Old hydraulic brake conversion on a '32

Todd68390

Todd68390

Junior Member
Here's what I'm dealing with on the '32 I just bought. The brakes were converted to hydraulic long ago. The wheel cylinders were rebuilt, and the master cylinder was replaced recently. The brakes function well, but as you can see in the following pictures, pedal placement is not correct. It's quite a reach from the gas pedal up to the brake pedal. Your knee is almost up to the steering wheel. I found the foam pedal/column seal and metal retainer under the seat. When I removed the floorboards it became evident these are not '32 pedals. I'm lucky that the crossmember hasn't been cut. I want to retain the hydraulic brakes, but get the pedals and floorboards back to the correct configuration. I guess my first step is going to be installing correct '32 pedals and bracket.
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Those are 39 pedals and the left leg of the K member is gone. It is incredible what people. do. I was able to cut and bend some 46 pedals for my 32 with only a small hole for the MC pushrod. And I also was using a side shift box with column shift.
 
Andy,
I see now the diagonal piece from the frame to the crossmember is gone. I'll have to do some more looking.
 
Todd68390 said:
I'm lucky that the crossmember hasn't been cut. I want to retain the hydraulic brakes, but get the pedals and floorboards back to the correct configuration. I guess my first step is going to be installing correct '32 pedals and bracket.
Click to expand...


Hey Todd .....I'd love for you to be able to get those pedals and brakes functioning perfectly. Below is a link to Dennis Lacy's little '32 pick-up (Dennis & dad Richard own "Early V8 Garage") as he fit it with the best hydraulic brake set-up you'll ever see on a '32. Plus, they (Early V8 Garage) sell brake kits and pieces thereof if you need parts or kits, or just advice. Click the link below, and if you're a "handy" hot-rodder, you'll be able to duplicate via the pictures in the link....quite extensive coverage. Teaser picture below! And by all means, at least at some point, take advantage of the available "Boling Brothers/MT Products" reproduction Lincoln "Bendix" brakes. DD

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...-updated-1-11-16.970252/page-10#post-11039172


464706
 
DD,
I've been looking at that thread about Dennis Lacy's setup and I'm thinking this is the way I would like to go.
 
Todd68390 said:
DD,
I've been looking at that thread about Dennis Lacy's setup and I'm thinking this is the way I would like to go.
Click to expand...

Man, THAT car deserves such. Are you able to fabricate and pull-off re-doing something like Dennis' project? And ya know, it wouldn't be very hard to replicate that missing "K"-leg out of a piece of junk frame section. And how do you opine on using the "Bendix" brakes? They surely do STOP markedly-well.

DD
 
I'm thinkin she's a gonner. Might be best to cut your losses and sell the car to me. think about it...let me know
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DD,
I could fabricate some of the pieces, but I don't have access to a lathe. It would probably be easier just to buy the parts from him. I'm sure I could fabricate the missing piece of the K member, but would rather install an original. The Bendix brakes would be a nice upgrade. I may look at that down the road.
 
Todd, I have the Lacy kit on both my 32s, and it requires no modifications to the pedal or the K member, no holes to drill. In your case you might not want to use Lacy's master cylinder as it is a dual reservoir and use one like you already have.
 
Boy you've got a great 32 to start with Todd! The Lacy kit is beautifully executed and will save you a lot of work. As DD mentioned, you should and can replace the frame brace. The only issue I see is that you need more working space. I'll help you out and take that decrepit 'Vette out of your way :D


Glenn



Todd68390 said:
DD,
I've been looking at that thread about Dennis Lacy's setup and I'm thinking this is the way I would like to go.
Click to expand...
 
Glenn,
My Dad bought the Corvette when I was about 11. I took it to my senior prom. I bought it from him when I was 26. I finished a frame off restoration on it about 13 years ago. It will be one of the last ones to go!


Todd
 
There's a 32 pedal set on Ebay right now Ebay# 324649607911
they are listed at $400 or best offer certainly worth it.
Left K member legs are available but can be pricey.
Many were removed for the same reason yours was.
Right side legs are available as well but are more abundant and thus cheaper.
The bolt on brake kit from Dennis at the Early V8 Garage is an outstanding product.
His number 626 338 2282
He may have an extra left K member leg as well.
 
Todd68390 said:
DD,
I could fabricate some of the pieces, but I don't have access to a lathe. It would probably be easier just to buy the parts from him. I'm sure I could fabricate the missing piece of the K member, but would rather install an original. The Bendix brakes would be a nice upgrade. I may look at that down the road.
Click to expand...
Put a wanted ad in for the missing leg. There may even be a reproduction available.

Charlie Stephens
 
The way I did mine uses the original pedals. You might consider the way mine was done.

Charlie Stephens
 

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I had the exact same problem on my 32. They had used 39 Pedals with 40 Master Cylinder. I was missing the Left K-Member legs. After Months of searching I found 32 Pedals but no K-Member Leg. Just couldn’t find one, so I just bought entire K-Member and took off the leg. I’m installing Early V8 Garage kit, so far no problems, it’s a lot of work and takes patience. But it’s a good kit.

I should add that I was able to flip the Rest of the K-Member for a profit
 
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