When I bought my Electra last year, I had to re-do most of the brake system. Being a '65, it still has the single reservoir master cylinder. I thought of changing to a dual reservoir master cyl at the time, but I figured with fresh parts in the system, I would be OK using the stock master cylinder. That thinking almost cost me big time this weekend. As I've stated before, my 14 year old brother races the electra in a series called "Teen Championship Racing". It's an IHRA class for 13-15 year old kids, where they race regular street cars in the 1/8 mile, that run 10.00@68 or slower. Yesterday, when we were making our final time shot before eliminations, my brother pulled the car up to the starting line, and I noticed that we started drifting ahead right thru the lights as he was trying to stage. He said "The brake pedal just went to the floor!". I told him to put the car in Park and let me drive. I got out, and looked under the car, and there was a big puddle of brake fluid on the ground. I don't think the track personnel was particularly thrilled with me since it held up timeshots for a few minutes while they cleaned the starting area. Using the e-brake, I pulled the car back into the pits and parked it. I couldn't tell exactly where the leak was coming from, but there was brake fluid all over the driver's side axle tube, muffler, tailpipe, and some was on the driver's side of the gas tank. I wasn't able to get under the car enough to locate exactly where the leak is coming from. My most likely suspect is the line that goes from the front distribution block, to the rear brake hose. That line, and the ones that go from the front distribution block to the front wheels are the only parts of the brake system that I did not replace, becuase they appeared to still be in good condition. All the other brake lines, hoses, master cyl and wheel cyls are brand new as of April '03. At this point, the electra won't be raced or driven again, until the brake problem is fixed, and a dual reservoir master cylinder is installed. I'm just thankful that this happened at the starting line, and not at top end going nearly 70 MPH with a 14 year old behind the wheel, or when I was driving in traffic!
Well, I guess that answers the which car to drive to Salem question... o No: Glad it happened in a safe spot (and not on the WAY to Salem!!!) And that your brother wasn't hurt!
My personal opinion, from a personal experience (almost rear ended a semi) and common sense, is that a pre-'67 car should be required to have this upgrade in order to be driven on a race track..........it might even make sense to go one step further and require a retrofit on all older cars in order to pass state inspection. Losing your brakes is a very serious issue.:shock:
I've lost brakes in two different 1st gen Rivs and didn't hesitate to install a dual master in my 64. Sometimes no matter how careful you are with the maintenance something bad happens to a line. I lost my brakes on the expressway at 65 mph. NO fun. I know Olds offered a retrofit kit and I think Buick did too. I've been looking for that part number. I agree that this should be considered a safety improvement like seat belts and strongly encouraged. Probably not a big deal if it is a trailer queen but if you drive it there is a reason that they became standard. Larry
5 years ago my wife lost the brakes on my 66 Cutlass conv which is a one owner car that my Dad bought new in 66. She had the skill to pull right and go thru an intersection and drive the car home on the emergency brake. Never drive a car on any regular basis without the dual system offered by most manufacturers. John
