54 Hollywood Hornet Hudson brake renewal - kits and advice

andrewstone

Hello all! I'm back in the HET after a 40 year hiatus, and although I've had my 1954 Hollywood Hornet Hudson since 1980 - it was only 26 years old then and was already a classic! 

I got the engine running well, and I noticed the brakes felt very spongy.

So, I tried bleeding the lines and it got worse.

So, I thought, maybe a 72 year old brake system needs an overhaul (heck I'm 70 and need an overhaul) and I went looking for a rebuild kit. Kanter said they had one, I bought it, and then was told it was out of stock.

My first question is "who was the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the '54 Hudson brake system"? If it's one of the big companies, I'd be able to find the replacement parts much easier. 

My second question is where can I order the parts?

My third question is should I just start with the master or just go for broke and do them all, including new shoes?

I'd love advice from folks who have rebuilt their master and slave cylinders, and any tips and tricks!

Andrew in Sunny Albuquerque

Glowplug

My answer to your questions:

Has the vehicle been inoperative for a long time? If so, the brakes have suffered moisture condensation in the cylinders. This alone will make the brake system unsafe. For the remainder of this post, I assume the worst: the car sat unused for a while.

The brake lines in the car are 72 years old. They have corrosion in them. Replace all of them. You can buy premade lines, buy brake line material and make your own replacements, or purchase premade "sticks" of brake line and piece them together.

Brake cylinders: again, they are suffering from corrosion. Best answer: replace them all. Next best, rebuild them with available kits.

Master cylinder: same as the brake cylinders.

If the system is a TREDLE VAC variant, the process includes rebuilding this system too. I attempted one Treadlevac rebuild. Should have sent it to a rebuilder first. My recommendation: let the experts do that job.

Parts sources: You mentioned Kanter; they have the pieces.

If you want to find the parts yourself, my website has most, if not all, of the information you need to locate and contact vendors who will sell you the desired parts.

https://www.hudsonrestoration1948-54.com/ Check the Vendor lists, PARTS LISTINGS, and BRAKES links on the left side of the first page of the website.

54coupe

The brakes are Bendix. Your local Napa dealer should be able to get all of the cylinders and rubber lines. I would have the shoes re-lined. In my opinion, the lining material on off-the-shelf shoes is too hard. I'm certain you can find someone in town to re-line yours.