I think I'm going to replace the original treadle valve power brake booster for something that's safer. I don't know what to look for. I want it to be able to have two separate lines coming out of it. Actually it might be three,two front and one rear. I don't know what would bolt in easily and eventually I may want to change the front drums to disk. I changed the shoes out for new ones now I can't even push the car. There is something dragging. I'm thinking the shoe lining may be thicker than the original ones when new. The adjusters are all the way in and the wheel cylinders are new.
I also want to know the best way to clean out the brake lines since they've been sitting so long.

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri

If there’s any sign of corrosion in the brake lines they probably need to be replaced. All the hoses certainly need to be replaced. Having lost brakes on a couple occasions (with no damage thankfully) I can tell you it’s about the worst feeling in the world.

Here’s a link to another Lincoln replacing the treadle vac. Might be of some interest. You’ll need to check yours under the dash, some of those used very weird bellcranks and offset brackets compared to what we’re used to.

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/1954-lincoln-brake-swap-question.1271208/

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

Sounds complicated. What about putting a two chamber mc to the treadle for dual system? If I decide to put front discs on, what does that do to what I'm looking to do? Does the mc have to be specific to the type of brakes on the car?

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri

Here’s another link on rebuilding a TV. Interesting reading if nothing else, and more references.

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/need-help-with-treadle-vac-fix.1273329/

They were good, but complicated units. I removed one on a buddy’s car, but it was a 56 scrubby, and buying a kit for it was just a click on a site. Your Lincoln is a bit more difficult from a support standpoint. But I don’t think adapting a dual master is going to be the answer.

Dual master come as drum/drum ,disc/drum, and disc/disc. Generally, that’s what you’d use. It’s probably worth a call to Jamco about the kit in the first link. It’s also worth a search to see if they’re shipping things on time.

You’ve got a lot of new brake parts in already. Might be a better idea to just get them working (another subject) and think about an upgrade later. Those Lincoln’s were pretty good brakes in their day. Likely fine for the traffic you’ll be in from your location. It’s not like you’re commuting in LA traffic.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

I was trying to get the two line system for safety sake. Was thinking about the f disc cuz I'm still having issues getting the front wheels to turn with the new shoes on. Drum is okay until it's an inch or two from being in place, it will push on with some extra force but then it's tight so it won't turn without a lot of force. Um thinking about maybe sanding some lining off them unless I can find another issue. All the adjusters are all the way in. I had pulled the car out of the garage the other day so I could back my trailer into the garage to unload the engine. On level ground I couldn't budge it myself which isn't right. I just removed the shoes so it was moveable.

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri

With the front drums on have you tried hitting the backing plates with a heavy hammer several times, sometimes this helps to line everything up.

I just read where the wheel cylinder pins might not be all the way in. With the springs inside them, how does one get the pins to stay all the way in? Plus, the tops of the shoes are touching the cam on the top. So it shouldn't matter cuz the springs to shoes should pull them in. Right? It sounds like the shoes were designed for drums that are on their last legs, oversized linings. I may just hit them with sandpaper to get the clearance needed

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri