Has anybody installed a remote master cylinder reservoir on a 55 Oldsmobile with power brakes? It is so difficult to get down to the fill tube and very easy to overfill it so that brake fluid runs out over everything, which aint't good! I'd thought about using an original dipstick, boring and tapping it to receive a fitting that could be hosed to the reservoir. My main concern is this: Would the original reservoir being over-filled all the time create a problem?

 

Sounds like you are filling it from the inside floor well area or underneath the car. If so you are doing it the hard way. You should be able to reach the dipstick from the top down by the steering shaft. To fill it I use a plastic squeeze bottle with about 24 inches of clear tubing stuck on the nozzle to reach and fill the reservoir. No mess and quick.... Tedd

 

You should not have to add fluid very often. I just use a transmission funnel on my 54 and always use a fender cover.

 

I'm using the dipstick tube on the master cylinder reservoir to add fluid. With it being below the steering column and wires and such all around it, it's difficult to get to without spilling or overfilling the reservoir. My question was, what do you think of a remote reservoir utilizing the original treadle-vac assembly and connecting a hose from the remote reservoir to the original dipstick tube? I'm having trouble with my brakes and need to bleed the system completely with new fluid. In order to do that I can't let the fluid run low in the master cylinder which means that I'm constantly having to add fluid while bleeding. BTW, I'm using the self-bleeder screws in all 4 wheel cylinders with a tube connected to the cylinder and going into a vessel with fluid covering the end of the hose.
I'm still having trouble with brakes trying to lock up after driving 20 to 30 miles. The last time I drove it, I disconnected the vacuum line at the check valve just past the carb base and plugged it. The brakes did not lock up during that trial. Of course, the pedal was hard with no vacuum (registering 18 -20 on a vacuum gauge). That leads me to believe that I have a booster problem.

 

I think we all fill the master cylinder through the master dipstick opening. When the method as described above is used it is about as easy as any other method.

Now I can see your concern about keeping the master topped off because it doesn't hold a lot of fluid but with a little attention you should be able to keep up with it may take two people one doing the filling the other the bleeding..... Tedd

 

You guys have it easy! If you have factory AC in the 55's and 56's, you can't get at the master cylinder from above because all the AC stuff is in the way. I have to take off the wheel and an access panel in the wheel well to get at the master cylinder.

As mentioned above by Tedd and Glenn, I also go through the dipstick opening to top it off. Thankfully, not very often.

 

Frank somehow I don't feel sorry for you with your AC and all. Wish I had your problems.. Just envious.... Tedd