James Holland

Good evening from the UK. I’m pleased to report that the rebuild of the braking system has been successfully completed. However, we have been prevented from taking the Chrysler out for a test drive because of a new reluctance to start. The spark is very weak and an inspection of the ignition system shows a new distributor cap is urgently needed. New points and a rotor arm would be useful too. The distributor is a Remy 656D 8207. Can anybody point me in the right direction for obtaining spares, please?

I'm not going to have the drums skimmed as there's not a lot of metal there. I shall give them a good clean with some emery and see how we get on. Another question - how is the band contraction mechanism attached to the wheel cylinders? Are they pins which simply drive out?

Rear wheels successfully removed without problem. However, the brake linings are totally worn out and the wheel cylinders completely seized. I shall be taking the cylinders off to a specialist repairer tomorrow morning and the linings will be sent away to be renewed.

The puller I had made is a success and the first of the rear wheels has been drawn off. I wish I had known in time that I wouldn’t need a puller for the front wheels. Never mind, the car is now equipped with one. Thanks for the words of warning about dismantling the wheel cylinders. I hope to investigate the n/s rear on Monday.

I've just checked and mine is the same, unfortunately. My machinist has already made up the puller for the rear and will be dropping it off this morning. Two further questions: First. Presumably Chrysler later changed to a conventional master cylinder incorporating a one-way valve - what year would that have been? Second. I am deeply suspicious of the fact that the whole system depends on the plunger being a good fit so air and fluid can't be drawn in past it in either direction. How can I ensure that?

Thank you for all your replies. As I'm in the UK I'm unlikely to pick one up so my local machinist is making one for me.

Thank you very much for your replies and information. I have been trying to bleed the system correctly, However, I suspect the wheel cylinders are seized which is where my next problem lies - I can't get a wheel off! I have seen reference to a special puller which presumably isn't commercially available so guess I will need to make one.

I have recently acquired a 1926 Chrysler Imperial 80 - possibly the only one in the UK. I am in desperate need of help with the braking system and would like to speak to someone who knows how to get it to work. I have had the master cylinder rebuilt and some new lines made up but I cannot get any pedal pressure. I am also unable to remove any of the wheels and would like to obtain the correct puller to draw the wheel off. Any help will be greatly appreciated. James Holland 0044 7980 982367