Since the average high temperature is now 50 in Ohio, it is time to think of winter projects. I would like to swap in a dual reservoir master cylinder (power booster is optional) in a 1961 Buick Lesabre I bought last winter. I posted something similar on a Buick forum and didn't get much in response. It would be sweet if something just bolted up (like how I put a '67 Ford MC in my '64 Ford), but any advice would be appreciated. thanks, Fred. I can probably measure the bolt pattern this weekend, if needed.
Unless your going with a disc/drum upgrade, whats wrong with the original one. They are available if it needs replacing. P.S. watch this take off!
Uhm, you're kidding right? Single mode failure. Dual M/C from later sixties GM (67-70) is pretty much a bolt on. The key dimension is the pushrod from the pedal to the M/C. Two different M/C's, One long, one short. Measure the part that actually sticks back through the firewall towards the pedal/lever arm. If you want to upgrade to discs on the front, get an early 70's M/C.
No i'm not kidding. I just think it's funny how millions of people drove these cars thousands of miles during the 60s', and managed to survive. I drove them..drove them in anger, and am still here to tell of it. Now don't get me wrong, it is a good idea to do modern upgrades on our cars. Especially the brake system. Lately I've seen and talked to people of all ages that think you are suicidal if you even think of driving a car with a single master cylinder. I beleave if you keep the original system maintained,(i.e.flushed,adjusted,good hoses and lines)that you can do quite a bit of driving safely. Just like we did in the 60's. Just like I do in my 62 Buick close to 5,000 miles a year. Think...how many people do you know, if your old enough, was in a serious accident back then due to brake failure?
Well, I've had a line/wheel cylinder fail that would have lead to total system failure had it not been for a dual master cylinder. Tell you what, keep driving with the single and no seat belts. You've played the odds this long. What have you got to lose?
All i'm saying is with a little awareness and some preventative maintenance you can drive these cars without everyone ***uming you have a death wish. You might have noticed your leaking cylinder/bad line with a little more maintenance. Oh and I allways wear my seat belts(when i'm on the m.c. it's the helmet and leathers.... in a State that doesn't require them). Do you?
I just did this on my '62 Invicta - 8" dual-diaphragm booster and '70 Monte Carlo drum/drum reservoir. Bolted right up, although the MC push rod length had to be tweaked.
Thanks for the input. I'll definitely check out that '70 power booster setup. I used to not think about it and used the same logic as "it worked back then, why change it" but I did lose brakes in a '64 wagon I have (emergency brake worked though) and about 70% of people that see me running the single reservoir always point it out to me. It's one of those things that makes you think about it and it is a definitely a better to be safe than sorry issue. Anyway, thanks again! -Fred
I drive a 66 chrysler 300 every day and still have the single master cylinder. I put a new one in it when I got the car and keep it checked for leaks. The car also had ne wheel cylinders and hoses when i got it. I have had it since 2000 and have had no problem with it. I do have to really hit the breaks to stop sudden with the 4 wheel drum brakes but it is fine for me. I don't ride other people's bumpers. I would change to a dual from a 67 if i ran across one cheap and mine happened to need changing but I am not in a hurry. If it worry's you I would say change it but if not i don't see a problem.
The 70% that it bothers is exactly why I don't change it... I like knowing it goes up ther ***. It's not my fault, I've been diagnosed with O.D.D. (opposistional defiance disorder) Ha!Ha!
On my old 64 Riviera I used a master cyl from a 68 Chevelle, 4 wheel drum. Bolted right on the Riviera's booster. edit: wait, that was on my 60 El Camino, but the booster looked the same. I would still try the 68 Chevelle application
Me, twice. No accident either time, but I was lucky enough to have some space and working e-brakes. Once when a rear cylinder failed in my MGA. Another time when the master failed in my XK150.
That was almost 50 years ago. I've had more fail in the last 10 years than the first 10 I drove. It's a good idea. I haven't had a serious accident because of it but have seen a totalled car in the last 3 years because of it.
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