Brakes: Checking brake fluid level - What's your method?

[northern]

Since the Studebaker engineers likely have long ago passed away, it's not possible to ask them what they were thinking when they placed the master cylinder under the floorboards. But what were they thinking?

Anyway, did Studebaker make a special tool to unscrew the master cylinder cap from above? Lacking such a tool, one has to lie on the floor/ground and slide a 1" wrench into that narrow spot in order to loosen or tighten the cap. A 12 point socket won't work well because of the rounded corners on the plug.

I have thought about taking a piece of 1" square tubing and welding a handle on top of it, to make a T. That way, it would be possible to loosen and tighten the plug from above.

Has anyone here come up with a good method of handling this?

As a related question, should the carpet have a hole cut at that spot? Or was it always necessary to peel back the carpet to check the brake fluid level?

[41 Frank]

Depending on what model Studebaker you have some have a removable rubber access cover visible above carpet and some need to have carpeting moved for access to a metal cover, you should not have to check fluid from under car.

[northern]

I'll try to clarify this. This is a '54 Commander Starliner. It does not have a cut out in the carpet, making it necessary to peel the carpet back to check the brake fluid level. It does have a rubber cover held in place with two screws under the carpet. One checks the level and adds fluid from inside the passenger compartment. But a 1" wrench won't get enough grip on the plug, unless one slides the wrench between the floorboards and the master cylinder, working from underneath the car. I need to find a better way to do this.

[Dick Steinkamp]

The advantages of the underfloor master cylinder are...

1. The brake pedal can pivot off the frame which makes for VERY positive brake action and pedal "feel". No lost motion. No chance for anything to flex like with those mounted off the firewall.
2. It's a simple system. Fewer parts than the alternative. Cheaper to make and install.
3. It keeps the engine compartment "clean" of the master cylinder and brake lines (if under hood looks are important)

Originally, there was a hole in the carpet and a plug to access the MC.

I had carpet over mine like in yours. I found it pretty easy to access the MC from underneath. I used a finger to insure the fluid was to the proper level. I ran silicone fluid, but ran a pint or so through it every couple of years. I used a syringe to fill the MC.

You could also use the firewall mounted fluid reservoir used in the later Hawks. Shown here behind the right valve cover...

[Tom Bredehoft]

I use a vice grip from on top. Its not the best, but it works. Yeah, second sight is good, we all could engineer a better way check the fluid.

[ndynis]

I learn something every day from the forum. I like the firewall mounted fluid reservoir Dick referred to. I don't remember seeing those advertised anywhere. Does anyone know where a guy might get one or two of those?
Thanks!
Nick

[Dick Steinkamp]

I learn something every day from the forum. I like the firewall mounted fluid reservoir Dick referred to. I don't remember seeing those advertised anywhere. Does anyone know where a guy might get one or two of those?
Thanks!
Nick

They were standard equipment on 63 and 64 Hawks.

Plenty of them on the aftermarket. I can Google it for you.

[ndynis]

They were standard equipment on 63 and 64 Hawks.

Plenty of them on the aftermarket. I can Google it for you.

Okay, I have seen it all now. Dick just sent me a link that when you click on it the thing goes to Google search, fills in the search description, and then brings up the results. All I can say is WOW!

[52hawk]

Just want to mention,at one time it was common on most cars to have the 'through the floor pedals'...not just Studebakers.

[northern]

Hmmm, that remote reservoir idea sounds interesting. One way to do that might be to remove the filler cap, drill a hole through it, tap the hole, screw in a 90 degree brass fitting (one end threaded, the other end barbed), and run a hose up to a reservoir on the firewall. Especially if one used a transparent container, it would be possible to easily monitor the fluid level. To ensure fluid flow and to avoid air pockets, it might be important to ensure that there are no low points or dips in the line; not sure if that would be easy to do for the horizontal section of line under the floor. Or maybe, once the air is purged out of the line, that would not matter? What am I missing here?

[Dwain G.]

During the 1960 model year Studebaker did begin putting the rubber cover on top of the carpet. The covers were available in several colors to match the carpet.
There is, or was, a special socket for the square lugs. I'll try to find the number.
On your '54 you could cut the carpet out and place the (steel reinforced) rubber cover on top.
I'd prefer the remote reservoir located on the firewall or inner fender. Makes it easy to check frequently.

[pbrown]

That may be the prettiest Hawk Engine compartment I've ever seen!

[Hawklover]

Speaking of masters...............what would be a good paint to dress up a new master before the cast iron turns to rust?

[Dick Steinkamp]

That may be the prettiest Hawk Engine compartment I've ever seen!

Thanks! Here's the whole car...

http://s149.photobucket.com/user/dds...?sort=3&page=1

[kxet]

Most all of GM,Ford and mopar MCs were under the floor til the mid 50s Nothing strange,just the way it was.