Re: Bendix Treadle Vac, Myths, Fiction and Facts

Posted by ewrecks On 2017/3/2 1:30:22

Fred - you are right. Just a bad description of the Lincoln unit. The master cylinder and BTV are one unit mounted on the firewall....with a separate vacuum tank under the fender. The reason for the comment is that because the unit is firewall mounted, it is possible to install a newer dual master cylinder unit and power brake unit without having to move the air vent and play with a new pedal configuration to install a later model unit.
As I understand it, the 1-1 pedal ratio on the 55 Packard coupled with the limited space where the factory BTV is located has required the various configurations shown in various posts.
I would really like to have a dual master cylinder for the limited protection afforded by that arrangement . I would also like to have power brakes to deal with the weight of the Caribbean.
I guess my question really is whether installing a dual master cylinder under the floorboards for that purpose could be boosted with a new hydrovac system like we use on the Cadillac which could be remotely mounted.
I made inquiry about the Electro- Vac units that were suggested in some posts, but never got a satisfactory answer as to whether anyone had been happy with the conversion. I believe Howard raised questions as to whether such a system would provide needed braking if the engine stalled due to the pedal ratio issue.
It would seem that the Cadillac system functions well enough and it is all new parts....and might keep the pedal in its original position.
Any commments or hints will be welcomed..
Sorry for any confusion.
RJR