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I wanted to share another one of the cars that we are working on here at Kanter Auto Products. This one is a 1955 Caribbean that Fred and Dan have had for a number of years and have now decide to get it cleaned up and running.

Once out of the back museum of our building. We started with draining and removing the tank (replaced with a new production tank and sender). Followed by flushing the fuel lines and replacing the fuel pump. We then went ahead and removed the carbs for rebuilding.

With the fuel system in order. we will put our attentions to rebuilding the BTV, flushing the brake system and replacing the necessary hydraulic components.

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A couple of observations, this must be a late production 55 Caribbean. I see the trunk spare tire well support, and the windshield wiper cable moved up on the firewall.

Was this car repainted, I see black paint under the turn signal light on the front fender.

Does this car have the hood prop rod?

Why is there black paint on the top of the firewall or is that shadows from the hood?

I see you are using a 2 post lift, where are you placing the arms on the frame?

The car had been repainted at one time in its life prior to Fred and Dan taking ownership. I believe that car was purchased out of Clifton NJ. The car does have the hood prop rod is present and for some reason the top of the firewall has maroon-ish color type paint as that is not a shadow in the picture.

Thanks
James From
Kanter Auto

The fuel system has been completely cleaned and overhaul. Next we have moved on to Bendix Treadle Vac. When the car was removed from storage. The brakes were applied and the pedal did not return. This resulted in the removal of the power unit. It best to thoroughly go through all aspect of the brake, engine, and suspension system regardless of how long a car has been in storage.

As you can see once the btv was removed from car and the lid removed on the hydraulic side. Brake fluid had crystallized as a result of the long term storage. Brake fluid because of its water absorbing properties should be changed in periodic interval to ensure that it does not break down and cause harm to the inner workings of the hydraulic system. Annual/preventive maintenance is key having a trouble free collector car.

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The BTV is now disassembled and has been assessed. Unfortunately over the years the seal between the vacuum side and the hydraulic side has failed and brake fluid leaked into the vacuum canister. This resulted in the can sustaining heavy pitting even after trying to hone it. It will need to be replaced and at the same time the master cylinder piston will be replaced with a brand new stainless steel one as the original one suffered the same pitting as the vacuum can.

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I look forward to seeing this unit rebuilt with all Kanter parts.