hey guys,
I recently installed a "complete" power disk brake setup on my 73 Nova. The package was from Ground Up Restoration, and was supposed to include everything. After diffrent attempts at switching the short and long rods that go between the master & booster, changing lenths on the treaded rod out of the back of the booster, and switching mounting locations between the 2 holes on the brake pedal, I have no brakes.
I have pressure bleed them everytime between each modification I just stated, and the pedal has so much travel in it. The car will stop at a crawl, once the pedal goes to the floor.
I have heard people mention a "residual valve" that is supposed to be in the rear line. Could this be my solution?
Any advice is greatly appreciated. thanks

A friend of mine just installed the same G.U. kit on his '70. He was ripping his hair out!! Almost tore it all off and started over. Went to pep boys and bought a new master cylinder even (but wound up not using it in the end)..All I can say is hang in there.

Double, triple and quadruple check ALL threaded fittings for leaks. Did you use any teflon tape on the bleeder screws? Are the calipers on the correct sides of the car? (sounds stupid, but they are not marked..if they are on the wrong sides, then the bleeder screws will be at the bottom instead of the top of the caliper).

Get a mightyvac if you dont have one (good xmas present to yourself)!! $30 well spent. You will be there forever if you dont have one. Invest in a set of flare line wrenches..all of the threaded connections are leak points and will allow air in if not REALLY tight..the flare wrench will allow you to get them tight without rounding them off. We were concerned we were going to break the fittings they had to be soooo damn tight, but in the end it worked.

Check the hoses going to the front calipers (you might want to take the calipers off)..air got trapped in here, and even with vacuum would not bleed out easily..taking the caliper off and straightening out the hose allowed the air to escape finally.

Check the proportioning valve..there is a button on it that acts as a sort of check valve when you push the pedal down..make sure that is working properly. Did you bench bleed the master cylinder? You might want to pull it off and try it if you havent done so already.

We did a couple 'intermediate bleeds' through just the master cylinder and then thru the mc and the prop valve just to make sure everything was cool..then connected up to the lines last.

good luck!!

jtm60,
You bring up alot of good points! Yes I have bench bleed the master numerous times. I did not use teflon tape. The calipers are on the right side. I have done the "intermediate bleeds" like you stated. Master & prop. valve are working correctly.
I think I will check out the front brake hoses for air. Everything else is tight, but I will go over everything again. Thanks

never use teflon tape on any brake fittings including the bleed screws.