58 Buick Brakes HELP

[Straight8john]

I have a 4dr 1958 Buick special with 364 nailhead engine. It has 4 wheel drum brakes they have been completely redone. However it still has a single chamber manual master clynder. This will be a weekly driver and I would like to up grade to a dual chamber master clynder with or without a booster. Can anyone tell me what a good fit would be for this and what modification maybe necessary.


Thanks,
Straight8john

 

[1970 skylark 350]

I can't help but reply to this one. Whenever I see or hear about a '58 Buick, I recall the horror stories my oldest brother tells about his first car, a '58 Special 2 door.

He had brake problems with that car. It was such a heavy car and it had undersized brakes. He'd burn the brake shoes up just slowing down on the exit ramp.

I think part of the problem was the '58 Buick used the same brakes that the older and less heavy Buicks had, plus the Dynaflow transmission did not provide any engine braking.

I would spend the money and upgrade your brakes to a front disc set up if you can find a company that makes a kit for a '58 Buick. Maybe a front disc brake kit for 50s era Chevrolets will work on your Buick.

Maybe the larger brakes from a '59 Buick with the finned front drums could be another alternative. My guess is those parts would be hard to find.

 

[frame30]

1958 Buick brake upgrade

Did you ever find a dual MC that would fit the Buick? I've had the front and rear brakes upgraded to discs but am still looking for a MC that will bolt in. Thoughts? Pictures? Cheers. Michael.