Chapter 3 _ 63 brake bleeding challenge

[Steve D.]

I didn't intend for this to becom a saga, and almost embaressed enough to discontinue the post. However, here is the latest report.
Harry and Tim suggested that I check the shoe adjustment to insure that there was no excess travel in the system. I checked the right front and adjusted it a bit to make sure it was slightly contacting. After this the pedal still went "close to the floor". At this point I measured the pedal height above the floor at the start position (fully released) and got six inches. I pressed the pedal with my foot as far as I could, and the measurement was three inches. At three inches from the floor the pedal is hard. I then removed the blank plug from the the brass block and reconnected the line to the rear wheels. I checked the shoe adjustment of the rear wheels and bled the right rear then the left rear. After bleeding, I pressed the pedal and it went to three inches from the floor. To recap, at this point lines are connected to all four wheels, the pedal travels one half of the distance to the floor and does not return without pulling it back up. This is different than the response I got when only the master or the master and left front were connected.

Perplexed in Plano.

[Harry S.]

Re: Chapter 3 _ 63 brake bleeding challenge

How are the wheel cylinder pins in the right front.

The non return of the pedal sounds like there is no return spring installed?

The lack of a spring happened more often than not in 63.

[Jim L.]

Re: Chapter 3 _ 63 brake bleeding challenge

The non return of the pedal sounds like there is no return spring installed?

The lack of a spring happened more often than not in 63.

Harry, can you explain this a little more fully? Are you talking about a manufacturing error or some kind of component failure? In nearly 40 years of ownership, my '63 has never exhibited this kind of problem, so I'm just not following your explanation.

Jim

[Harry S.]

Re: Chapter 3 _ 63 brake bleeding challenge

Jim, looking at the attached picture you will see at the top of the brake pedal by the cross shaft a large spring. This is to return the brake pedal to the up position. On many 63's this was not installed, why????

[Jim L.]

Re: Chapter 3 _ 63 brake bleeding challenge

OK, now I understand what you were describing. The only explanation is a manufacturing error, plain and simple.

Jim

[Steve D.]

Re: Chapter 3 _ 63 brake bleeding challenge

Harry

The pins in each of the wheel cylinders are all seated properly at both ends.

There is a return spring installed in the pedal hanger assembly.

I think I'll give this puzzle a rest for a while. I have a few more items (rear bumpers, door glass assemblies and windshield) to complete, and will come back to the brakes.

Thanks to all for the replies, and I'll let you guys know if I have a Eureka! moment.

Steve

[John H.]

Re: Chapter 3 _ 63 brake bleeding challenge

Jim, looking at the attached picture you will see at the top of the brake pedal by the cross shaft a large spring. This is to return the brake pedal to the up position. On many 63's this was not installed, why????

Harry -

That return spring wasn't used on power brake cars - the pedal return function was performed by the booster, so the spring was omitted with J50.

[Harry S.]

Re: Chapter 3 _ 63 brake bleeding challenge

John, thanks. I knew that. I just could not remember that I knew that! Must be that last birthday. Anyway, I put one in my P/B car as occasionally the brake lights would stay on. An instant fix.

[Jim L.]

Re: Chapter 3 _ 63 brake bleeding challenge

Harry -

That return spring wasn't used on power brake cars - the pedal return function was performed by the booster, so the spring was omitted with J50.

Is my face ever red tonight.

My '63 roadster, uh, ok, ...convertible..., with PB, PS, PG, and PW has been in the family for 38 years. Until today I had never noticed there was no return spring. I still wouldn't have known this except for this discussion which prompted me to stick my camera under the dash and take a few pictures. Sure enough, no spring.

The things you learn.....

Thanks, John.

Jim

[Gerald C.]

Re: Chapter 3 _ 63 brake bleeding challenge

Harry,

I'm converting my 63 to a PB car. Are you saying here that I should leave the brake pedal spring in or take it out?

Jerry

[Jimmy G.]

Re: Chapter 3 _ 63 brake bleeding challenge

Check the rubber hoses They may be bad

[Harry S.]

Re: Chapter 3 _ 63 brake bleeding challenge

Harry,

I'm converting my 63 to a PB car. Are you saying here that I should leave the brake pedal spring in or take it out?

Jerry

It's your choice.

[Joe R.]

Re: Chapter 3 _ 63 brake bleeding challenge

Have you guys noticed that thread was from August 2009?

Or is it just my Computer???

And yes, Jerry leave the spring in! Gives a more positive return on the pedal and it won't hurt a thing leaving it in!

JR

[Gerald C.]

Re: Chapter 3 _ 63 brake bleeding challenge

Thanks for the feedback on my spring question...

[Frank D.]

Re: Chapter 3 _ 63 brake bleeding challenge

I converted my 63 to power brakes with an original booster and I left the spring in....a smart judge will recognize its a conversion by the presence of the spring though... An add'l giveaway is if the car's owner didn't use the PB "hard line" to the master cylinder and bent up the manual brake line to fit instead...

If you care about such things...