O.K. Ran up to the local supply house and purchased the large mityvac compound gauge, ran in concert with the small one on the little hand pump, both were in agreement.
Idle vacuum- 12" Low, I know, but with a bank, after a couple blips of the throttle, it fell to 15". Step on the brakes, the gauge rose to 14". Let off the pedal, back to 12".
So it appears the variable chamber is being activated. Pedal travel is about 1.5" and goes rock hard there.
With the gauge still attached, and driving up hill, vacuum is between 4-8", no brake application. Turned around coasting in third gear, vacuum is at 21". Reasonable application of brakes the vacuum raised an inch and letting off the brakes, it raised a few more inches, but quickly fell back to 20- 21". (We're going back towards atmosphere, so that's why I call it raise) The car slowed somewhat.
After accelerating back to 45 or so, vacuum at 21", third gear, I applied the brakes fairly aggressivly, not dynamite, but smooth hard application. The pedal travel is around 1.5", with modest backfeed, then it won't go any further. The car slows down, but, if it were any other old rusty chevy, weaving down the road, I'd have been in the ditch sideways. I mean at least ONE tire would have broke traction! Anyhow, that's where I am. I guess I'll go buy some fittings so I can check applied pressure at the caliper. Any ideas? Thank You again! Matt