. On many cars there was a filter about 3/8 inches thick between the booster and mc. The push rod should be adjusted with the filter in place on the booster. If you should have the filter and do not, you have a problem. first; CHECK THE PUSH ROD LENGTH !

[Darrellinceres]

Thanks Harley. Without a doubt I have a problem. I sure wish I could find the box with the brake parts in it.
I do have a shop manual and am going to make the gauge and check rod length. Looking at the tbirdhq catalog they list a metal spacer and nylon plate on page 17 for the 66 Midland (band type).
It doesn’t look like a filter and I’m not sure why there would be a filter between the booster and master cylinder. The manual only shows the single out MC with the 3 way tee. Mine has two out with a two way tee on one port.
But if I am missing something between the booster and MC then my rod length will be too long. Which would cause the problem I having with the brakes. I'm going to check it tonight.

[Darrellinceres]

I have seen the light. Okay maybe I just got my hands on the spacers and had a DUH moment.
A vacuum assist system has to have a way to vent. I now see what you meant by filter Harley. The spacers vent the booster for operation and the filter, when I get it, keeps it from pulling dirt into the booster. I got the spacer in and checked to rod length put the MC back on and presto! The brakes are like brand new. Thank Harley. I probably would have gotten the spacers without realizing that there is a filter between the spacers.

I took some pictures to post so I guess I’ll have to figure out how to post them here.

Thanks again Harley

[Darrellinceres]

Harley,
Would you kow where to get the filter at? TBirdHQ had the spacers but not the filter.

[Harley Eaton]

Rookie: I make my own filters, usually cutting one from a piece of Scotchbrite. You could use most any kind of thin foam. I would think not closed cell foam.

[Darrellinceres]

Scotchbrite. Of course.

Thanks,