I hope everyone is doing well. To the best of my understanding it looks like the master cylinder on my Olds is either dead or needs a rebuild. I confirmed vacuum at the carb and right before the master cylinder. I also bleed the brakes and through another post confirmed that the brake shoes were around 50%. When I press on the brakes it feels like the anti brake lock system on cars when you make an emergency stop. The peddle goes all the way to the floor and barely holds onto the drums, enough that the Olds won't move but not drive-able.

I am curious on what everyone else has done for their brakes. I've been looking at 3 options.

1. Rebuild the master cylinder or purchase a rebuilt one. For example, one from http://www.fusickautomotiveproducts....?number=PBB560
or do a complete overhaul of the system with: https://www.kanter.com/productdetail...Router=Gallery

2. Put in a Power Brake Booster Master Cylinder. If I understand the system correct, I would get rid of my current MC and remove the airbox which I don't mind. This project appears the easiest but will it continue to use the vacuum line? This is what I found: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1957-Oldsmo...s/132759397256

3. Do a disk brake conversion and use a Hydra Boost, possibly from the Power Steering.

In all honesty I am looking at the option 2 and I am curious if anyone else has done a similar upgrade, and it will allow me to keep the current drum brake system. I can always purchase a rebuild kit but there a 10% chance that the issue isn't with the MC.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

First, do a complete inspection of the brake system. Enough fluid? rubber hoses OK? No kinks in the steel lines? Next, are the brakes adjusted correctly? Can you spin the wheel, and it only goes about 1 or 1 1/2 revolutions before it stops? You may just need adjustment on all 4 brakes. That will certainly bring the pedal up!
Next would be to pull the drums and inspect the brake shoes, springs, wheel cylinders, etc.
A power brake booster will just help lower pedal pressure. Doesn't fix problems.
Disc conversions are pretty popular, They will help you stop faster, and much better in wet conditions. You can do them with, or without a power booster.

 

I would not do the Fusick or Kanter. They are just getting these rebuilt by somebody else. I had the treadlevac on my 54 rebuilt be Karps Brake Service. I think he is the best in the business. He put a stainless sleeve in the master cylinder. It is very similar to your 57. It has been about 5-6 years and I have been very satisfied. I called and talked to them before I had them rebuild mine. They have been in business about 25 years and said he has never had a unit come back. Here is the link:
Welcome to Karps Brake Service (karpspb.com)

 

I would bet on adjusting the brake--shoes--pads first. It will move the pedal quite a bit. There are several other threads about brakes, and a few of them will detail how to adjust the star wheel on each brake cylinder. Do the easy, cheap thing first.

 

I suspect you meant brake shoes instead of pads since he has 4 wheel drum brakes.

 

Thanks Red, Yes of course! This is what happens when you try typing the same time you are watching football.

 

I will reach out to them, out of curiosity how much did that cost you?

 

Thanks everyone for the input. I will recheck all the lines and might even pull the mc and take a closer look. I'll adjust the shoes as well.

 

I have a 57 olds and karps rebuilt my treadle vac and it works beautifully. Like the other fella said make sure brakes are adjusted and make your shoes, return springs are new and working. Those conversions are not complete and you could be asking for a whole lot of trouble

 

You guys made a good point and I decided that I am going to take my time on the brakes. Its worth a try to make sure all the settings are correct and to properly bleed all 4 brakes before testing again. It'll take longer but might save me from rebuilding the treadle vac or buying a new one. I will keep everyone posted, thanks and Happy Thankgiving.

 

Brakes are the most important thing on a car. They are not something you want to take a chance with. They worked when new and can be made to work again.

 

I run the stock treadle -vac also and get by fine. The system is a out dated design and the average mechanic probably hasn't ever seen one so help is found in places like this. One of the concerns that I have with the treadle-vac is that it is a single reservoir system, should you lose a wheel cylinder or tear a brake line you loose all brakes so make sure everything is up to snuff and like new. The stop you didn't make can very well be your last stop ever..... Tedd

 

Just keep that emergency brake handy and you'll be ok

 

I wanted to give everyone an update and to say thank you. I bled all the brakes properly with the help of my girlfriend pushing the brake peddle. We bled them until nothing but clean brake fluid came through. After doing it on all the wheels I tested it out and was able to pull out of the garage and stop without issue, same with backing back up into the garage. Next week I will attempt to go down my very steep driveway, wish me luck. I'm glad I didn't purchase new equipment yet and was able to get them to work. Thank you everyone.

 

Glad to hear that, as long as everything is replaced and shoes adjusted they work pretty good

 

This is my 57 olds, great car

 

Looks awesome and practically brand new. Great work.

 

Thanks, I love driving her so much. 1 of the best designed oldsmobile of the ers