54 Hollywood Hornet Hudson brake renewal - kits and advice

andrewstone

Hello all! I'm back in the HET after a 40 year hiatus, and although I've had my 1954 Hollywood Hornet Hudson since 1980 - it was only 26 years old then and was already a classic! 

I got the engine running well, and I noticed the brakes felt very spongy.

So, I tried bleeding the lines and it got worse.

So, I thought, maybe a 72 year old brake system needs an overhaul (heck I'm 70 and need an overhaul) and I went looking for a rebuild kit. Kanter said they had one, I bought it, and then was told it was out of stock.

My first question is "who was the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the '54 Hudson brake system"? If it's one of the big companies, I'd be able to find the replacement parts much easier. 

My second question is where can I order the parts?

My third question is should I just start with the master or just go for broke and do them all, including new shoes?

I'd love advice from folks who have rebuilt their master and slave cylinders, and any tips and tricks!

Andrew in Sunny Albuquerque