Like many here, I never had the pleasure of meeting Randy personally. However his engagement on this platform and encouragement has been wonderful and I feel I know the character of the man.
It is not surprising to read very similar sentiments from those who knew him well and even closer.
I am truly grateful to be able to hear the voice of Packard wisdom and helpfulness that finds its way onto these pages. Randy was one such voice and he is really appreciated all the way here in Australia.
Rest In Peace mate!

Hi Don, there seemed to be a lot of positive interest in your use of a booster and master setup from VW a year ago.

I am in Australia and the accessibility to VW components will be much easier than a trusted BTV rebuild, ABS electric master systems, etc.

A firewall mounted option is looming but I have been reluctant to move into the that positioning as it will eliminate the fresh air vents.

Wondering if you have any further comments on how the brakes have been performing since your original posts.

Appreciate any current feedback.

Cheers

Russ

Well done Randy,

Your 400 seems to always present well, it is a credit to your eye for detail and expertise (which is shared so willingly).

Glad to see mention of your significant other (and not another Packard!)

Hope to be able to get a trip to the east sometime.

Cheers
Russ

Hi, this is the master setup from ABS that I used. There is no need to change the pedal setup as we made a large bush to mount it directly onto the BTV position.

Booster is a remote electric / hydraulic setup also from ABS.

Still to be fully road tested and hoping it works well.

Cheers
Russ

Attach file:

---

  (105.39 KB)

Hi all, It seems the 'major' problem is not the contact bridge.

Below is a copy of the text I got this afternoon (with translation)
"Hi. Had sparky (auto electrician) here all morning and he has now left to go and commit hurry curry (suicide). In spite of that we need the 6 terminal reversing relay. Existing one not doing its thing and no equivalent we can use. Changed to new push button unit as old one missing a vital bit for neutral start function. How quickly can we procure one. Cheers"

Is the relay available??

Cheers
Russ

Hi Bob, your timing is amazing, I too am on the hunt for a reversing relay after getting this text from my mechanic...

"Hi. Had sparky (auto electrician) here all morning and he has now left to go and commit hurry curry (suicide). In spite of that we need the 6 terminal reversing relay. Existing one not doing its thing and no equivalent we can use. Changed to new push button unit as old one missing a vital bit for neutral start function. How quickly can we procure one. Cheers"

Keen to know if the relay available??

Cheers
Russ

Hi James, nice to persevere with original and I am happy to stick with what I have done to remove BTV failure risk.

Agree about the unrelated BTV / chronic brake fade. Context was also eliminate the brake fade risk too. The Willwood disc conversion setup bolted on very easily and cleanly - very nice piece of engineering.

Cheers
Russ

Thanks Mal

PM sent

RJ

WauhopeM, you are describing the very same symptoms I experienced in my 56 400 some while back...

The problem didn't get worse but was already booked in to a local mechanic for attention. Too dangerous if a novice were to drive (if ever!)

Then one August day...
I was parked in my inclined gravel driveway with my foot on the brake pedal and hadn't noticed it had gone to the floor.

Couple that with a number of other circumstances with the car on that driveway - Pushbutton shift in Park, handbrake off and a whisper quiet engine that had stalled (unbeknown to me)

Selected Rev, foot on accelerator pedal to go back. NO WAY!
Car took off FWD for the closed garage door!

Fortunately the garage stopped the car with fender, grill, bumper and boob damage. The boob behind the wheel was not physically injured, just emotionally scarred (I get the shakes at the mere mention of BTV).

My father had a 56 Clipper which was our family car and I imported a 56 400 to Australia. Dad never reported poor pedal, but had experienced chronic brake fade.

My 400 now has a Willwood Disc conversion and an ABS Master and Booster. My beautiful car is largely back together and on the road again full time in a matter of a week (s???). Will supply specs of Master and Booster once confident with road performance.

Cheers
Russ

Hi all,

Almost have my 400 back after lengthy stay with repair shop. (The story is way too long and painful to share).

Mechanic has reported grief with pushbutton and I have supplied everything on the subject that is on this site. (Many thanks for the contributions)

Latest..., I was asked to seek advice on what to do about a cracked contact bridge (see pic).

Welcome your advice and if necessary direction to an nos item to replace.

Cheers
Russ

Attach file:

---

  (120.78 KB)