Quick update. Do not order the ABS kit for the earlier cars at this time. I'm working with them. There is fitment issues. I will do a full update tomorrow when I have more time.



Earl

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It's made to order, but they can fix you up with your 55.



Earl

I can't speak for the torsion suspension part, but the ABS kit would work on drums. Just let them know as you wouldn't want the 1 1//8" bore on drums. You'd want a 1" bore or smaller for drum/drum power brakes. You'd also need a 10 psi residual valves front and rear on drum/drum as close to the master as possible. That keeps the cups expanded in the wheel cylinders and makes up for the overcoming of the springs. Will keep your pedal travel down and firm.


Earl

Some pics that maybe beneficial.



Eael

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Sure glad I wasn't driving the car till the treadle-vac is converted. I was taking pics for ABS Brake and I lifted the OE booster up finding the underside covered in brake fluid. The previous owner said I could hop in the car and drive it across the country. Lol Mind you it has 30 plus year old all cracked up tires on it too. Guess he likes to live on the edge. Lol

The earlier cars have an area cut out in the toe plate for the accelerator pedal rod. The later cars must of moved the throttle rod further right as their toe plates don't have this notch. So they want to add it. I told them it's no big deal as I will trim it with my plasma cutter when I cut the clutch hole in the new toe plate.I sent their builder a ton of pics and measurements. Sounds like they are going to borrow my OE plate. This should allow them to cover the earlier cars better.



Earl

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Kevinpackard,
Have we discussed you setup? I don't recall if it was you or someone else I talked to about their setup. Either your booster is too small, master cylinder bore is incorrect or the pedal ratio. Do you know the answer to those items?


Earl

The new pedal is higher than the OE from the toe plate. The new pedal is about 6" from the toe plate to the top of the pad. The new pedal is lower from the column/closer to the floor pan and higher from the toe plate and closer to the accelerator pedal than the OE pedal. The pedal has to be higher from the toe plate to have enough travel for the dual circuit master. The Treadle-vac has almost no travel. For me it's not an issue and I can drive it just fine that way. It's definitely not perfect but it is the best solution vs fabricating and hacking up the car and loosing the crotch vent.


If anyone has ever driven a Packard with manual brakes or any vintage car, you have to lift your foot to go from the accelerator to the brake. It was the norm. The heel pivoting is a newer concept. I've rather have to lift my foot then drive with the 3 fatal flaws treadle-vac. But I can pivot my foot, so it's a multiple win for me.



Earl

Yes, the OE pedal is still attached to the firewall. It was higher than it would normally be though. No idea yet how the modern booster and master will fit up yet. I would say it's going to be tight or they would of went with a dual 9" booster. I won't know the engine compartment fit until late spring. I still need to get a combination valve, 10 psi residual valve and the disc brake kit yet. I also need to get some nicopp brake tubing and replace all the original brake lines. Dual circuit isn't any good if you blow out the lines on both circuits. lol

This was just a quick mock up. I don't want to pull the OE booster and render the car unmovable. Need to keep brakes until I have components to do the project at once vs bits.


Earl

I was able to do a quick fitting of the pedal assembly toe plate. I removed the treadle-vac to toe plate bolts so I could remove the toe plate and leave the treadle-vac in place. I have a clutch, so I will need to use my plasma cutter to cut out the square hole in the ABS Brake plate. It's a little crooked but allowed me to quickly fake drive it to see how the new pedal and location did. It will definitely work for me. I could still pivot on my heal from the throttle to the brake. Guys will larger feet may have to pick their foot up like any other vintage car to press the brake. Even my 93 Dodge Ram D250 you had to pick your foot up to brake.

This is extremely ideal for me. ABS did a great job. I don't have to make any holes, rig up a pedal assembly, or loose my crotch vent. This is plug and play and completely reversible without modifying the car.

I did confirm it's a correct 4:1 pedal ratio. It's a Bendix style 8" dual booster.



Earl

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Yes those are the hose connections for the remote reservoir. I will find a place on the firewall for it. I will mount in a way that doesn't require new holes so the car can be returned to original.


Earl