John_S_in_Penna Posted September 6, 2023 Share Posted September 6, 2023 (edited) I have a 1957 Cadillac Fleetwood, and I would like to to have a dual master cylinder for additional safety. What model(s) will work? Has anyone done this? Links to actual sources are especially helpful. I'm not a mechanic, but the restoration shop asks the question. If you have any tips regarding the conversion, feel free to comment too. Just for interest, here is a picture of the car: Edited September 6, 2023 by John_S_in_Penna (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mobileparts Posted September 6, 2023 Share Posted September 6, 2023 1957 Caddy uses a —- very unique —- one year, one car Master Cylinder —- 1957 Caddy —- ONLY —— You would have to get very inventive to create linkage etc…. to do something along those lines…. I think the famous line applies on this one : ” If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it…” 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_S_in_Penna Posted September 6, 2023 Author Share Posted September 6, 2023 3 hours ago, mobileparts said: ” If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it…” Thanks for the reply. I noticed the configuration was unusual. It is "broke." So this is a good time to put in a dual master cylinder if possible. If anyone has some more specific insights, please let me know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mobileparts Posted September 8, 2023 Share Posted September 8, 2023 If no one answers your request for alternatives —- and there is a high likelihood there won’t be —- I believe I still have a Master Cylinder kit or two for the 1957 Cadillac—- or I can help you with Stainless Steel Sleeve and Rebuild…. Craig….. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mobileparts Posted September 8, 2023 Share Posted September 8, 2023 I actually have three (3) Master Cylinder Kits for the 1957 Cadillac --- 1 year, 1 car only application.... The M85 Master Cylinder Kit is for the E25503 Master Cylinder exclusively.... a very tough item on Planet Earth..... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60s GM Fan Posted September 13, 2023 Share Posted September 13, 2023 The original master cylinder works well if its been rebuilt/serviced properly. My 57 had a nasty habit of pulling to the right and also I had to pump the brakes once before I gained any pressure. Turns out that the lines need to be bled in a specific pattern otherwise you'll run into issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee H Posted September 13, 2023 Share Posted September 13, 2023 (edited) If you didn’t mind replacing the Hydrovac unit, there should be a selection of dual MC’s to choose from with the right plunger diameter that will bolt up to this: https://www.caddydaddy.com/shop-parts/brake-items/disc-brake-conversion-kit-replacement-parts/1957-cadillac-power-brake-conversion-booster-master-cylinder-reproduction.html You don’t have to convert to discs to use this booster. You might even be able to use MCs with slightly larger bores due to the additional boost you allegedly get. Being the survivor of a failed single cylinder system (one of the lines, not the MC), I agree with your search for a suitable dual system upgrade. Edited September 13, 2023 by Lee H (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_S_in_Penna Posted September 14, 2023 Author Share Posted September 14, 2023 (edited) Here are 2 more pictures, since car fans always like to see car pictures. It's largely original--interior, chrome, trunk, engine compartment, paint on roof-- though the main color of the body is evidently a repaint. It's a #3 rust-free example originally sold in Oregon. Lee, thank you for the information and link above. It should be very helpful! Edited September 14, 2023 by John_S_in_Penna (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vintage1 Posted September 15, 2023 Share Posted September 15, 2023 Great looking car ! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cadillac Fan Posted September 18, 2023 Share Posted September 18, 2023 https://forums.cadillaclasalleclub.org/index.php?topic=171409.0 I have converted a 1960 to a dual master cylinder (from a 1966 drum brake car) in the process outlined in the link above. Not sure why it wouldn’t work for 1957. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_S_in_Penna Posted September 18, 2023 Author Share Posted September 18, 2023 On 9/13/2023 at 4:29 PM, Lee H said: https://www.caddydaddy.com/shop-parts/brake-items/disc-brake-conversion-kit-replacement-parts/1957-cadillac-power-brake-conversion-booster-master-cylinder-reproduction.html I don't claim to be a mechanic. With the above helpful reference, my local restorer looked into the system. The original 1957 master cylinder mounts unusually low on the car's frame; he said the above system would mount in the normal position, high on the firewall, and would give a noticeably incorrect and modern look. Is this right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee H Posted September 18, 2023 Share Posted September 18, 2023 (edited) Yes, but in my opinion, not a “stark” modern look. It depends on your audience. I’m sure the 50’s Cadillac cognoscenti would notice it immediately, but paint the booster black, and I might not notice except for the dual reservoir. I’d bet 99% of your average car show crowd would not suspect. That’s where most other manufacturers had their boosters. Edited September 18, 2023 by Lee H (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now