Re: [Amc-list] Classic Brakes

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

Joe gives the best advice about the TSM! You really need one if you intend to keep that car long. I might have an extra at a resonable price -- drop me an e-mail if interested. 

The bore DEFINITELY affects braking! See the tech pages at www.mpbrakes.com. They sell a lot of brake systems for customs and rods. They have a power setup that will easily adapt to the Rambler, but you have to tell them it's in a custom car or hot rod. They "don't sell Rambler/AMC parts". That's what they will tell you if you tell them exactly what it's going in. When you tell them it's going in a custom there is the implication that you know you're modifying things and with that goes an implied risk on the customer's part. They will likely warn you that messing with the brakes should be done by a pro, etc., and you're on your own -- they are only responsible for replacing defective parts. It's a liability thing for them. A custom app isn't expected to precisely fit and work, something for a specific car is. 

Anyway, you need a 1" bore master cylinder. Drum brake MC from a late model Concord will bolt right up. The outlet sizes will be different and may be on the opposite side of the MC. It's easy to run a new line from the MC to the junction block. 

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Date: Fri, 24 Oct 2008 08:20:05 -0700 (PDT)
From: Joe Fulton <piper_pa20@xxxxxxxxxxx>

My advice is get a copy of the Technical Service Manual for your car.  It will have the wiring diagram and you should be able to troubleshoot your temperature gauge.  I had a 62 Classic wagon for awhile but scrapped it due to rust (my mistake, it could have been fixed).   1962 was the first year for the dual master cylinder.  I know that repair kits for that master cylinder were very hard to find (I looked.).

The previous owner may have put the wrong master cylinder with a different piston bore size in the car.  A different bore size will make a diffence in the required pedal pressure I think.  It's been argued about (excuse me, discussed) here on the list before.  Also check to see if the master cylinder rod is in the lowest attachment hole on the brake pedal arm.  That will produce more leverage and reduce your pedal pressure.  I'd recommend pulling the drums and having a look to see if the shoes and drums and clean and dry or if there's oil or brake fluid contamination.

-- 
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
(free download available!)

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