Found out last night that I need more than a rebuild kit, but only for the master cylinder - the booster is going to be ok.. Problem is everywhere I've found so far will only do a booster/mc combo - and that's around $400.

Does anyone have a suggestion on where I can find just the master cylinder?

 

JUST N O T going to happen -- "treadlevacs" are R & R (Rebuild & Return)
only on planet Earth today.........

And $ 400 is "too good" a price -- that is a price from a "basement
wash & wearer" ......

This is N O T an item to go "shopping" for ---- quality and "zero defect"
rate is far more important.... on this!!!!!!!

 

Do you have a suggestion on where I should look for a quality rebuild? The prices I found were at Kanter (lifetime warranty) and Fusick.

 

I just had mine rebuilt by Karp's Power Brakes. He has been doing it for almost 25 years and I am very pleased. He sleeves the master cylinder. I called him and talked with him. He said he has never had one come back. With about $25 in freight each way I think my total was just a little over $500. I am sure there are other good places but I am very pleased. Here is the link:

http://karpspowerbrake.com/booster.html

Fusick and Kanter are just going to farm it out to somebody and I know Fusick is $399 plus the freight.

 

That last response is 100 % correct -- kanter and Fusick do not do them
in-house -- they farm them out -- and their primary focus is "price"....
(unfortunately, that is what the world wants today.....)

If "QUALITY" is you (and MY) way to go ---- Jeff @ Karp's does the finest
rebuilt in the universe.... with a ---- zero ---- defect rate....

He is in Upland, Calif. --

That is the way to go.....

 

Ed Strain In Pinellas Park Fl. Advertises in Hemmings.Very honest,good reviews. Larry

 

+1. Had this guy do 5 Tredle Vacs for me throughout the years and zero complaints here

 

Brakes are the most important thing on your car. Whoever you go with, shop for quality and not price.

 

Thanks guys - I'll try to get in touch with one of the places you mentioned. I don't want to cut corners on brakes - when I implied $400 was expensive, it's just an expense I wasn't really ready for. I thought a standard $70 master cylinder rebuild kit was all I'd need.

 

Welcome to the world of old cars. Now just pray you don't have to have the hydramatic transmission rebuilt. Let us know how you come out.

 

Transmission is already done - trustworthy highly recommended local shop took care of it. I was ready for it to be expensive...

Talked to Karps this afternoon - couldn't get in touch with Strain, but I'll try again tomorrow before I make the decision and ship it out.

 

White Post Restoration in Virginia did mine. Lifetime guarantee. They advertise in Hemmings.

 

You might give 2blu442( on this forum) a PM he has a 55 that he is parting out and may have something that will work or at least be a better core than what you have....Just a thought.....Tedd

 

Thanks for all of the help/suggestions! I am going to go with Karps. Just got off the phone with him again.

It seems the generally feeling was not great about Fusick... I have a list of parts/things to get rounded up, and he seems to have everything. Is there any reason I should look elsewhere? Is it just the importance of brake rebuilding that has everyone thinking "specialist"?

 

Not that there are not other good shops out there but I know you make a good choice.