Adjusting Brakes on a 54

[54FordYBlockGuy]

OK, got the 12-volt conversion problem somewhat solved; now going to attempt to adjust, and bleed the brakes on this 54 Customline. No power brakes, manual. The pedal is as hard as a rock, with very little movement, but she stops.

Q. What type of fluid to you suggest

Q. Is the bleeding done similar to a Power Brake Bleed, pump, crack the bleeder, and repeat until no air, nice flow.

Q. Any other adjustments required?

Appreciate the replies.

JPL/OH

[GLAmes]

This has a lot of info not related to our fords, but plenty of information on brakes that is applicable. Brake fluid is on page 100.
https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.genosga...ection2021.pdf

[Daves55Sedan]

Assuming a previous owner did not convert your brake system to silicone fluid, you should use the OEM DOT3 hydraulic fluid.
But I'd find out for sure if I were you, because you cannot mix silicone (DOT 5) fluid with DOT 3 fluid.
Personally, I don't trust the one-man-pump and bleed procedure. There's enough time for air to rise in the system between the time you pump the pedal and get back down to open the bleeder screw. Use two guys (one at the pedal and another under the car).

[mercman from oz]

54FordYBlockGuy's 1954 Ford Customline Fordor Sedan

[54FordYBlockGuy]

Thanks for the information, and tips. I'll be putting all the wheels next week or so when I get back from Florida, and checking out the brakes. Possibly changing pads and turning drums; let's hope that's the extent of my brake repair. As for bleeding and not mixing two fluids; I'll be using the "two-man" approach, which always worked better for me; and possibly draining whatever fluid is in there now and putting in new, just so any mixing doesn't occur. Again thanks and I'll keep the group posted on the 54.

And thanks for inserting the Large Pic of the 54; as I noted before; past restoration, been sitting for some time, has a passenger "Black Eye", but GOOD BONES, should be a great 54 to cruise in.

[JeffB2]

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Originally Posted by 54FordYBlockGuy

OK, got the 12-volt conversion problem somewhat solved; now going to attempt to adjust, and bleed the brakes on this 54 Customline. No power brakes, manual. The pedal is as hard as a rock, with very little movement, but she stops.

Q. What type of fluid to you suggest

Q. Is the bleeding done similar to a Power Brake Bleed, pump, crack the bleeder, and repeat until no air, nice flow.

Q. Any other adjustments required?

Appreciate the replies.

JPL/OH

1952-54 Ford cars use the same brake shoes as 1967-71 Mustang V8 cars for about $60 you can convert your '54 to self adjusting brakes. POL also has shoes that are ceramic Kevlar that will reduce brake fade by about 25%. You can also upgrade to a dual master cylinder using the 1967-74 Mustang master cylinder for manual brakes for under $90

[Bob from Northport]

Who or what is the POL referred to above posting??

[JeffB2]

Originally Posted by Bob from Northport

Who or what is the POL referred to above posting??

https://www.performanceonline.com/br...-ford-mustang/ And https://www.performanceonline.com/br...-ford-mustang/

[Bob from Northport]

JeffB2- Do you know if those shoes you recommend will work/apply to a 54 mercury Monterey??? How about the spring kits???

[JeffB2]

Originally Posted by Bob from Northport

JeffB2- Do you know if those shoes you recommend will work/apply to a 54 mercury Monterey??? How about the spring kits???

These would be the rears https://www.performanceonline.com/br...66-ford-f-100/ These are the fronts https://www.performanceonline.com/br...-malibu-ss396/ Funny your Mercury uses Chevy part numbers.