removing master cyl top

[Henry's HenryJs]

I tried from the bottom, even bent a wrench to try and get at it with no luck so I removed the carpet and covers and still no room to get any type of wrenching device on the square to get a pull to loosen it. Finally I took a chisel and hit the cap on the side of the square and loosening it, then fingers to unscrew it. The square was larger than the 3 spare plugs on the old M/C's that I have which is why the bent wrench did not fit.

I used the bent wrench and my fingers to get the modified top back on then the chisel to lock it in place. The reason I am doing this is I added a threaded hose nipple to the spare cap and a nylon tube to a fill bottle so I can fill the master.

Why did K/F not make the d*m opening about 1" larger, or put a hex instead of a square on the cap?

[Bobm90]

I have had the same problem with my 54 Manhattan, the top has been a little mangled by someone previously and I couldn't get a wrench on it. I ordered a basin wrench (used for under sink plumbing) and I think that will do the trick, my car went to the transmission shop before the wrench came, when it gets back I am going to try that, it looks like it may work.

[Fid]

I had to do the same thing on Edgar's Henry J.  Remove the "panels" around the brake/clutch pedals and chisel the cap off.  I put a thin layer of grease around the threads on the cap so it will not corrode.  Now I fill the cylinder by jacking it up and removing the driver side front wheel.  Then reach over the frame and remove the cap with my fingers and fill the cylinder with a syringe.  My '52 J has a remote filler/reservoir which is very nice!  My '53 J has a plastic cap on the master cylinder and again, I just put a thin layer of grease on the threads when I put it back on and I've never had a problem.  Yes, the design engineers should be flogged for this!

[Corsairdeluxe]

This was my solution. I JB welded the fitting and the cap and bled it after installation. It is a defensive action. If you fill it by pulling back the floor matt, it is only a matter of time before you tear the mat. The second shot is a remote reservoir that came in a KF kit.

[Henry's HenryJs]

Thanks for the info.

[MarkH]

This turned up recently on ebay. Looks period correct AND has a rubber diaphragm. Not cheap though.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/302111526322?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[r1lark]

That does look nice. Yes, not cheap but looks vintage and you don't have to repair/repaint the pieces or chase around for hose, hose nipples, etc.

[Henry's HenryJs]

I used a basin wrench and although a pain, much easier. thanks.

[Henry's HenryJs]

This turned up recently on ebay. Looks period correct AND has a rubber diaphragm. Not cheap though.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/302111526322?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Summit, Speedway sell the reservoir and hose for a lot less. I drilled and tapped a spare cap and added a fitting like the one for sale.

[MarkH]

This turned up recently on ebay. Looks period correct AND has a rubber diaphragm. Not cheap though.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/302111526322?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Summit, Speedway sell the reservoir and hose for a lot less. I drilled and tapped a spare cap and added a fitting like the one for sale.

The ones I found were vented directly to atmosphere.I did buy a Wilwood model & retro fit an aftermarket Dorman diaphragm/bellows to keep from fluid absorbing moisture. Haven't installed it yet......... and that ebay model sure looks good.......... but so darned expensive.

[Corsairdeluxe]

The reservoir is great...BUT the straight fitting added to the cap may not clear KF floor boards. Needs to be at a 90 Degree angle.

[h-e-n-r-y-j]

It won't fit. Been there, done that. I had to tap my original MC cap and braze a 90 degree fitting in place. Not pretty, but I never took that cap off after that.