<VV> Can It Really Be That Simple

[Jeffrey B. Aronson]

An island neighbor just bought her first classic car, a '63 Monza 
convertible PG, 53,000 miles, power top, new red interior, door guards, 
AM pushbutton radio, dealer installed emergency brake light - the works!

Of course, as a car that basically sat for years, the new fan belt 
slipped off within the first two days of driving and I got the "help!" 
call. My reward was a 10 mile round the island drive of the car, top 
down. It drove quite well, although I heard more clatter than I expected 
[perhaps more sitting too long issues] and less power than I expected [I 
have a '66 110/4 speed].

The only concern was the braking system. Pressing the pedal slowed the 
car, but if you held your foot on it, the pedal would slowly sink 
towards the floor. After the drive, there was no fluid loss in the 
cylinder, and the brakes never grabbed to one side, so I'm assuming 
there's an internal leak in the master cylinder.

Does this make sense? Any other possibilities?

If it is the master cylinder, replacing it looks like a cinch - two nuts 
hold it to the firewall and the brake line screws into the side near the 
bottom. Is it really that easy to replace? What's the best way to bench 
bleed it?

Thanks,

Jeff Aronson
Vinalhaven, ME 04863

'66 Monza Coupe 110/4 speed
'66 Land Rover Series II-A 88" [2]
'80 Triumph TR-7