Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Took my 55 clipper out for a drive today. I noticed the brakes felt hard. A few miles later, I had no brakes at all. I down shifted to second and started for home very slowly using engine breaking. Went through a few red lights and got some people very angry with me. I little later I heard a loud clunk. The brake pedal was sucked all the way to the floor board. I assume that I now need to get a new Master Cylinder. I thinking of Max Marrett or Kanter. Any suggestions? I have had a few treadle vac problems in the past but this is the first that really made me wonder how safe these brakes are.

That is a scary feeling for you and others. If you want to keep the BTV, I would either get a complete rebuilt exchange unit from Max or Kanter or else have Ross redo yours.

One interesting thing is that the brake lights are on. I had to pull the battery cable when I got home to get them off.

You have several things going on so it is hard to guess what all the issues may be. One thing is if the pedal was sucked down and is still away from the normal rest spot the compensator valve may be closed. If so, the pressure buildup from heat of driving has nowhere to go and it may be enough for the switch to think brakes are still applied.

You might try pulling the pedal back with your hand and see if that does anything. If a valve in the vacuum portion is messed up and pulling the pedal down, there may still be enough residual vacuum that you won't be able to pull the pedal to the released end or have it stay if you do.

Check the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir and report back.
When u remove the unit then measure any brake fluid that can be easily drained from the power unit.

I pulled the hose off the vacuum tank and it hissed, so it had vacuum. I tried lifting the pedal by hand and it wouldn't budge. Maybe I should try a crowbar

IF u want a conversion then try a 1996''ish Ford Explorer power unit. The mounting studs are perfect for mounting thru the fresh air vent hole in the firewall. A 65 or 66 MUSTANG master cylinder will bolt to the explorer power unit. USe the Explorer brake pedal. U'll have to make TWO extremely SIMPLE mounting plates for the power unit.

NO other special valves or anything needed. Probably about $80 for power unit, $50 for mustang MC and whatever a explorer pedal assy costat a junk Yard. Get TWO explorer pedal assy's.

However, if your car has FACTORY AC then the Explorer unit won't work.

Fluid level is ok

The heat build up,turning on the brake light switch, is probably right on. After sitting a while, the brake lights are now off

SEND IT TO ROSS; HE WILL DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!