Hi all, been lurking in the shadows for some time. Finally joined! I recently got my first olds, it's a super 88 holiday long roof. Pretty much ready to enjoy, but I wanted to replace the entire breaking system. So I'm half way through and want a new master cylinder. THERE'S MY PROBLEM! Seems that no one on earth has them? I did find someone local to rebuild the entire thing for around $300. It's got power breaks, so the master cylinder and power booster seem to be one piece?

Would LOVE any suggestions or past stories so I do this right.

Thanks all for your help.

Kensey
Pennsylvania

 

Yep, my first post and I screwed it up. My 88 is a 1959, not 1950. Thanks!

 

Have you tried Fusick or Kanter. The cylinder unbolts from the booster...I thing there are 2 types...Bendix and Moraine....you have to be sure of what you have.

 

I have found several people that rebuild the Treadle Vac unit. Thanks for you help.

 

yeah, I had a hard time finding someone to rebuild the treadle vac system on my '58 88... cost me about $300 when I did. found rebuild kits for cheap, but WHO has the proper tools to do that?!
anyway make sure you clean out or replace lines and I recommend strongly, if you haven't done already, replacing the wheel cylinders (if you can find those...) and there is apparently a difference between front and back cylinders [maybe different on '59 models]. ... course maybe you know all this already....

 

Thanks for the thoughts. I'm going to have it rebuilt, I'd do it myself but I don't want to die if I do it wrong. Replaced every break component! Rear wheel cylinders are a dime a dozen, fronts were harder to find but I did.

 

Another option for the brake Master Cylinder is to convert over to a dual cylinder [ more modern Master Cylinder]. some advantages; less expensive and easier to find (can usually just get from local auto supply), and can adjust brake force from rear to front [however, May require a proportioning valve...] for supposed better stopping power or better braking control.
unless you are trying to keep car all original.