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Kev I have a 1956 Patrician, I bought it in 1998
from an a estat, the man that owend owned it had a packard
dealership. The car has treadelvac power breaks
that look new,but bouth my wife and I are bouth
handycaped. I have friends that the breaks have
failed, what I want to know is can I put manul breaks
from a clipper (MASTER CYL)if so who could tell me
through this and the parts I would need. If you
could be some help I thank you Michael Fries

Quote:G'day Michael,

Sorry can't help with your request but I'm sure more knowledgeable and experienced PackardInfo members will be able to advise.

I have a requset of you though, could you please include your Pat in the Packard Owner's Registry, together with a pic, any known history and how you acquired it?

If you have the entire Clipper to get all the components besides just the master cylinder (pedals, linkages, supports, tubing etc) then it can be done and several have done it.

55-6 manual systems is a direct bolt in but are hard to come by. Components from an earlier 51-4 manual brake car can be used with some modifications. If no parts car, then it will be quite a project because nothing modern will just bolt in.

There have been adaptions to replace the treadlevac with modern power units but due to location of the Bendix unit it is difficult. Modern units are large and either won't mount in same confined space or pedal leverage modifications required for proper operation won't look original.

There was one poster who was adapting to a modern power unit with an interesting product called an electro-boost which is somewhat smaller than most other units and could mount under floor like a manual system. Haven't heard how that turned out.

Are u open to a modern retro fit power unit???? Cost about $150.00. Maybe less if u are savvy about parts. Installs thru left air duct opening in firewall. Not appicable to cars with FACTORY AC.

What's wrong with the Treadle Vac currently instaled in your car???

In addition to determining what is wrong with the T/V unit, for the manual brake parts contact Mike Dulinski in Duluth Minn. If anyone has those parts he would.