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The book says it is under the hood but we couldn't find it today. Please tell me where it is. Thanks, Brenda

If you have manual brakes it is mounted on the framer rail just behind the steering box. Those master cylinders are available new at very reasonable cost and I would recommend replacing it while doing the brakes over.

If you have power brakes--which can be easily identified as the pedal says "EASAMATIC", the unit is mounted on the backside of the floorboard right behind the pedal. The filler is just next to the steering column. These units must be rebuilt by an experienced rebuilder and I would strongly recommend having it done as the car has been sitting for many years as you indicated in another post.

The MC is down low, so if you are looking from the side of the car by the front driver's side fender, you really have to bend over the fender and reach down past where the steering column goes. (Think of your belt buckle on the fender paint!) A 1 inch wrench will remove the MC lid if it is non-power brakes. A channel lock pliers is good to use to remove the lid. Be careful of the Brake light switch which is mounted on the master cyl, if the battery is attached, that switch has power. -Might want to disconnect battery before wrenching off the lid to check fluid.

Brenda, take a lot at my project blog as I pretty much have the same car. I went through every inch of the brake system and other maintenance items.

One word of caution, the brake drums, shoes, and backing plates are different sizes between 53 and 54, so any part numbers I reference may be different. But the master cylinder and concepts are the same. If you have manual brakes (like I do), you can get the Master Cylinder from Napa, or even cheaper off of ebay. Just but a new one. Not worth rebuilding is the system is contaminated. Also, brake lines rust from the inside out, so replace them as well. With a single cylinder brake system, there is no margin for bad parts/lines.

I have the front-clip off my car in a lot of the pictures, so it's easy to see where everything is hidden.

So my blog may be a helpful reference when going through your car.

WOW! I went all the way to page 25 of your blog. I am so impressed with your artistry and stick-to-it-ivness. I'm speechless.