When my grandfather passed a few years ago I inherited his fully restored 1950 ford (CAR). It has been stored in my grandmothers barn for the past 4 years, I hate to to say it but it has not been started since then. The time to bring it home to my own garage is coming closer and I went to peak at it the other day and relized there is no brakes. I would like to check the brake fluid and I know that the master cylinder is under the floorboard. I just have to unscrew a plate under the carpet to get at it right? Im thinking it either has no brake fluid or possibly the master cylinder and wheel cylinders have set up. When you push the pedal down it takes a little bit of time for it to come back to position. ANyone have any insight? Also, how might I go about starting this when it comes time. I was thinking id drain the old gas out of it, put in some new and maybe spray some starting fluid down the carb. Any suggestions or help is greatly appreciated. Thanks all.

 

Yep, the master cyl. is sticking-AT LEAST. You'll probably end up replacing it as well as all wheel cylinders. Good time to consider a dual setup (much safer). I would be wary of all the old brake parts including lines. As for starting, clean the points, check the carb, replace the gas, and have a fire extinguisher handy. Also look for wires that may have been chewed by mice.

 

You are probably right about the wheel cylinders. They have probably seized due to corrosion in the brake system which is common for vehicles that sit for that long. Drain the gas, radiator, and oil and put in new fluids before trying to start it. I'd also check the points to be sure they are opening and closing.

 

1-The 6 Volt Battery is: GROUP 2L The battery is POSITIVE GROUND

8-AL-7 .. Spark Plugs

1-C9AZ-12171-B .. Points (Motorcraft DP-3)

1-FAA-12200-A .. Rotor (Motorcraft DR-1)

7RA-12300-C .. Condenser (Motorcraft DC-6)

1-7HA-12106 .. Distributor Cap (Motorcraft DH-4)

1-A9A-2140-A .. Master Cylinder

1-A9A-2004-A .. Master Cylinder Repair Kit

1-1A-2162-A .. Gasket, Master Cylinder Cap

2-C3AZ-2128-A .. Rear Wheel Cylinder Kit 7/8"

2-D8UZ-2221-A .. Front Wheel Cylinder Kit 1 1/8"