Kaiser Frazer Owners Club Forum

General Category => Kaiser Forum => Topic started by: StillOutThere on May 07, 2015, 07:42:35 PM

Title: Front wheel cylinders - 51 K
Post by: StillOutThere on May 07, 2015, 07:42:35 PM
Upon opening up front brakes of my '51 Deluxe, I found two different wheel cylinders - one straight bore and one stepped-bore.  I don't know which is correct.   First can you tell me that? 

I should purchase a pair of new cylinders.   
Anyone have parts house numbers I can walk into NAPA or OReilly or Car Quest and ask them for?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Front wheel cylinders - 51 K
Post by: joefrazer on May 07, 2015, 08:00:58 PM
On all full size Kaisers, the fronts use a step bore cylinder and the rears are one size.

The fronts are 1 1/8 x 1 inch and the rears are one inch straight thru.

You can buy all four cylinders here -> http://kfparts.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=34_52
Title: Re: Front wheel cylinders - 51 K
Post by: rialto on May 07, 2015, 10:39:33 PM
The 51-55 Kaiser master cylinder interchanges with 49-51 Ford. I think the wheel cylinders only fit full size KF and Darrin. I recently bought a new Wagner master cylinder for my 54. I will try to find the part number.
Title: Re: Front wheel cylinders - 51 K
Post by: StillOutThere on May 08, 2015, 04:24:37 AM
Thanks gents.   Just placed online order from Willow Run K-F.
Title: Re: Front wheel cylinders - 51 K
Post by: Logan on May 08, 2015, 10:35:58 PM
I've bought mine from KaiserWillys.com before.  Worked great.  I had to bore an extra hole in the front, though.
Title: Re: Front wheel cylinders - 51 K
Post by: StillOutThere on May 09, 2015, 10:55:35 AM
SNIP     I had to bore an extra hole in the front, though.   SNIP

YEGADS, why was that necessary ?   What for ?
Title: Re: Front wheel cylinders - 51 K
Post by: mbflemingkf on May 09, 2015, 01:10:47 PM
I bought a front one from Chris at KF parts and it fit and worked perfectly.  This is the best place to buy them.  Highly endorse.
Title: Re: Front wheel cylinders - 51 K
Post by: joefrazer on May 09, 2015, 01:21:52 PM
The version sold thru Kaiser-Willys actually fits Willys Jeeps and their backing plate differs from KF so a new hole must be drilled for a mount bolt.
Title: Re: Front wheel cylinders - 51 K
Post by: mbflemingkf on May 09, 2015, 05:33:07 PM
I don't remember drilling a hole for my 54.  Best I can recall it bolted right up!    ;)  Maybe they had changed the backing plates on the 54's?  ???  I think I would have remembered it if'n I had.
Title: Re: Front wheel cylinders - 51 K
Post by: Logan on May 10, 2015, 09:33:46 PM
Not sure. This was a '53 Dragon I did it for about 7 years ago.  Yes, it would be preferable not to drill the extra hole in the backing plate, but between that and no brakes, I'll take the brakes!
Title: Re: Front wheel cylinders - 51 K
Post by: HJ-ETEX on June 07, 2015, 08:10:50 PM
Kaiser Gladiator type trucks used 1 1/8" front wheel cylinders. These require drilling an extra mounting hole on one side.
39-48 Ford cars and light trucks used stepped front cylinders like the KFs, BUT the hole for the hydraulic flex line is bigger than the KF units. You can find brake hoses with the proper size fittings or you can find a brass reducing fitting. It was easier for me to find the flex hose.