1950 Buick convert single to dual master cyl
- Thread starter CALLBALD
- Start date
It's popular to go single to dual master cylinder. I have the same goal in mind except that I plan on increasing safety and performance by having the circuit to be front wheel cylinders split left and right, and both rear. So, instead of controlling just 50%front and 50%rear, I will have the hydraulic circuit control left 25% and right 25% front and both 50% rear. The parts would be dual master and distribution block, except that I will be looking that the block can split and control left & right front and both rear.
suntreemcanic
Experienced Member
The only dual master cylinders I know of are wider than your original master cylinder. So you would have to fabricate a new mounting bracket. The brake shaft may not be in alignment with your wider master cylinder so it may have to be realigned also. Nothing that a person who is handy with steel couldn't do. Dual brake system makes you feel more comfortable. My wife lost the brakes on my 52 Buick and ran through a stop light down in California during rush hour traffic. The brake light pressure switch blew up. Dual brake systems is a good idea. I have them but I have disk brakes and I relocated my master cylinder.
Stray Tate
Member
I've done this on my 53 Pontiac and my 40 Buick, using m/cyls listed for Dodge Caravans up to 1995. Rock Auto has them for $35.45 Canadian, so US price would be significantly less. I used a Caprice proportioner valve on the Buick. I did the Pontiac one long ago and don't remember what proportioner valve I used on it. The Pontiac mod has worked fine for several years, including a long trip towing a camper. The Buick project isn't ready for the road yet, so I can't report on it. A bit of bracket fab, a bit of plumbing, and "Hey presto!" I think the push rod has a straight run to the m/cyl on the Pontiac, which may be set up like your Buick.
This is one example of distribution block as I mentioned earlier in post. There is an adjustment to the rear line out by way of the proportioning valve.
stubbe
Active Member
Mastercylinder under floor in 54 Buick.Any ideas of from new car i can modifye.New linings,tubes?no problems.Only a make of Master.Sorry of bad spelling.Im swedish.
Stray Tate
Member
Sounds like a similar location on my 53 Pontiac, with the master cylinder bolted to the frame not far ahead of the brake pedal. The master cylinder for a 1995 Dodge caravan worked for my car. I made up the brake tubes. For brake shoes, drums and hardware i used parts for full size Chevrolets, which were common here at the time. Be careful about the wheel bolt pattern if you go that route. Chevrolet station wagons had a bigger bolt pattern, and I think I used brake parts for those. I don't know what availability for those parts is in your location, but you could likely get them from Rock Auto. Maybe a helpful parts store guy there could suggest something that will work for your car. Don't worry about spelling, we make many mistakes too. And fnot too many of us can say or spell a thing in Swedish.
