need help on brakes

[Guest RobertoCarrillo]

I just drove my 53 roadmaster and i must say that power brakes back then is a big difference from now I feel that above 40 mph I will need like a mile or so to stop the car so I was wondering if changing the brake to some disc brakes would it be possible and if so what kind of brakes should it be.

[Pete Phillips]

It is a lot of trouble to convert these to disc brakes, but some have done it. If I were you, I would rebuild all of the wheel cylinders first. If the car has sat for a long time with old brake fluid, the wheel cylinders are probably not working well. Even when they work well, though, early 1950s Buick brakes are not the best, but these old cars should be driven gently, anyway. When I had a '53 Roadmaster, it was the same as you describe, but got a lot better after I rebuilt the wheel cylinders. You might want to replace the rubber brake hoses, too, if they are old--could be collapsed on the inside and not letting brake fluid get through.

Pete Phillips, BCA #7338

[53Bob]

Roberto, the power brakes on your Roadmaster use a vacuum booster to assist the operation. So, in addition to inspecting the cylinders and linings, I would check to make sure those components are present and working. If you dont already have a shop manual, there is typically one or more on ebay at a reasonable price. Is your car a two door or four door?

Congratulations on your purchase and welcome to the forum.

[Bhigdog]

Also make sure the brakes on all 4 wheels are adjusted correctly. The suggestion about getting a shop manual is an important one. You will enjoy your car a lot more if it is running correctly and for that a manual is a MUST..........Bob.

[KAD36]

Robert

Brakes definitely aren't the greatest. In addition to the good advice above, you can also check the wear pattern on the shoes and the diameter of the drums. Make sure you have good shoe contact and that the drums are within spec (which you would find in your manual). If the drums are cut down too far below spec, the shoe contact is minimized, plus they'll heat up and fade quicker.

Been there, fixed that.

Welcome to the forum!

[Guest RobertoCarrillo]

Thanks a lot seems like I have to learn to drive again and have to buy me some manual to start learning about this fabulous car I hope that I don't have to botter you all in a while.