Remove the brake booster from a '78

Matt Colie

Matt Colie

Well-known member
Aug 15, 2008
11,101
807
113
South East Michigan near DTW
Does anybody know a practical method to remove the booster from a '78??

I have been tasked to remove the booster of the parts coach in my back yard.
After a very short appraisal, this looks like I either have to remove the whole instrument panel or bore holes in it.
I am trying to not destroy any parts that may be of value to someone else.

Thanks

Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
'73 Glacier 23 - Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brake with Applied Control Arms
Now with both true Keyless and remote entry
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
 
Matt,

If you carefully cut away the plastic of the dash where it joins the
firewall horizontally beneath the booster, you can reach the lower two
bolts. The missing plastic isn't obvious unless you're laying on the floor.

I don't remember how you get to the upper two bolts on the 77-78 w/o the
removable leveling switch panel.

Ken H.

> Does anybody know a practical method to remove the booster from a '78??
>
> I have been tasked to remove the booster of the parts coach in my back
> yard.
> After a very short appraisal, this looks like I either have to remove the
> whole instrument panel or bore holes in it.
> I am trying to not destroy any parts that may be of value to someone else.
>
> Thanks
>
> Matt
> --
> Matt & Mary Colie - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
> '73 Glacier 23 - Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brake with Applied Control Arms
> Now with both true Keyless and remote entry
> SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Matt,
Here is the pictures on how to get to the bolts on the booster.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/bob-dunahugh/p60045-brake-booster-nuts-in-2777-and-2778-gmcs.html
and
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/bob-dunahugh/p60044-brake-booster-nuts-in-2777-and-2778-gmcs.html

John

>
> Matt,
>
> If you carefully cut away the plastic of the dash where it joins the
> firewall horizontally beneath the booster, you can reach the lower two
> bolts. The missing plastic isn't obvious unless you're laying on the floor.
>
> I don't remember how you get to the upper two bolts on the 77-78 w/o the
> removable leveling switch panel.
>
> Ken H.
>
>

>
>> Does anybody know a practical method to remove the booster from a '78??
>>
>> I have been tasked to remove the booster of the parts coach in my back
>> yard.
>> After a very short appraisal, this looks like I either have to remove the
>> whole instrument panel or bore holes in it.
>> I am trying to not destroy any parts that may be of value to someone else.
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>> Matt
>> --
>> Matt & Mary Colie - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
>> '73 Glacier 23 - Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brake with Applied Control Arms
>> Now with both true Keyless and remote entry
>> SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
Read here
http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/booster.htm

> Matt,
> Here is the pictures on how to get to the bolts on the booster.
>
> brake-booster-nuts-in-2777-and-2778-gmcs.html>
> and
> brake-booster-nuts-in-2777-and-2778-gmcs.html>
>
> John
> > On Oct 24, 2016, at 10:54 AM, Ken Henderson >
> > Matt,
> >
> > If you carefully cut away the plastic of the dash where it joins the
> > firewall horizontally beneath the booster, you can reach the lower two
> > bolts. The missing plastic isn't obvious unless you're laying on the
> floor.
> >
> > I don't remember how you get to the upper two bolts on the 77-78 w/o the
> > removable leveling switch panel.
> >
> > Ken H.
> >
> >
> > On Mon, Oct 24, 2016 at 10:45 AM, Matt Colie >
> >> Does anybody know a practical method to remove the booster from a '78??
> >>
> >> I have been tasked to remove the booster of the parts coach in my back
> >> yard.
> >> After a very short appraisal, this looks like I either have to remove
> the
> >> whole instrument panel or bore holes in it.
> >> I am trying to not destroy any parts that may be of value to someone
> else.
> >>
> >> Thanks
> >>
> >> Matt
> >> --
> >> Matt & Mary Colie - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
> >> '73 Glacier 23 - Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brake with Applied Control
> Arms
> >> Now with both true Keyless and remote entry
> >> SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> GMCnet mailing list
> >> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> >> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >>
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
 
The upper two fasteners can be accessed by removing the instrument bezel,
heater controls, and radio. More of a tedious exercise than a difficult
one. Done a few of them. Early coaches can be accessed by removing the
leveling controls. Not a fun job by any means, either way.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403

