Re: Advice on 1956 Clipper Deluxe Brakes

Posted by Brian Wilson On 2020/3/2 17:02:16

Thanks Don.

I did watch the video. It was exactly as you say. I noticed that the rubber bellows on the Treadlevac actuating rod were right up behind the pedal on that car. Mine barely protrudes into the interior. Also the rod is attached to the brake pedal further to the left on mine.Not sure yet how the Treadlevac is mounted. I guess all will be revealed when I pull it out! Will let you know what I find.

Beginning to think this thread should be in a blog. It's much longer than I expected, but I have to say very helpful. I have copies of the relevant shop manual sections and feel quite confident about tackling the braking system. Sort of thing you want to know is right.

I guess the patchy reputation of Treadlevacs stems from master cylinder failures, which can happen to any car with a single cylinder. Vacuum system failures are not so catastrophic because the brakes still work - assuming you're strong enough to operate them. I may have been doing this for quite a while without realising it. Can't remember the brakes ever feeling like they were power assisted!

Cheers Brian