Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Hello all!

I'm working on the brakes on my 1949, 22nd series Deluxe 8 Touring Sedan, and I'm perplexed.

According to the book, the casting number on the Master Cylinder should be FE-1134, but mine is B-172.

Could this be an aftermarket replacement installed years later, and, if so, is it correct for my Packard?

Thanks!

Attach file:

---

  20240622_210107.jpg (3,093.51 KB)

If it looks right and the linkages match up it's probably fine.

To this day you can buy new manual brake master cylinders for the 51-56 cars, so I'm sure new masters on yours were available for a long time.

It's a 1 inch bore, if you want to measure.

Unless something has changed, I believe for the last several years Kanter's Repros are the only reliable source of new masters for the 41-50 Clipper based models. A NOS used to show up on occasion when someone thinned his parts collection but I believe that source has fairly well dried up.

Here's a listing on ebay for a B-172 which says it fits your car. Seems like you're okay with what you have.

ebay.ca/itm/142988904504

Good Morning...I was able to purchase new cylinders for our 49 Deluxe 288, 23rd Series, four door, from Max Merritt just a few years ago...Give them a call at 317-736-6233. Better to call than use the web site. Ernie in Arizona

I believe that B-172 master on ebay may be one of the Kanter repros. I think the seller, Old Parts Source, may be one of the other Kanter family companies and is also in NJ. Several of their listings for other items have Kanter named as the supplier or seller.

Thanks everyone! It looks like I have one of the reproductions made by Kanter. I'll measure it and make sure it's one inch, and then put a kit of it.

They can also be sleeved with brass. You will never get a rust pit.

If yours is in decent shape, just rebuild it. $14 plus shipping.

rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1991740&cc=1487071&pt=1840&jsn=1318

Flush system with alcohol and compressed air, then switch to DOT-5 silicone brake fluid. NAPA carries it, but regardless branding, all made by Dow Corning. You'll never have to do anything to your brakes again other than adjust them and depending on how you drive, later this century new linings. Regular brake fluid, whether DOT 3 or DOT 4 Girling, is hygroscopic, absorbs moisture from the ambient air, which is what corrodes master and wheel cylinders. If your car sits for a couple months, work the brake pedal a couple times.
Mike Grimes at Merritt is a prince, 317-736-6233 ext. 103. mike@packardparts.com

But if he doesn't have what you need (i'd be surprised), try Jeff Adkins, Moose Motors, Penngrove (Petaluma, CA in the North Bay) is not only a lifelong Packard specialist, rebuilding most components 1935-56, supplying mechanical and electrical parts, but supplies domestic drum brake parts for everything from Auburn through Zephyr. (707) 792-9985, packardguy54@sbcglobal.net

Please tell these worthies that Mike, '47 Super Clipper, Walnut Creek, CA referred you.