Washer system and brakes

[Mickfly70]

Hi all. Attached is a photo of engine bay and what I believe is some sort of vacuum assist brake system. My tbird has a air con (removed for maintenence) but I'm not quite sure what this is as the manual shows 2 other brake systems. I replaced the brake M/C and wheel cylinders and bled the brakes but they still feel spongy. I will bleed them a couple of more times as per other posts.

So what is it?

Other question is that the tbird didn't come with any windscreen washer system. I was lucky enough to buy a red washer bag and vacuum pump and switch off a member (thanks Rick). But I'm not sure where it should go. All photos that I have seen are right where this brake assist thing is. Also the left panel where the switch should have been installed has no hole. i.e. I don't think it ever had a washer system in place. Would this be true?

Bonus question. I added data plate photo. Anyone see a discrepency in 3rd photo. I think I know this answer. I'll post my answer in a day or so.

[redstangbob]

I would have thought the 3066th car would have been built earlier than Sept 25. JMO Bob C

[fomoco59]

N = Diamond Blue

[jopizz]

That power booster is not factory if that's what it is. I can't see what purpose it serves as it's not connected to the master cylinder. There's supposed to be a vacuum tank under the fender. The way that's hooked up it looks like it's replacing that tank. If the tank is still under the fender and functional you can probably get rid of that eye sore. All air conditioned cars had the Kelsey Hayes booster under the dash. I would look under there and see if it's still there. You're correct in that the washer bag should be where the booster is.

[Mickfly70]

Well what a response. Thanks.

I will take you up on the offer to register this tbird, thanks Ray.

As for the data plate. The inconsistency that I was thinking of was that the "N" stood for Diamond blue as Mike correctly mentioned. There was a bit of white on the top right plate that would indicate a post production paint job. (you guys are good) They must have done a fairly thorough job of painting it white 30 odd years ago as even the fire wall is white. There are flakes of paint around the body that indicate that there was a light blue colour before. Only yesterday did I find a light blue spot behind some bullnose trim next to where your left knee would be in the drivers side.

Anyway, the booster is actually connected to the master cylinder. On the photo if you look at the far left (front of car) a line does go back from a brake switch to the MC. And the vacuum from the booster is connected to the reservoir under the left fender. Under the dash on the brake pedal there is no pedal assist power brake unit as per the manual. The eccentric adjusting lever is the same as the "power brakes-units with air condition" (10-16 part 10-3 of the manual) but the pedal doesn't have the pedal trigger.

Sooo does everyone think that its an after market booster. If so do you think its worth taking it off and run the standard brakes with no booster and place the washer bag there?

Thanks again for members input. I fine the history of these birds fascinating.

[GTE427]

Martin aka 60 T-Bird had a similar aftermarket booster.

Believe he removed it and installed a new generation Booster

http://www.squarebirds.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=11294&highlight=booster

[tbird430]

And.... not ALL our fabulous Thunderbirds had the windshield washer system. It was an added cost "option".

Most Birds had this w/s washer system though...

[Guest]

looks like a Hydra vac They used those on trucks. Made them feel like power brakes.

[Mickfly70]

ahh interesting tbird430. Maybe thats why there was no sign of a bag, pump, lines and switch.

[fomoco59]

Mine didn't come with the washer option either.

[Mickfly70]

Do you find it a problem Mike if you don't have water to squirt on the windscreen as you drive. Or do you drive it like I intend and go out on nice days?

[simplyconnected]

Vancouver, Canada = windshield wipers AND washers.

[fomoco59]

Hah... yeah.... no, I don't need them. I think I've been caught in the rain twice since 1990. The wipers barely work, but someday I'll get around to installing the electric motor I've had for over a year.