Dual Master Cylinder for 64

[Gregory H.]

I just joined the NCRS the other day. I wanted to say Hi to everyone.
I do have a question that I would like your opinion on. I am restoring a 1964 Roadster and would like to keep it original as possible.
Question: I want to keep the drum brakes, but the single master cylinder maybe a safety issue. Should I put the 67 Dual master cylinders on? I will keep the original parts. Thanks Greg

[Joe L.]

Re: Dual Master Cylinder for 64

I just joined the NCRS the other day. I wanted to say Hi to everyone.
I do have a question that I would like your opinion on. I am restoring a 1964 Roadster and would like to keep it original as possible.
Question: I want to keep the drum brakes, but the single master cylinder maybe a safety issue. Should I put the 67 Dual master cylinders on? I will keep the original parts. Thanks Greg

Greg-----


If you're trying to keep the car as original as possible, I would maintain the current master cylinder. There's no doubt that a dual master cylinder is a safer system than a single style. However, that does not mean that a single master cylinder is unsafe. Just make sure that the existing system is well maintained at all times.

[Duke W.]

Re: Dual Master Cylinder for 64

The cause of hydraulic system "failure" is almost always internal corrosion. This can be prevented for the long term by changing conventional DOT 3 or 4 brake fluid every couple of years or - starting with a fresh, clean, and dry system - using silicone fluid, which doesn't need to be changed as often to purge corrosion causing moisture.

So your car is 45 years old. Do you know what kind of brake system maintenance it has had since new?

If you're "restoring" the car, simply overhaul all the brake system components, flush/dry/inspect all the brake pipes, and buy new hoses.

You can either overhaul the wheel cylinders or buy new ones, which are inexpensive and not visible for judging purposes.

If you start with the system "as new" and do proper maintenance for the type of fluid used, the chances of "brake failure" are extremely low.

If you decide to use silicone fluid, search the archives for additional info.

Duke

[John H.]

Re: Dual Master Cylinder for 64

Should I put the 67 Dual master cylinders on? I will keep the original parts. Thanks Greg

Greg -

In the event you do decide to convert to a dual-reservoir system, you don't want ANY Corvette master cylinder. Drum brakes use residual pressure valves (RPV's) in the master cylinder outlets, behind the brass tube seats, and disc brakes don't. You'll need a '67 drum/drum master cylinder from a Nova, Camaro, or Chevelle.

[Bill M.]

Re: Dual Master Cylinder for 64

I buy and drive cars until they die. Every car I've driven for 10 years on the salted Michigan roads has had a steel brake line rust through from the outside. My dual master cylinder pick-up had both a front and rear line fail on the same day; I had no hydraulic brakes. Parking brake saved the day.

I think if you replace all the steel lines and rubber hoses and rebuild or replace the master and wheel cylinders you'll be fine. Make sure your hand brake works well.

I have a single master cylinder '59 and will keep the original cylinder when it is restored. Hand brake will work perfectly!