Converting to hydraulic breaks.

Gene F said:
Do any of you have collector cars that you change the brake fluid every 5 or 6 years in?
Click to expand...

I never change brake fluid unless doing a complete brake overhaul using new wheel and master cylinders.
I had a 1980 F150, bought it new, had it 22 years and never changed brake fluid in it.

If'n one replaces brake fluid in an "all original" collector car, is it still"all original"?
 
eagle said:
I have other old cars with hydraulic brakes. It's a constant battle to keep them working even semi-well in our environment. The A with its mechanicals has been so easy. Simple adjustment, no degradation over winter. My A was fixed properly before I got it so I don't know how much expertise/labor it required but they sure work well.
Click to expand...

Use silicone fluid! DOT-5
 
A simple response to those who contend that A’s with hydraulic brakes have issues after sitting awhile: DRIVE THE DAMN THINGS ON A REGULAR BASIS!
 
Jim Brierley said:
Use silicone fluid! DOT-5
Click to expand...

Silicone fluid is the answer to brake fluid problems. I had a V-8 Flathead dragster with hydraulic drum brakes on the rear, put in silicone fluid in the early 90's and brakes were still working fine when I recently sold it. Obviously it had not been used daily.
That being said I like mechanical brakes for my A's. :)
 
Hi Guys,

Thanks so much for all the invaluable input. After taking it all in and thinking about what I have and what I need and want to use the car for, I've decided I am going to stat with mechanical breaks. It looks like Mike's has complete rebuilt sets, with new cast iron drums, that are bolt on with exchange of my cores. If I had more time, I'd do it all myself. But, at this point in life I've got a bit more cash than time. So, need to make it happen sooner than later. I'm still working on a Jensen-Healey for the past 2+ years and don't want that to happen with the A. I've got to have a least one car running :)

Thanks agian.

Richard
 
Since the subject of DOT 5 fluid was brought up....... I always assumed that DOT 5 would be the way to go but recently I was a show and talked to the owner or a beautiful 34 Ford. He told me that the DOT 5 ruined his (Willwood) brake system?
 
jeepguy1948 said:
Since the subject of DOT 5 fluid was brought up....... I always assumed that DOT 5 would be the way to go but recently I was a show and talked to the owner or a beautiful 34 Ford. He told me that the DOT 5 ruined his (Willwood) brake system?
Click to expand...
I have never heard that before and not sure I believe it. Sure would like more information.

Charlie Stephens
 
FWIW, I've heard that DOT 3 and DOT 5 are not compatible w/each other, so if converting from DOT3 to DOT5 the system has to be cleaned/flushed to the nth degree before installing the DOT5 fluid.
Also, I understand that DOT 3 absorbs moisture and DOT 5 doesn't so DOT 5 is better in that respect.
 
Correct on the non compatibility of dot 3 and dot 5 .Have the dot 5 silicone in my 49 Buick brake system and a special blend in the power windows , top and seats . This was done when completely restoring it with everything overhauled or replaced . I still flush the brakes in the spring when getting it ready for the road and also inspect the system for leaks and hoses for flexibility rubber deterioration from age checking the wheel cylinders and master too.
 
A few of the Cons I have always heard about Dot 5 brake fluid is since it doesn't absorb water like Dot 3 or 4 (or 5.1), IF any water were to get into the system it will settle out in the wheel cylinders. The water will then boil at a low temp and you loose your brakes.

Second is, and this does not pertain to us, is it can't be used in a car with ABS, so it can not be used in a modern.

I have also been told to not use silicone based brake fluid with Wilwood brakes. I believe they specify Dot 5.1.
 
Last edited:
I had a 51 Plymouth with hydraulic brakes. These worked well but had continual issues with brake and master cylinders leaking and at times failing.
I completely enjoy the brakes on the Model A. They are adjusted right, and for the weight of the car they stop the car over and over again. Last summer when we went to Morgantown PA for the MARC event we found ourselves on an 18% grade, mechanical brakes, steel drums. Keep it slow and steady and the brakes worked fine....no fade. The car is 92 years old and going well with mechanical brakes. I have no intention of changing them to hydraulic.
 
wwirz said:
I had a 51 Plymouth with hydraulic brakes. These worked well but had continual issues with brake and master cylinders leaking and at times failing.
Click to expand...

It sounds like the cylinders were worn out, needing to be bored out and sleeved or replaced w/new ones.
 
Have had Quite a few mid year Corvettes. I had all the wheel cylinders and master sleeved with stainless. No future problems even with cars not being driven much.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top