Re: IML: Original Brakes

[RandalPark@xxxxxxx]

I may be totally unique, but my experience has been that any part I need I can get. I try to either get the part in new or rebuilt condition. If that is not possible, I have my part rebuilt. If that isn't possible, I purchase the best used one I can find and have it rebuilt. I have bought both new and rebuilt Master Cylinders. I have never gotten a bad one yet. I have had brake failure, due to other problems. So far, my brake failures have not lead to an accident, and I hope it never does. 

Driving an older car has taught me certain lessons that I carry into driving any car. The main thing I have learned is that the car is a machine that is going to wear out. No matter how well I maintain it, the machine MIGHT fail. Regardless, I am responsible for what I may do to someone else. Although there may be times when a mechanical failure during a panic situation may result in an unavoidable accident, I usually am preparing for that possibility long before it happens. 

With respect to my brake failures, I have stopped my car on occassion with the emergency brake. One time, this manner of stopping my '56 ruined part of the driveline, but at least the car stopped and the accident was avoided. I drive as if my car had no brakes, and always try to leave myself an out. It also helps to have a feel for how the car will react if you have to use the Emergency Brake. Unfortunately, on certain Imperials, using the Emergency Brake as such can damage other things, still it is better than having a crash. The good thing about these Imperials is that this brake will stop the car, and is effective even under total and complete failure of the service brakes. 

Paul W.

In an email dated 25/7/2005 6:11:56 pm GMT Daylight time, "Hugh & Therese" <hugtrees@xxxxxxxx> writes:

>Paul says:
>
>
>> If maintained correctly, the brakes that came with our Imperials are fully 
>> capable of doing the job. As with anything, driving habits must be 
>> adjusted to suit road conditions and the limitations of the vehicle.
>>
>> Paul W.
>
>Gosh, we beat this subject to death every few months. ?I agree with Paul as 
>far as his statement goes. ?Unfortunately it does not cover when it becomes 
>impossible to maintain your original brakes correctly. What then? ?Also, if 
>you are restoring a car with broken or missing parts, what then? ?I could 
>not get acceptable parts for my 58. ?Namely, the master cylinder. ?The 
>resulting accident when a newly installed replacement M/C failed trumps any 
>theory you care to mention.
>
>These cars are old. ?Getting good original parts for them is not easy. ?You 
>cannot fool around with vital components. ?If only an expert with a set of 
>tools can tell you have made changes to your brakes, you must make the 
>change if that is the best option under the circumstances.
>
>The avaialbilty of parts to allow you to maintain original specification 
>equipment has become increasingly difficult. ?All the M/Cs I acquired, and I 
>think I went through at least five were rebuilt. ?None was worth a damn. 
>Not one.
>
>Hugh
>
>
>
>
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