[FC] E- brake plus master cylinders

[Andrew Sego]

Paul,

I heave read that the dual MC conversion is better than stock, although it still leaves something to be desired.  I have a brake line failure in the not so recent past on a 61 coupe so I do realize that a properly functioning e-brake is very important.  I try to be vigilant about the braking system.  Last summer I rebuilt the original Delco master cylinder, replaced all the wheel cylinders, the front drums, shoes, hardware, lines, and hoses on this van.  I've known that the E brake has needed attention since then.  I tried to adjust it after getting some miles on it all, and still can't get adjustment.  at the rear of the front cable.  Seems like a good time to do it now since the accelerator cable is broken.

I do have a question about master cylinders.  The pedal in my van is high and hard, not spongy at all. However I have noticed that the pedal comes up a little bit further if I press the brake, release, then press it again.  Still not spongy, just a bit higher.  Seems like I remember that this in normal, but seeing how my e-brake isn't functional, paranoia has set in. Why does it do this and is it indeed normal?   

ps The MC was only lightly honed and cleaned as it (amazingly) had no pitting.

Thanks
-Andrew


________________________________
 From: Paul Steinberg <noahsarkinc at earthlink.net>
To: RoboMan91324 at aol.com; corvanatics at corvair.org; virtualvairs at corvair.org; wern3 at juno.com; andrew_sego at yahoo.com 
Sent: Friday, January 13, 2012 5:55 PM
Subject: Re: [FC] E- brake
 
If you have ever had a brake line failure with a dual master cylinder, you will realize that the dual cylinder doesn't give you that much more ability to stop.  It is minimal at best.  The best thing to do, is to properly maintain the braking system, as has been said.
Paul in CT