In this episode of Classic Car Restoration, host Mark Lambert evaluates the brake system on our 1938 Packard, checking the hoses and master cylinder. He removes and rebuilds the master cylinder and then re-installs it. He also shows how to make new brake lines using a metal tubing bender. Lastly, he bleeds the brakes and makes the final adjustments. In this third segment of episode 405, Lambert installs the master cylinder and shows you a metal brake tubing demonstration.Note: This is a summary of steps included in the automotive restoration procedures shown in this episode of Classic Car Restoration. These are general guidelines for restoration procedures on this particular make and model of vehicle, and for the level of restoration selected for this project. There may be variations in procedures depending model, condition of vehicle, level of restoration undertaken and the types of replacement parts or upgrade kits selected. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with any replacement parts or kit that you select.
Materials used in this episode:Standard automotive tools (socket-wrenches, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, etc.) Regular drill with break honing bit Replacement break fluid Replacement master cylinder kit Tapered drift punch Tubing cutter Tubing flaring tool Tubing bender Brake spoon Master Cylinder Installation
- Fit the plunger rod right in to the boot (figure A).
- Insert your bolts.
For the hydraulic fitting, put the main washer through the banjo fitting (figure B) and position the other washer as it goes through (figure C).
Tighten the hydraulic fitting down just enough to crush the washers. Then, tighten the mounting bolts evenly to about 25 pounds of torque to secure the master cylinder.Attach feed wire (be careful, this could be hot), and the receiving wire goes back to the brake lights. Metal Break Tubing
If you need to replace your brake lines, you dont have to order them. You can save yourself a lot of money and go to your local auto parts store and buy brake lines for about $1 a foot (figure D). You can bend the metal, and flare it yourself.
- There are two inverted flare nuts, a big one and a smaller one. The small ones are the ones you will use on cars from the 1930s. Take the larger one off and replace it with the short one (figure E).
Using a tubing cutter, place the tube in the groove between the two rollers (figure F). Spin the tubing cutter around the tube and tighten as you go. You should have a good, clean break (figure G).
Before flaring the end, install the new short nut thread out (figure H).
Set your tubing flaring tool to a 1/4 inch and walk the tubing through with just a little showing (figure I). Clamp down so it can flare. Turn the flaring tool around and the cone is going to be driven down in to the end to flare.Use your bending tool to bend as much as needed (figure J).
RESOURCES :
Resources and Special Thanks for Classic Car Restoration 400 series
The Packard Club
Columbus, Ohio
(National & regional clubs, car shows & judging, magazine, resources, etc.)
The Cormorant magazine
The Packard Club
www.packardclub.org
Packards International Motor Car Club
(National owner's club, judging rules, magazine, newsletter and other resources)
Santa Ana, CA
Packardsinternational.com
Packards of Chicagoland
(Regional affiliate of The Packard Club)
Elmhurst, IL
Packards of Chicagoland
America's Packard Museum
Dayton, Ohio
www.americaspackardmuseum.org
The National Packard Museum
Warren, OH (the birthplace of the Packard)
www.warren.org
The Packard Motor Car Foundation
(Foundation for preserving the Packard marque)
Restoring the Packard Proving Grounds and other Packard activities.
www.packardmotorfdn.org
Motorbooks International
www.motorbooks.com
Automobile Inspections LLC
(Nationwide automobile appraisal & inspection services, including classic cars)
Hartford, CT
www.automobileinspections.com
Classic Auto Appraisals
(Evaluation of Classics, Street Rods, Antiques, Competition Cars, Exotics, Commercial Vehicles and Hand Crafted Vehicles).
www.autoappraisals.com
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