Re: 1955 Caribbean brake question

Posted by ewrecks On 2014/10/26 22:54:03

Ross - Thanks for the reply. I checked the vacuum and it is holding at 16-18 inches at idle. I checked intake bolts and carbs and all in order. I switched the control valve on the rear carb with another used unit I had in the bin with no real difference. I will see if Merritt has a NOS unit but I am a bit perplexed. The car is not safe to drive- brakes barely hold at 5-10mph.
I follows the test mode from the manual- pump brake to vent the vacuum, put car in neutral with foot on brake pedal and start engine. Pedal moves a bit but still feels hard to me and .....doesn't stop.
I guess two rebuilt Tredlevacs could be the issue but.....
I will see if a new valve helps but I did not see any difference between the two I tried and vacuum was consistent.
Pedal seems to push smoothly enough and have the apx 1/4 inch free play at the top.
I am not a big fan of single line brake systems and I have experienced brake failures due to blown lines, failed,wheel cylinders and failure of master cylinders, but this is a Caribbean and I am reluctant to convert to a modern unit- particularly since every conversion ends up with a brake pedal arrangement that looks cobbled.
Maybe cut a hole through the floor boards and do a Flintstone?..
Any further help would be appreciated.
Thanks again.
RJR