> Matt,
> Here is the pictures on how to get to the bolts on the booster.
>
> brake-booster-nuts-in-2777-and-2778-gmcs.html>
> and
> brake-booster-nuts-in-2777-and-2778-gmcs.html>
>
> John
> > On Oct 24, 2016, at 10:54 AM, Ken Henderson

> >
> > Matt,
> >
> > If you carefully cut away the plastic of the dash where it joins the
> > firewall horizontally beneath the booster, you can reach the lower two
> > bolts. The missing plastic isn't obvious unless you're laying on the
> floor.
> >
> > I don't remember how you get to the upper two bolts on the 77-78 w/o the
> > removable leveling switch panel.
> >
> > Ken H.
> >
> >
> > On Mon, Oct 24, 2016 at 10:45 AM, Matt Colie

> >
> >> Does anybody know a practical method to remove the booster from a '78??
> >>
> >> I have been tasked to remove the booster of the parts coach in my back
> >> yard.
> >> After a very short appraisal, this looks like I either have to remove
> the
> >> whole instrument panel or bore holes in it.
> >> I am trying to not destroy any parts that may be of value to someone
> else.
> >>
> >> Thanks
> >>
> >> Matt
> >> --
> >> Matt & Mary Colie - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
> >> '73 Glacier 23 - Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brake with Applied Control
> Arms
> >> Now with both true Keyless and remote entry
> >> SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> GMCnet mailing list
> >> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> >> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >>
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Emailed you Matt, I did mine from underneath with a few careful relief cuts.

--
77 Royale, Rear Dry Bath. 403, 3.55 Final Drive, Lenzi goodies, Patterson carb and dizzy.
Mid Michigan
 
Matt,
I got to frustrated with trying to get those top two bolts out, so I cut a hole in the dash big enough to get my hand through. Then made a friction
fit plug for the hole. Fastened a piece larger than the hole to the plug and upolstered it to match the Dash. Now when I need to get at those 4
bolts, I pull the friction fit plug, and loosen them with a 3/8 drive ratchet and stick my hand in here and finger back them out. The plug looks like
it belongs. Works for me. JWID
--
Larry
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
 
you can get at them from the inside laying on the floor by the accel pedal and reaching in above the 2 bols that were openened up with the removal of a piece of dash....inside the booster is a rubber diaphrame....this can be replaced by a reputable brake shop...so you have all the same parts as before.....brian 77ele 455 near wpg

________________________________
From: Gmclist on behalf of James Hupy
Sent: October 24, 2016 9:11 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Remove the brake booster from a '78

The upper two fasteners can be accessed by removing the instrument bezel,
heater controls, and radio. More of a tedious exercise than a difficult
one. Done a few of them. Early coaches can be accessed by removing the
leveling controls. Not a fun job by any means, either way.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403

> Matt,
> Here is the pictures on how to get to the bolts on the booster.
>
> brake-booster-nuts-in-2777-and-2778-gmcs.html>
> and
> brake-booster-nuts-in-2777-and-2778-gmcs.html>
>
> John
> > On Oct 24, 2016, at 10:54 AM, Ken Henderson

> >
> > Matt,
> >
> > If you carefully cut away the plastic of the dash where it joins the
> > firewall horizontally beneath the booster, you can reach the lower two
> > bolts. The missing plastic isn't obvious unless you're laying on the
> floor.
> >
> > I don't remember how you get to the upper two bolts on the 77-78 w/o the
> > removable leveling switch panel.
> >
> > Ken H.
> >
> >
> > On Mon, Oct 24, 2016 at 10:45 AM, Matt Colie

> >
> >> Does anybody know a practical method to remove the booster from a '78??
> >>
> >> I have been tasked to remove the booster of the parts coach in my back
> >> yard.
> >> After a very short appraisal, this looks like I either have to remove
> the
> >> whole instrument panel or bore holes in it.
> >> I am trying to not destroy any parts that may be of value to someone
> else.
> >>
> >> Thanks
> >>
> >> Matt
> >> --
> >> Matt & Mary Colie - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
> >> '73 Glacier 23 - Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brake with Applied Control
> Arms
> >> Now with both true Keyless and remote entry
> >> SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> GMCnet mailing list
> >> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> >> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >>
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
WHAT??????you can reach in there on a 77 ele....brian 77 ele

