I do not have a dual master cylinder on my 56 Ford and really don't see the point of it,if my brakes fail I will just use the emergency brake that Ford put in there for that reason.I know a lot of the younger generation call them a parking brake but it is a emergency brake.Just my opinion.  Carl

I had researched a few years ago and found that a 67 Mustang dual master cylinder would fit my 56 Victoria and is sized properly for drum brakes. Was an easy swap.  Dave V

SE Wis

I have had 3 or 4 total brake failures the old cars I had when I first drove. It is NO FUN. I converted my Tbird to disk brakes and a dual master cylinder. A proper dual IS SAFE and you only lose the 2 wheels in that side of the system. You can add a proportioning valve to balance brake balance and a switch to show one side has failed but my experience has been you do have brakes. See this " How stuff works master cylinder and combination valve" article for a better explanation. Pete

I'm sure I've experienced brake failure back in the day, but it was always pulling out from a parking situation so was immediately aware of it.  I do remember driving home from high school with no brakes in a 1960 VW beetle very cautiously using the downshifting gears and the emergency brake.  Also remember once one of my Dad's junkers popped a leak in one of  the rear lines.  He snipped the line with a cutting pliers and bent it over on itself, then proceeded to clamp a vice grip on the line, fill the master cylinder, pump up the pressure and limp home.

That said, I don't intend to mess with my '55.  It's so very very stock.  And the single systems served well for all those years, so I really have no fear of it.

Hiya Carl! This Rowen, the shop manual guy. I understand you not wanting to change year master cylinder, I have seen the pics you sent me of that beauty! But you don't drive that car as a daily do you!! As a "show" car ALL original means just that and I appreciate it. But as I said, I will be driving mine literally daily, in traffic! The piece of mind, whether real or imagined is worth the minor changes from stock. However, I have been driving it fairly regularly on the weekends and she has been starting right up for me so the 12volt "upgrade" is no longer going to happen.

Rowen
55CV
Woodland, Ca

My ’66 Fairlane (with a single stage master cylinder) had a rear brake failure several years ago while the car was being backed up on a downhill grade.  When the brakes were applied, the rear wheel cylinder gave up and before the car could be stopped, it collided with another vehicle.  If that ‘66 had come with the very next year’s upgrade of a dual master cylinder, then there would have still been enough brake system remaining to have stopped the car in time.  I’m all for dual master cylinders but if retrofitting them to vehicles that did not originally come with them, then they need to be properly sized for those cars braking systems.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Thanks ted, im not going to change from original drums. I DO want to keep her as stock as possible. According to the videos I watched and a couple posts here, it seems the 67 mustang dual will work with both front and back without a portioning valve. You really know your stuff when it comes to these y block powers cars. Tell me sir, what is your opinion/suggestion? Both would be greatly valued. Thanks

Rowen
55CV
Woodland, Ca

Hi, Rowen. I can understand not wanting to change from 4 wheel drums. When my '60 Fairlane was my daily driver, I became rather fond of the way the drums felt and responded when everything was properly adjusted.

I'd suggest looking at a shop manual -like 1967 Full Size or Mustang, and see how Ford set in up. Then try to due about the same thing. It's basically my plan. -Dave.

  Yes Rowen you are right I don't drive my 56 as a daily driver just put 3.000 miles on it last year,just enough to change oil,bleed and adjust brakes before good weather gets here  Carl

3000 miles is not a few Carl. For a car that beautiful, to me, that is significant!! I saw the trophy you folks took home and I congratulate you!! You must love her a lot!! How long ago was she restored? Did you do the work yourself?

Rowen
55CV
Woodland, Ca