Thinking about upgrading my Capri brake system. What disc conversion kits or parts do most people use for a 54?

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri

Is the car presently manual brakes or power brake (TREADLE-VAC)?

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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).

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

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.

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri

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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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?

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri

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

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

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.

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri

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.

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

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.

Brad
Sierra Vista Arizona
1954 Lincoln Capri