1954 Kaiser mnnhattan master cylinder

[rqa040]

Is there a quality dual reservoir master cylinder conversion kit available for late model Kaiser automobiles  ? Any information appreciated.

[kaiserfrazerlibrary]

There was a Bendix-made servo kit for the 1951-55 Kaisers; it even has a Willys Motors P/N.  There was also an article in a late 1960's QUARTERLY showing how to adapt the power brake parts of a 1955 Cadillac to the 1951-55 Kaiser master cylinder complete with a diagram of the revised system.   I can scan and post it if you want to try it.

[HJ-ETEX]

The question was about a dual reservoir master cylinder rather than a power booster although a lot of our members would be interested in that topic as well.
Concerning a dual reservoir master cylinder, you may not realize it but the original 51-55 Kaiser MC is part of the  brake pedal linkage in that the brake pedal arm pivots on a brass bushing in the MC casting. (That's why you need to look closely at a replacement MC unit to see if it comes with the bushing). If you want a dual reservoir MC, not only will you have to figure how to mount it, but how to pivot the brake pedal arm. Once you figure that out, arranging a way to fill the MC and re-plumbing  at least 60% of the brake lines would be small challenges.
So you think you can avoid this by altering the car to a firewall mounted MC? That may be only switching all your problems to an area you can get to easier.   

[kaiserfrazerlibrary]

There was also a K-F part number rolled out in 1953 for a reserve reservior kit.  It mounted on the firewall and had a line down to the master cylinder, the fitting replacing the cap on the cylinder.  You could check brake fluid from the engine compartment rather than by the access plate in the floor.  As the 1951-55 Kaiser (the kit was only for 1951-55 Kaisers) used the same part as 1949-51 Ford cars and various years Ford trucks, there may also be a FoMoCo part number for the same kit. 

[kaiserfrazerlibrary]

I've spent the last couple of days looking for the binder with the P&A memo (this is not a P&A Bulletin) announcing the reserve tank for the master cylinder but no luck.  I know I lost a few things in the move and this may be one of them.  As the 1951-55 Kaiser master cylinder is the same part as the 1949-51 Ford, a check with people in the Early Ford V-8 Club may be helpful in getting details.

[rialto]

I have one of these master cylinder firewall reservoir kits. I think it is KF part # 215047. Will try to post pictures.

[kaiserfrazerlibrary]

Yes,  now that I see the part number, that is it.  If I remember right, they rolled it out in late 1952 or early 1953

[porsche1914]

Is there a kit that fits a '51 Henry J?

[rialto]

Here are the pictures.  The plastic reservoir screws to the firewall with a bracket.  The hex plug replaces the master cylinder cap.  The hose joins the two of them and clamps on with hardware provided. 

[rialto]

According to the directions this also fits HenryJ.

[Fid]

Thanks for posting those pictures rialto! My '52 Henry J Vagabond has a remote filler kit on it and even though it says "Darwin" on the top I always wondered if it was the one KF issued. It appears it is not. The Darwin model on my car has a glass jar with a metal strap and top. Here's some pictures I took when I was installing the new wire harness in the car:


and after the harness was completed you can see it just between the horn and hood hinge (red arrow pointing to it)


In any case, even though it's a non-KF part I'm leaving it on the car! Anyone who's ever filled a master cylinder on a Henry J would do the same. To me 2 points at a National ain't worth the misery you go through to add brake fluid to the car. It's like moving the locking door handle to the driver's side - it just makes sense.

[porsche1914]

Where can a kit be obtained?

[kaiserfrazerlibrary]

A while back in this posting, I noted a Master Cylinder Reserve Brake Fluid kit.  In putting together the 1954-55 Kaiser and 1954 Kaiser Darrin Service Supplement which is part of KFOCI HANDBOOK Version 5.0 in its final form, I found the K-F memo I was looking for.  It is attached.

[mbflemingkf]

I'd sure like to have one for my car!   

[kaiserfrazerlibrary]

Any aftermarket kit that would work with a 49-51 Ford (for the cylinder) might work.  I note in the memo that they say it will fit any Kaiser-Frazer product (they state Frazer and Henry J as well as Kaiser and list Service Time Schedule install time for a 52-53 so it should also fit 54-55 as firewall stamping and the cylinder installation itself would be the same).