Searching for power drum brake/vacuum fix

[Curly68]

I've read through many posts and hoped I could get some help with this problem. Car is a 68 charger RT power drum brakes all around. Pedal is low and feels like a brick and has about 1" of travel. Brake warning system light stays on. Recently rebuilt my carb but noticed RPM changes when starting fluid sprayed along base of carb. It's the original Carter AVS carb. So I bought a FelPro gasket and doubled the gasket and tightened the carb. Still changes RPM when sprayed at the base, but much less.
Vacuum gauge says 17hg at idle, so I think I've read that should be enough to work the power brake booster. When I put my foot on the brake and start the car, the pedal does move down a bit like there is some action on the booster. I still have to bleed the brakes, check the wheel cylinders and drums, but I'm really hoping to avoid having to change the brake booster. Here are my dumb questions:
Do brake booster fail partially, completely, or both?
Am I asking for vacuum leaks with two carb gaskets?
Do you think it could be anything BUT the booster at this point?

Thanks very much for any direction and help!

 

[Curly68]

I'd also add that to get 17hg vacuum I had to close the idle mixture screw (AVS has only one screw), but it did idle the best. So I'm thinking my carb is leaking air pretty bad

 

[Mackman]

Probably need to do that brake bleeding first thing.

 

[Curly68]

Probably need to do that brake bleeding first thing.

Thank you Mackman. For the brake to be rock hard with 1" travel I'm probably looking for a blocked line as opposed to air in the line I would think?

 

[Budnicks]

Yeah the front OE style rubber flex hoses, going to the wheel cylinders
could very well be the culprit/s, especially if it has sat any real period of time

Thank you Mackman. For the brake to be rock hard with 1" travel I'm probably looking for a blocked line as opposed to air in the line I would think?

good luck

 

[Curly68]

Yeah the front OE style rubber flex hoses, going to the wheel cylinders
could very well be the culprit/s, especially if it has sat any real period of time


good luck

That is great info that I hadn't thought of. And yes, its been sitting for quite a while while I rehabbed my house. I'll order some from NAPA and be ready. I already have the wheel cylinders ready. Thanks Budnicks

 

[Budnicks]

That is great info that I hadn't thought of. And yes, its been sitting for quite a while while I rehabbed my house. I'll order some from NAPA and be ready. I already have the wheel cylinders ready. Thanks Budnicks

there's 1 in the rear too, get the whole set
hopefully, NAPA knows that, & should recommend it

have fun

 

[Curly68]

there's 1 in the rear too, get the whole set
hopefully, NAPA knows that, & should recommend it

have fun

Thanks for your help a while back. I've been tinkering and after bleeding, new wheel cylinder I'm finally changing the booster and hope to have it driving soon.