size of brakes & duel master cylinder


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By Bobby O 55 - 11 Years Ago
                   I have a 1955 Victoria. I was wondering on the size of the brake shoes. Are the fronts 11x2 and the rear 11x1-3/4. I'm also thinking about a duel master cylinder. What are some different options for that. Thank you.
By Lou - 11 Years Ago
Your car won't stop any faster with a duel master than with a stock master cyl. Drum brakes stop faster than disks because drums have more surface contacking the drum. If you want a little more stopping power go to station wagon 2 1/2 inches wide (1952 thru 1956) front drums and shoes; or for even more go to 52/56 3 inches wide Lincoln front drums and shoes.
By jrw429 - 11 Years Ago
A dual master cylinder won't stop you any faster, except when you have a brake failure. I was driving my 65 Mustang convertible, a bolt in the exhaust hanger backed out, the exhaust fell on the rubber brake line, burned through it, and the entire brake system failed. Next was a head-on crash at 45 into a stopped truck, and a trip to the emergency room.

With a dual master cylinder, I would have still had front brakes when the rear brake circuit failed.
By Ted - 11 Years Ago

By all means upgrade to a dual master cylinder if for no other reason than for safety.  I had a rear wheel cylinder failure on a ’66 Fairlane with a single stage master cylinder that could have been catastrophic if I had been going any faster at the time.
By charliemccraney - 11 Years Ago
There is more to it than simply adding a dual master cylinder.  It is a step toward a safer brake system but do not get a false sense of safety simply because you have added a dual master cylinder.  It may not be any safer than a single.  I speak from experience, not supposition.  My dual system currently in the truck is no safer and fortunately I found out in my driveway, rather than a busy intersection.

Always leave yourself plenty of room to slow down, and try to have a way out if something does go wrong - your own diligence is the best braking system in the world.

I don't know what the options are for a '55 but you want to stay with the same diameter piston that you have now.