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By B-rad - 2 Weeks Ago
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Thinking about upgrading my Capri brake system. What disc conversion kits or parts do most people use for a 54?
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By KULTULZ - Last Week
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Is the car presently manual brakes or power brake (TREADLE-VAC)?
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By miker - Last Week
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Brad, good to see you’re still working on it.
Those Capri’s had the big 2x12” drums. They did ok on the Panamerica racers. If you can find decent linings and someone who can arc the shoes to the drums, you should be fine for almost all driving. Only problem might be towing in the mountains.
If I recall right, you’ve got the treadle vac mounted down low, and it’s tight down there. Just beware of “kits” that don’t really work well. I’ve been thru that on my buddy’s 56 Nomad. It did not work well on a treadle vac car. He didn’t buy the kit (only 1 company I know of) that has a special kit for treadle vac tri 5 scruby’s. Which are somewhat more common (smile).
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By B-rad - 9 days ago
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It is the treadle power brake. I was looking to upgrade the masyer cylinder to a 2 stage for safety same and was considering the disc upgrade.
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By KULTULZ - 9 days ago
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Well, here's the problem with a TREADLE-VAC car (FORD or scrub). The pedal linkages are completely different from a car using a diaphragm booster. The linkage has to be found from a manual brake car (LINC) to begin the changeover.
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By B-rad - Last Week
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Boy, that stinks. Everything about this car is a pain. I took nearly a year off from working on it, due to the heat here and overcoming these issues. It's overwhelming sometimes. But since it is apart it looks like I'm stuck with it.
So if I want to upgrade the master cylinder I have to find the brake pedal linkage from a manual brake 54 lincoln? I don't like the idea of losing all brakes if one line starts leaking.
Does anyone know where I might source a linkage?
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By miker - 8 days ago
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I went and looked at ABS since I’ve used them before. They come up with 9” booster, etc. Look close at the picture of the unit. It appears it might have a bell crank sort of device on the pedal rod, transferring the motion to the mast cylinder. That’s a good sign for a treadle vac replacement, as that linkage is part of the problem.
It’s been a while since I’ve looked at a Capri, but it seems the treadle vac was down low, a very busy area with the steering column and exhaust. But it might be worth a call to these guys. Ask questions. My recollection is that there’s not much room for a 9” booster, even up higher, before you hit the valve cover on the Lincoln engine. But ABS will probably be up front.
I’d still not be too concerned about disc up front. Like I said, they were really good brakes in their day. You will need to source good linings, and check that they fit the drums.
K, what’s your take on the picture of the booster?
https://abspowerbrake.com/products/lincoln-capri
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By B-rad - 8 days ago
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Looks good, pricey. I'd like to get one in a 7" booster tho. I saw a post on HAMB from a guy who put a 60-66 falcon dual mc and 7" booster an a 54. Had to do some mods on the linkage. Had pics and a pretty good explanation of how he did it. Under $200 for all including the linkage rod extension kit. His was a single mc but a dual isn't a whole lot more. Even eith the 7" it looked a little tight, could still access the valve cover. I'd share it here if I knew how.
Thanks for all the insight. I might have posted a screenshot of the forum post.
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By miker - 8 days ago
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Found it. That sure looked like the ticket to me. Good work on research.
I’ll be back down to Tucson next month. I can’t do the 100+ up there in the summer.
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By B-rad - 8 days ago
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I know. Last winter lasted about a month. 90s in Feb. My workshop has no ac, insulation. Can't handle that heat. It'd be good to see you again if you make your way back fown here, although Native wings is closed down.
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By KULTULZ - Last Week
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Read thru this post thread and you will see the problem(s) -
https://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=358849
CLICK HERE - Both LINC and MERC used the same basic system during this period.
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By KULTULZ - Last Week
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"K, what’s your take on the picture of the booster? https://abspowerbrake.com/prod...That one is correct. A 7in DUAL will not profuse ... ??? ... PROFUSE ??? ... produce (result) ... (3rd grade education) ... enough line pressure if going front disc for that heavy of a car (IMO). The mounting bracket design will allow the BOOSTER/MC to clear the exhaust manifold. As you say, the OEM drum brakes should be good on a stock LINC (IMO). Can someone post the URL of that H.A.M.B. post as I cannot get into it directly ... 
EDIT -
Here we go - https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/getting-rid-of-the-treadle-vac-on-a-budget.1285428/
He used a SINGLE RESERVOIR MC so he must have retained the drum brakes.
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By miker - Last Week
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https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/getting-rid-of-the-treadle-vac-on-a-budget.1285428/
Here you go.
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By KULTULZ - Last Week
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THANX MIKE!
If you read the H.A.M.B. thread closely, what the guy did was simply upgrade from TREADLE-VAC to a diaphragm booster.
The BOOSTER/MC combo included a SGL RESERVOIR MC (bore size not given) so he must have retained the OEM drum brakes. He did not split the hydraulic system which is commonly the reason for the upgrade. Why bother? Just have the TREADLE-VAC gone through.
While this combination may power the original drum system (no line pressure - MC volume documented),
... it is in no way going to properly power a DISC/DRUM SYSTEM of any style.
EDIT - Let me interject here meaning a brake overhaul using quality parts and not box-store off-shore junk) .
BRAKES and modifications have to be taken seriously. Most of these so-called 'BRAKE KIT MAKERS' are dangerous (IMO).
Case in point. This guy had previously modified the car for better braking, He let it sit. He then increased the power and the new power overcame the braking system (and yes, most of it was his fault) ...
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By B-rad - 7 days ago
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Video is quite "impactful".
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By KULTULZ - Last Week
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I have yet to find a FRONT DISC CONVERSION KIT for the 1954 CAPRI. It does have a unique spindle whereas the MERC style kit may not or will not bolt up or there is just so little demand that no one has offered a kit.
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By B-rad - Last Week
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I think for the time being I'll just keep the drums all around. I put all new shoes and wheel cylinders on. I'd like to put a dual res mc on still. So the new booster and mc is on my list. I thought about a 7" booster but it seems to not be adequate for this car. Just concerned about room to mount it.
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By KULTULZ - Last Week
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Just concerned about room to mount it.
Don't worry about it. There are ways to get around about anything.
When you get that far, get back and we will figure it out.
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By 55blacktie - Last Week
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Dave Gulley of DropNStop might be able to help you with a front disc conversion, including caliper mounting brackets. I don't know about your specific application, but it might be necessary to send your original spindles to him. It's also possible that he can provide spindles that can be used. Dave is located in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles. Here's his number: (818) 445-0431.
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By miker - 5 days ago
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You might look a 7” dual diaphragm unit. It might clear the manifold. I’m guessing the Falcon unit is a single, based on the weight of the car. Guess being the operative word.
If you go that route. There will be some brake line work, and more line work for a dual master. I know guys that make double flares in their sleep, but I’ve never been one of them.
I’m still confident that the 2”x12” front drums are fine for general driving. The treadle vac units usually have rebuild kits available if they’re not badly pitted. It’s hard to price a Capri, but most of them are around $400 for a professional rebuild. All said and done, that’s probably the best path forward.
Last question, did you replace the rubber hoses when you did the brakes? And did the lines flush out ok? Bad hoses or rusted lines are more trouble down the road, or worse, on the road.
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