Packard Forum Index » Modification Discussion

G'day BillP618,
to PackardInfo. I invite you to include your '54 Clipper Panama in the Packard Owner's Registry.

Unless you're planning on putting in a modern V8 and racing it, disk brakes are overkill and not only unnecessary but also require a whole lot more work, engineering and expense than simply the price of a kit.

Rebuild the Bendix TreadleVac master and booster yourself (it's easy), rebuild or replace all the wheel cylinders (kits or new available from Napa) and flexible hoses with new (also available from Napa), and have your original shoes relined and the drums turned if there is material enough to do so. Napa may even have exchange shoes but personally I prefer to try to use the ones I already have when possible. Once all assembled, thoroughly flush the system with synthetic DOT4 fluid and pressure bleed and you're good to go - or good to stop, in this case.

Thanks for all the responses. I agree that trying to do a conversion from parts would be costly and Still be a liability in the event of any failure. The system used by Packard was used in several makes of cars at the time and was engineered by Packard and I assume along with Bendix Corp. I agree that ALL of the brake components need to be replaced and that the E (parking) brake cables be working and the rear brakes kept in tight adjustment. Previous owner replaced wheel cylinders, hoses and lines but did not touch the Bendix treadle vac or the attached Master cylinder. I go to car shows and cruise nights see this system many many times. Hope to find a good rebuilder in the Chicago Area. I will look at Kanter as well. I have restored a couple cars in the last 35 years but this one is the first one that with just a few mouse clicks I can find parts and great information from groups like this. ( It has been quite a while. I will be asking Transmission questions as well.

I'd never heard that Packard played any role in Bendix's development of the Bendix Treadle-Vac. Anyone have anything to the contrary?

Funny you mention NAPA. I go in our local store a lot and live just a few miles from a major Warehouse for Napa. I already had asked about brake parts and they had all the wheel cylinders available in the warehouse for less than 10 bucks each. Wish that they had the Bendix Treadle-Vac unit. they had a listing for just a master cylinder but not the Booster unit. I plan to rebuild the brakes as stock to make the car Stop for now.

I am not sure of the rules for adding a link to a post. This is the company that shows a booster/Master Cylinder as well as a front disc brake conversion using your spindles. Not cheap by any means but they say they have it.

https://www.classicdiscbrakes.com/51-56-Packard-Power-Brake-Booster-Master-cylinders_c25.htm

I have not purchased anything from them, nor do I have any connection what so ever with the company. Just passing along what I found. Bill

If you are interested in that Classic disc unit you might want to get more info on the booster unit they seem to be promoting as part of the kit. What they show is a typical universal booster and master as sold by Master Power Brakes or ABS power brake and that particular unit will not fit and work in the original spot with the original pedal.

There have been slightly smaller units mounted in the original location but the pedal was seriously modified to get a workable ratio. The pedal mods are quite apparent when looking inside the car. Even though it seems to have been successful on a couple of cars MPB has advised others wanting the same conversion the single 7" booster that will fit in the original location is marginal in size and they consider it too small for such a large car.

Many wanting a modern booster have opted to go with a larger unit similar to the one shown and reposition the entire unit higher by installing it in the space the Left side air vent is located. Doing that will require some structural reinforcement to the firewall and converting to a completely different suspended pedal setup.

To my knowledge, Packard had nothing to do with the development of the Easamatic brake system. As for rebuilding it, one of the most complete kits I've ever found is sold by Cadillac Parts Ltd and seem to be very high quality with excellent instructions. No need to spend many hundreds of dollars having yours rebuilt and, as I said, it is very easy to do yourself. No sense having an old car and not learning how to work on it!

Don, Did you drill out the relief port in the new casting when you did yours or decide to leave it blocked? I remember back when the major BTV failure discussions were going on Fred said he had found some rebuilds that had apparently been done by a well known rebuilder with the relief port filled with silicone. It would be really interesting to know when or if Bendix started blocking the port and whether the later versions had done something different with the seals so as not to need it or if the undrilled casting was someone elses idea.

Thanks for all the responses as well as the info from home away from home. I am sure that I could rebuild my unit with a kit. My concern is that part of the rebuild price is the liability should there be a future failure and litigation that would certainly result from any loses.