S/SS Brake safety
 

After seeing the result of Lou Centelazzo's unfortunate crash this past weekend , Id' like to remind my S/SS friends about something I find on all too many cars I see in my shop.
Many cars ,regardless of the type of master cyl. do not have a push rod retainer or a positive brake pedal stop to prevent the pushrod from disengaging the master cyl. .
Since many cars have had the brake light switch removed there is nothing to keep the pedal from disengaging the pushrod but a small rubber retainer .
A small bracket with a stop bolt in place of the brake switch will prevent this ,just be sure to keep a small amount of clearance between the stop and pedal.
Another method that works if you have the Mopar master cyl , which most cars have is the Jerry Bickel push rod retainer kit .
This retainer is simple and will work on almost any application ,and it's only about $70 .

Re: S/SS Brake safety
 

Very good point Tom. I brought this subject up more than a few times this weekend.
For anybody interested, I brought up how to make a positive stop in the "Under the Index for Under a Grand" thread.

Re: S/SS Brake safety
 

Ken Etter's crash at Fontana years ago brought this issue to the forefront for a while...good thread to remind everyone.

Re: S/SS Brake safety
 

I've been there, done that. It is beyond a scary situation. You don't think it can happen until it does.

Re: S/SS Brake safety
 

Why isn't it mandatory like a seat belt or helmet?

It could be covered in the tech inspections.

Ron

Re: S/SS Brake safety
 

I made a cradle that sits just under the pushrod that even if the rod tries to come out of the piston it keeps the pushrod lined up to go back in

Re: S/SS Brake safety
 

Tech inspection HA HA HA HA

NHRA Tech management is trying to cut expenses, not to protect the well being of the membership...

Re: S/SS Brake safety
 

Here's a stop I put on a early Mustang that's in the shop .
Like Billy said ,only a couple of bucks of bolts and stock.

Re: S/SS Brake safety
 

Simple test you can do yourself.

Reach down and pull your brake pedal up toward you to see if it comes high enough to let the rod fall out of the master cylinder.

Re: S/SS Brake safety
 

I hope Lou is okay.