1961 Low Vacuum at brake booster

[Bob63]

The car had quite a bit of work done by the previous owner in 2016 - 2017 but shortly after was left sitting until I purchased the car in March of this year.
The problem I'm having is reduced brake boosting action and sluggish shifts of the trans. I do think the trans is due for a rebuild but I'm trying to remedy the brake situation first.
Due to what I think is somewhat low vacuum to the brake booster on my '61 I have replaced the main vacuum hose to the brake booster from the manifold. For checking purposes I also plugged the other fitting on the manifold for the heater control to eliminate that as a reason for low vacuum. I've also checked the hose to the transmission tube that runs from the tee at the booster and found it to be good.
The brake booster was replaced by the P O so should be in good shape.
My question is I'd like to know if anyone has used an electric vacuum pump to supplement the vacuum supply to the booster and transmission. If so, I'd appreciate if you can share comments, good or bad.

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[74 Harley]

So, when you say you have low vacuum, how low? If you don't have a vacuum gauge you need one. They are cheap. An electric pump is not the answer. If truly suffering from low vacuum you probably need to reseal the intake manifold.

 

[jack-in-sac]

The car had quite a bit of work done by the previous owner in 2016 - 2017 but shortly after was left sitting until I purchased the car in March of this year.
The problem I'm having is reduced brake boosting action and sluggish shifts of the trans. I do think the trans is due for a rebuild but I'm trying to remedy the brake situation first.
Due to what I think is somewhat low vacuum to the brake booster on my '61 I have replaced the main vacuum hose to the brake booster from the manifold. For checking purposes I also plugged the other fitting on the manifold for the heater control to eliminate that as a reason for low vacuum. I've also checked the hose to the transmission tube that runs from the tee at the booster and found it to be good.
The brake booster was replaced by the P O so should be in good shape.
My question is I'd like to know if anyone has used an electric vacuum pump to supplement the vacuum supply to the booster and transmission. If so, I'd appreciate if you can share comments, good or bad.

Just as an aside; Your car has drum brakes unless changed. Your car is quite heavy. due to the two previous items it does not stop as a modern carwith power disc brakes would stop. What is the low vacuum level number? do you have a shop manual? If you do not have a shop manual I suggest you obtain one. an additional note is; The previous owner... . Do you know the quality of work done for or by the previous owner, did he include receipts so that you can verify what, when, where, and by whom the previous work was done. I wish you good luck.
To pinpoint help it is useful to post your location so that others may assist you in your repairs and inquiries.

 

[Bob63]

Just as an aside; Your car has drum brakes unless changed. Your car is quite heavy. due to the two previous items it does not stop as a modern carwith power disc brakes would stop. What is the low vacuum level number? do you have a shop manual? If you do not have a shop manual I suggest you obtain one. an additional note is; The previous owner... . Do you know the quality of work done for or by the previous owner, did he include receipts so that you can verify what, when, where, and by whom the previous work was done. I wish you good luck.
To pinpoint help it is useful to post your location so that others may assist you in your repairs and inquiries.

I do have a shop manual and have been following that. I also have the receipts for the work that the p o did or had done and most of it looks good. The problem I’m having is that the car sat and deteriorated for about 6 years after his work was finished and I’m now going back in and redoing some of his repairs. All new brake lines and master cylinder, newly rebuilt carburetor etc.
I’m going to pull the drums this weekend, time permitting, to see the condition of shoes and drums.
As far as not stopping like a modern car I second that. Most of my experience has been restoring 4 cars from the late’20s and early 30’s all having mechanical brakes. They’re an interesting adventure in traffic !
I don’t have a vacuum gauge but will pick one up over the weekend to find out what exactly I have. I’m located in Lees Summit, Missouri (KC area)