New monte owner here, got some brake questions and need some pictures

[C.Crouse]

So a couple months back me and my son purchased this Monte and it has been an adventure in reworking someone elses poor choices and bad habits.

So brakes, had a siezed caliper, bad brake hoses. Got those replaced, also noted the master appeared to be leaking through the cap, cleaned all that up and bled the system, should be all good. Well we drove the car and the brake performance was not good. So later I decide to rebleed the brakes. Upon opening the master cylinder It appeared the fluid hod dropped but there was no leaks, other then the cap seal. 

At this point I assumed the MC was leaking back in the brake booster. So I ordered a new booster and MC. When I went to take it all apart I discovered that the pushrod in the booster was missing, and that the plastic retainer was what was pushing the MC (Yikes.) After looking at the brake pedal and the crazy differences in the clevis rod length (the bad booster was waaaay shorter and they just set the pedal farther back) and the way the brake pedal was set I decided they had adapted (poorly) a booster from something else in this car and it was far from correct. So anyway on my way to putting it back together correctly I realized there was no return spring on the brake pedal arm, no bump stop, and they had drilled a screw with a ground wire directly into the center of the pedal bracket.

What I need is maybe some pictures of someone else factory brake pedal setup, like where the stop mounts, how the spring mounts, normal resting position etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Marks71]

You might want to order a 71 chassis service manual and a 71 factory assembly manual. They can be quite helpful. 

[C.Crouse]

May have just figured out, power brakes do not have a return spring?

[FrankOC]

Correct, no spring. 

[Scott S.]

Thought I'd toss in a few photos to get you started.

Top ones are of the tool used to set the length of the push rod in between the booster and master cylinder. You may have noticed the hex end is adjustable.

It was interesting how much it being out can change the feel of the pedal.

Second pic is just to have handy when you're putting everything together.

As for the feel, that's a big difference compared to newer cars, takes a little adjustment (and leg strength..lol)

When I redid mine, I went with steel braided lines, less hose flex and longer lifespan. Old/rubber hoses tend to swell when pressurized.

Engine vacuum (higher cam lift) can also weaken the booster assist. And keep in mind the little port in between the tanks in the master cylinder. If the rear system is leaking, it will draw front the front. 

There are members that have gone to upgraded systems with much success, and depending on which route you want to go, there are lots of people here that can help you with anything you may need...... I'm sure more will be chiming in soon.

Best of luck, Scott.