1956 Thunderbird power brake problem

[jakesbackyard]

When I got this car everything had been either replaced or rebuilt when frame off restored on ‘93-‘95. I got 7 totes of used and new parts that were replaced, rebuilt or upgraded. In those parts were a brand new unused large booster vacuum diaphram, a small diaphram and other used rebuild booster parts. It had been converted to dot 5 fluid which is clean and nice. I have 45” vacuum on the main line to the booster. So right now I’m thinking I may just take it apart, look it over, put in new diaphragms and see what happens. The kit to rebuild is crazy priced.

[miker98038]

Nice ride. I’ve lays thought the 56 with the Connie kit gone and the dagmar’s was the best look. So I’m no cringing.

Is the 45” a typo? I’m think 15 would be closer.

[jakesbackyard]

Originally Posted by miker98038

Nice ride. I’ve lays thought the 56 with the Connie kit gone and the dagmar’s was the best look. So I’m no cringing.

Is the 45” a typo? I’m think 15 would be closer.

Haha…a senior moment. Read the wrong side of gauge. It has 18” vacuum.

Has anyone used a VH44 booster which is available real reasonable?

[miker98038]

Here’s an old link to the HAMB. I don’t write off stuff just because it’s from overseas. You can read it and draw your own conclusions. But if you’ve got it on hand and can check it out first, worth a shot.

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...sters.1216131/

[jakesbackyard]

Here’s the one I’m trying to find a little more info on…

[miker98038]

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That’s mentioned in post #4. It appears they’re Chinese replacements for an Australian company no longer making them. Used on factory cars down under. So quality control is always under question. Also some old price comparisons to domestic products.

The real answer is to compare the line pressure from the master to the booster, and then from the booster to the brakes. But that requires a set of gauge and at least a couple t fittings to do it right. Or just dead head it one at a time at full leg pressure. But either way then you get to re bleed everything.

Best of my knowledge Ford didn’t use 2 different pivot ratios off the pedal for power/non power. And there’s no easy way to change that on a bird-no second hole drilled, or much room for it.

Way back when I put a similar system (probably identical) on my bird it didn’t balance very well front/rear. Turned out the front pads were the hard “guaranteed for life” cheap replacements. A softer pad in the front disc made a noticeable difference. More stopping for less pressure. And as I think I mentioned, the rears had to be kept in adjustment.

[oldbugger]

I see you are using dot 5, I am also on my 64. Could that be the problem

[jakesbackyard]

Originally Posted by oldbugger

I see you are using dot 5, I am also on my 64. Could that be the problem

Some say dot 5 is firmer, some say softer. Companies say it should be softer because 5 contains more oxygen. Some say not much difference. It’s anybody’s guess.