'56 Buick Master cylinder

[chromedragon]

I'm pretty sure that this will have been asked before since I'm finding it to be such a pain in the *** to find anything out, but I'm going to ask anyways.

I bought my '56 Buick Special about 6 years ago. Over the past 2 years the master cylinder has developed a bleed down issue while stopped at lights. I know that I either need a new one or a rebuild, but outside of the $503.25 one available on oldbuickparts.com I'm unable to find anything.

I know that the '56 master cylinder is specific only to the year, but I'm hoping that there was some wonderful member out there who saw a need for these and just happens to work in a machine shop that made rebuild kits.

If anyone has any idea what I can do to fix my brake problem please let me know. Thanks a bunch!

Matt

[Tom Gallagher]

Hey Matt,

I see that You are a NEW Member!

WELCOME ABOARD!

I"M ALSO THE PROUD OWNER OF A '56 BUICK

True the '56 is a one year wonder and is quite singular. It is an expensive item but I think oldbuickparts.com is a bit over the top. They are certainly no on my list of vendors. the word "opportunist" comes to mind and I'm sure the words "rare parts" are part of their vocabulary. It REALLY annoys me when vendors/suppliers take undo advantage of people in the hobby.

There are several who sell kits and then there are vandor who will re-build your unit or one like it in exchange for your core. You are better off with a Mom & Pop place.

A list of Some Vendors/Suppliers

*Apple Hydraulics 800-882-7753
*Power Brake Systems 909-884-6980
DAPP Enterprises 717-266-5050
James Ragsdale 215-348-1964
Kanters 800-526-1096 www.kanters.com
One Old Car 540-837-1140 www.whitepost.com
Ed Strain 800-266-1623 727-521-1597
Carson's Antique Auto Parts (kit) 508-429-2269
Charlie Osborne 919-844-1792
Master Power Brakes 888-251-2353 www.mpbrakes.com
Vintage Parts House 215-348-1964
A-1 Clutch and Brake 888-885-2526 www.A-1CLUTCH.com
Power Brake Service 954-566-9248
A&D Auto Parts 440-237-9300 www.adantiqueautoparts.com
Coopers Vintage Auto Parts 818-567-4140
Vintage auto Parts 800-426-5911 www.vapinc.com

Those are vendors that I found listed in Hemming and the Buick Parts locating Guide.

Personally I haven't used any of these vendors, but If you come accross a GOOD one PLEASE let us Know. Positive Feedback is VERY IMPORTANT![I][U]

We will bookmark them for future reference.

I'm pretty sure you will be able to get yours rebuilt for half the price you were quoted. I wonder if the guy on the phone was wearing a Mask.

Please let us know how You make-out

Regards,

Tom Gallagher

[chromedragon]

Thanks Tom, I'll look into those places.

There is a rod shop in town who said they would set up a full power system including master cylinder, booster, proportioning valves, all new lines, etc. for $1,000cdn (~$800US). I personally would much rather go that route than buying a rebuilt one from oldbuickparts for well over half the price. If I was keeping the car this would be the plan, unfortunately I'm selling my baby to buy a house.

Here is a pic of my true first car (I don't count my crappy little Mazda 626, although it was a good runaround car). Bought her just before I turned 20 and have had her for over 6 years now.

[chromedragon]

Oh, but don't worry. I will be back for more Buick in the future. I'm buying a house with a shop in back and have big plans for a 1950 2 door in the future. Let's just say that it will look like nothing else ever built.