Tim, thanks for the diagnosis. Once I get the new unit installed, I wonder if anyone would want to get a look at the old unit. Is this an unusual occurrence? The unit was in the car for about 20 years.

I talked to Ross today and am sending one treadle vac his way.

The heat build up,turning on the brake light switch, is probably right on. After sitting a while, the brake lights are now off

Fluid level is ok

I pulled the hose off the vacuum tank and it hissed, so it had vacuum. I tried lifting the pedal by hand and it wouldn't budge. Maybe I should try a crowbar

One interesting thing is that the brake lights are on. I had to pull the battery cable when I got home to get them off.

Took my 55 clipper out for a drive today. I noticed the brakes felt hard. A few miles later, I had no brakes at all. I down shifted to second and started for home very slowly using engine breaking. Went through a few red lights and got some people very angry with me. I little later I heard a loud clunk. The brake pedal was sucked all the way to the floor board. I assume that I now need to get a new Master Cylinder. I thinking of Max Marrett or Kanter. Any suggestions? I have had a few treadle vac problems in the past but this is the first that really made me wonder how safe these brakes are.

My 55 Caribbean has a 56 Clipper engine. 56 Clipper is 352 as is the 55 Caribbean. I believe the 56 is a better engine. I believe when I sell the car it will take a hit because of this but have no idea of how much of a hit. It also has manual windows.

As I recall the front seat cushion is attached to the seat frame with 4 bolts. Two on each side. Remove these and the cushion should be free and you will have access to the power seat parts. I did this on 55 Caribbean but think will be the same for a Patrician

I'll be pulling the pump today and will post what I find.