Re: New request for non-operating Bendix Treadle Vac

Posted by jfrom@kanter On 2016/9/7 12:44:06

This would be my opinion for maintenance as Fred may have his own. The major contributing factor for failures of any classic car is that the majority of these cars are not in daily use. Many sitting idle for 3-5 month during the winter months. So following recommended factory service intervals can be tough as you may not meet interval requirements. I own 5 classic cars and trying to spread my time between the vehicles to give them attention and use can become very difficult especially now that I have my 2 year old daughter that constantly wants to help with the cars. Some of my cars see as little as 50 miles a year while others see a couple thousand. But each year I spend a months worth of weekends going through each car from front to back. I do this normally between March and April. I go through every system of the car. But on the brake system I do a visual inspection of the lines, hoses and master cylinder. Then I pull the wheels check the wheel cylinders and adjust the brakes. Then this my own personal preference I bleed the system at each wheel and top the fluid off. While bleeding the system I asses the fluid. I do this as my cars are stored indoors but not heated so they do see a fluctuation in temperature and with moisture being a major contributor to master cylinder and wheel cylinder failure I feel that it is good idea.

I learned this method of maintenance from a restoration shop that I worked prior to coming to Kanter. The owner was big on maintenance.Any car that we restored was put on a maintenance plan. They would come back once a year and all systems were gone over to ensure that they were no problems.

Its kind like going to the Dr's for a physical but for your car.

Thanks
James