54 Hornet power brake

JP
JP Expert Adviser
in HUDSON
My Hornet master cylinder (orig. power brake) is weak--suggestions for parts/fix?

Thanks

Comments

  • JP
    JP Expert Adviser
    I got help from Ken Cates--always a great source of knowledge about Stepdown Hudsons.
  • onerare39
    onerare39 Expert Adviser, Member
    JP,

    Give me a little better description of "weak". What's happening?

    John Forkner
  • 50C8DAN
    50C8DAN Senior Contributor
    If it is like mine there is little power to the power brakes.  My '50 C8 has more "power" in its brakes.  TPO had the tredle vac rebuilt but it really doesn't do much.  I will be pulling it come spring and put on a more modern booster and dual MC.  FWIW, when they installed PB, you no longer have the triple safe setup!

    You can have them rebuilt or buy the kit and do it yourself
  • RichardD
    RichardD Member
    Installation of a hydrovac keeps pedal emergency brake system intact.(on a '53 anyway)
    Type "PBR VH40" into eBay search.
  • 50C8DAN
    50C8DAN Senior Contributor
    '54 PB is completely different setup than prior stepdowns.  Unless you want to retrofit the earlier stepdown system it would not gain anything to go hydrovac on the '54.
  • onerare39
    onerare39 Expert Adviser, Member
    50C8DAN said:
    If it is like mine there is little power to the power brakes.  My '50 C8 has more "power" in its brakes.  TPO had the tredle vac rebuilt but it really doesn't do much.  I will be pulling it come spring and put on a more modern booster and dual MC.  FWIW, when they installed PB, you no longer have the triple safe setup!

    You can have them rebuilt or buy the kit and do it yourself

    Dan, JP,

    Did you replace the rubber hose that goes from the power brake unit to the distribution block.  That 63 year old rubber hose swells up and blocks brake fluid from passing through.  I will try to find the old thread on the subject.

    John Forkner

  • Lance
    Lance Member
    John, I have heard that even back when those were new Bendix had trouble with that setup. Don't know if thats true or not.
  • onerare39
    onerare39 Expert Adviser, Member
    edited February 2018
    Lance,

    I had my booster rebuilt by Karps Power Brake about ten years ago, and replaced the rubber hose to the distribution block.  I have had no issues with the function of my Bendix Treadle Vac, maybe I got a good one.

    John

    Here's a link to a previous discussion  

    https://openforum.hetclub.org/discussion/comment/198256/#Comment_198256
  • 50C8DAN
    50C8DAN Senior Contributor
    Hose has been replaced twice, no difference.  My guess is that the internals need to be gone through again.  

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