________________________________
From: Gmclist on behalf of James Hupy
Sent: October 24, 2016 9:11 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Remove the brake booster from a '78

The upper two fasteners can be accessed by removing the instrument bezel,
heater controls, and radio. More of a tedious exercise than a difficult
one. Done a few of them. Early coaches can be accessed by removing the
leveling controls. Not a fun job by any means, either way.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403

> Matt,
> Here is the pictures on how to get to the bolts on the booster.
>
> brake-booster-nuts-in-2777-and-2778-gmcs.html>
> and
> brake-booster-nuts-in-2777-and-2778-gmcs.html>
>
> John
> > On Oct 24, 2016, at 10:54 AM, Ken Henderson

> >
> > Matt,
> >
> > If you carefully cut away the plastic of the dash where it joins the
> > firewall horizontally beneath the booster, you can reach the lower two
> > bolts. The missing plastic isn't obvious unless you're laying on the
> floor.
> >
> > I don't remember how you get to the upper two bolts on the 77-78 w/o the
> > removable leveling switch panel.
> >
> > Ken H.
> >
> >
> > On Mon, Oct 24, 2016 at 10:45 AM, Matt Colie

> >
> >> Does anybody know a practical method to remove the booster from a '78??
> >>
> >> I have been tasked to remove the booster of the parts coach in my back
> >> yard.
> >> After a very short appraisal, this looks like I either have to remove
> the
> >> whole instrument panel or bore holes in it.
> >> I am trying to not destroy any parts that may be of value to someone
> else.
> >>
> >> Thanks
> >>
> >> Matt
> >> --
> >> Matt & Mary Colie - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
> >> '73 Glacier 23 - Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brake with Applied Control
> Arms
> >> Now with both true Keyless and remote entry
> >> SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> GMCnet mailing list
> >> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> >> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >>
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
Yes
I've done it on my 77 Kingsley.
If I remember right I used a u-joint on my socket wrench.
Emery Stora

>
> WHAT??????you can reach in there on a 77 ele....brian 77 ele
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Gmclist on behalf of James Hupy
> Sent: October 24, 2016 9:11 AM
> To: gmclist
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Remove the brake booster from a '78
>
> The upper two fasteners can be accessed by removing the instrument bezel,
> heater controls, and radio. More of a tedious exercise than a difficult
> one. Done a few of them. Early coaches can be accessed by removing the
> leveling controls. Not a fun job by any means, either way.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Or
> 78 GMC ROYALE 403
>

>>
>> Matt,
>> Here is the pictures on how to get to the bolts on the booster.
>>
>> > brake-booster-nuts-in-2777-and-2778-gmcs.html>
>> and
>> > brake-booster-nuts-in-2777-and-2778-gmcs.html>
>>
>> John
>>> On Oct 24, 2016, at 10:54 AM, Ken Henderson

>>>
>>> Matt,
>>>
>>> If you carefully cut away the plastic of the dash where it joins the
>>> firewall horizontally beneath the booster, you can reach the lower two
>>> bolts. The missing plastic isn't obvious unless you're laying on the
>> floor.
>>>
>>> I don't remember how you get to the upper two bolts on the 77-78 w/o the
>>> removable leveling switch panel.
>>>
>>> Ken H.
>>>
>>>
>>> On Mon, Oct 24, 2016 at 10:45 AM, Matt Colie

>>>
>>>> Does anybody know a practical method to remove the booster from a '78??
>>>>
>>>> I have been tasked to remove the booster of the parts coach in my back
>>>> yard.
>>>> After a very short appraisal, this looks like I either have to remove
>> the
>>>> whole instrument panel or bore holes in it.
>>>> I am trying to not destroy any parts that may be of value to someone
>> else.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks
>>>>
>>>> Matt
>>>> --
>>>> Matt & Mary Colie - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
>>>> '73 Glacier 23 - Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brake with Applied Control
>> Arms
>>>> Now with both true Keyless and remote entry
>>>> SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
> Yes
> I've done it on my 77 Kingsley.
> If I remember right I used a u-joint on my socket wrench.
> Emery Stora

Same here. I was able to replace the booster on my 1976 Palm Beach WITHOUT having to cut anything. As I remember I used 1/4" drive u-joint socket
and also an appropriate size 12 point box end.
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
 
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