1953 skylark brakes

[Guest doncastor]

Have tried everything to get the brakes to work. seems it get too little vacuum. Does anybody know what to do?

[RocketDude]

It would help to have more information. I assume you have power brakes, since you mention a possible vacuum problem. If your booster is defective, the brakes should still work, just require extreme effort on the pedal.

Have you done a complete mechanical inspection of the system? If the hydraulice and mechanical system is in good condidtion, and it stops with lots of pedal pressure, then you probably do have a booster problem.

Time to find someone to rebuild your booster. Try Hemmings, or some one here will surely come up with an address for you.

[Guest doncastor]

Thanks a lot for your interest. There is brakes, yes the pedal is hard, and yes itwas all rebuilt (got it back and did not work at all) I was wondering if there is a trick to improve the brakes on this car. would any later parts fit? This is a 53 skylark, and I am sure I have the original brakes. Castor

[RocketDude]

There is no reason those brakes won't work well, if the system is in good shape. I would still be suspicious of the power unit, even if you had it rebuilt. Rebuilt things don't always work. As I said before, if the hydraulic system is in good operationg condition, and the mechanical parts are all working properly, it has to be in the power unit.

They will certainly never be as good as modern brakes, but they should be more than adaquate to safely stop your car, as they have done for millions of people for over 50 years. You just need to get to the bottom of the problem, and fix it correctly.

I would be having a conversation with the guy that rebuilt the booster. If he's local, take him the car, or the booster back. If not, call him and ask him about it.

ABS power brake in Orange California, (714) 771-6549, has a great reputation, especially on classic cars. I have done business with them for years and they know their stuff.

Just for fun, I called them for you. I talked to Eddie and he agreed with me that it has to be the booster, if all else is operating correctly.

He said they would rebuild your booster and master cyl, for $350.00, or....

The have a conversation kit to convert it to a dual master cylinder for $450.00. That includes the booster, dual master cylinder, and all information for the conversation. He said that would greatly improve the brakes over a stock system.

A little pricey, but how much is your family worth.

I have also heard of conversation kits to convert to disc brakes. Some one here will no doubt have that information. I would guess a whole lot more expensive.

Good luck. Let us know.....

[Guest doncastor]

It is most certanly the booster. I will try figure it out one last time, and if no luck I will replace with some thing more modern. i will report back. Thanks.: Don Castor