When they are properly maintained, and in excellent condition, the brakes on these cars work just fine. That said, I would add that if you are use to driving a small four wheel disc brake ABS car that you should be mindful of the difference between driving a modern car and an voluminous antique. At the very least I would increase the distance between me and the car in front. Paul In a message dated 12/22/2003 9:46:37 PM Eastern Standard Time, Imperial59crown writes: > All of this talk about the poor brake system on the 57-59 Imperials has me >wondering if I should just upgrade the whole system to a later year >Imperial's. It would be nice to be able to check the brake fluid level on my >own, and knowing there is some redundancy in the system would also be more >reassuring. If I go this route, it would probably be best to do it now before >I rebuild the booster, but which year Imperial had a better dual master system >which would be compatible with my '59? I would of course save all of the >original parts as I have in the past in case anyone who gets the car after I >am dead and gone wants to put it back the way it was. My main focus > here is not originality, but rather safety. > > Bill '59 Crown