66 Brakes?

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Tuco
Posts: 125
Joined: Thu Apr 04, 2019 6:39 pm
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Years Owned: 1966 Toronado
1951 Cadillac
1957 Pontiac
1965 Impala

66 Brakes?

Postby Tuco » Fri Aug 07, 2020 6:14 am

I’m sure this has been discussed on here before but I’m not finding much in the searches.

Has anyone gone to a dual master cylinder on a 66? I’m not talking about a disc conversion, just the mc swap.
I’m wondering if there is a noticeable difference. I understand the safety aspect but I want to know if there is any improvement of stopping power.

I just replaced the booster and master on my 66 and the brakes are just ok. I plan to bleed them again but don’t expect much improvement. Is it worth the time and expense to upgrade?

Thanks.

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Otto Skorzeny
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Years Owned: 1966 Toronado

Re: 66 Brakes?

Postby Otto Skorzeny » Fri Aug 07, 2020 8:20 am

Hi Tuco. The only difference will be safety (you'll only lose brakes on two wheels instead of four if you have a leaking wheel cylinder) and peace of mind. Stopping power and stopping distance aren't affected by a dual master cylinder.

Safety is the only reason dual master cylinders were adopted/mandated.

Tuco
Posts: 125
Joined: Thu Apr 04, 2019 6:39 pm
TOA Membership Number: 0
Years Owned: 1966 Toronado
1951 Cadillac
1957 Pontiac
1965 Impala

Re: 66 Brakes?

Postby Tuco » Fri Aug 07, 2020 11:07 am

Thanks Otto. I kinda figured that would be the case. Just wishful thinking.

Do you still have the single res on yours?

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Otto Skorzeny
Posts: 1721
Joined: Fri Feb 28, 2014 12:41 pm
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Years Owned: 1966 Toronado

Re: 66 Brakes?

Postby Otto Skorzeny » Fri Aug 07, 2020 12:40 pm

Not yet. When and if I have to replace the master cylinder, I'll consider making the switch then.

I'm not too worried about the single reservoir though. People like us who drive old cars pay a lot closer attention to everything under the hood, puddles in the driveway, etc. than your average driver. I think if trouble is brewing we'd notice it and fix it before it became dangerous.

My mom has been driving a 1964 Galaxie 500 since 1989 and it has a reservoir nearly identical to the Toro. She's never had a problem. My '56 Cadillac has a single reservoir and has been my primary vehicle for 19 years. I've never had trouble with it, either. I check the fluid all the time and pay close attention to any difference in braking.
I'm pretty confident that a sudden failure is unlikely.


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