71 Brakes

The only difference with power brakes is the booster and master cylinder (it looks the same, but has a different size bore), and of course the two lines up to the MC. 

I have had several manual brake C3s and even though I am not very strong, I can lock up the tires.  So you must have something not right.  A power MC without a booster will reduce your leverage so you don't get good pressure.  We sell OER semi-metallic pads which work just fine.

Larry

I agree, I just helped a friend rebuild his brakes in a '69 BB, he was having the same problem. We found the wrong master cylinder had been installed years ago.

When I replaced the M/C around 5 years ago, I'm pretty sure it was because I thought I might have the wrong one. They do seem to get a little better leverage when I bleed them. I don't have any apparent leaks, but I do have to bleed them about twice a year. Is this normal? I'm gonna make one of Norsky's infamous bleeders, and give it a shot. Thanks guy's. I'd be lost without this site.

If you have to bleed your brakes frequently, it usually means run-out on at least one rotor.  That gets the caliper pumping and lets in air.  If you use that good bleeder, you know you got all the air out, so if it comes back, put a dial indicator on each rotor. 

Good Luck
Larry