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I just bought a 55 Packard Clipper Custom. When I first start it the brake pedal is firm and doesn't move. After I try it a few times moving it then begins to work and I can actually brake. What could it be? I'm hoping it's not the treadle vac.

One of the very first things to do when buying any car, especially a vintage one, is to thoroughly check out the brakes. Even if all the hoses look good, they may have deteriorated internally which can lead to a brake failure.

Try a pressure flush of the brake system to be sure it is all free and clear but better to replace all components now rather than waiting for a failure. A simple bleeding isn't sufficient so if you don't have a pressure bleeder, there are inexpensive ones available but you'll need to come up with a non-vented cap and build an adapter for it.

With your symptoms it is either the vacuum check valve at the back of the carb is sticking shut and not letting vacuum through at first, or the vacuum section of the Treadlevac is gummed up.

Just to point out that a complete renovation of the brakes to bring the car up to fully standard condition will cost less than having the front bumper replaced after running into the back of the trial lawyer's Escalade.

My plan is to have the brakes brought up to par. The problem I have is I live in the middle of nowhere and I'm yet to find a person that understands the Packards. With the treadle vac system.

I hear you about being at the mercy of small town mechanics in the middle of nowhere. Just the name Packard scares many of them away.

If you find someone familiar with another brand that might be willing to at least look, here is a list of other cars that used the same Treadlevac. Perhaps a mechanic would be less skittish if you showed him the list. In those years the Packard unit should be the same as the others. Treadlevacs changed around 57 so later units are different.

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