1952 m38

1948willyman · Post by **1948willyman** » Sun Feb 10, 2013 6:58 pm

Although this wont look original im thinking about putting a brake fluid reservoir up in the engine compartment. Just wondering if anyone else has ever tried this? I was going to hook the reservoir line to the vent connection on the master cylinder cap. Would this create any problems to do this?? Just wanted to be able to moniter the brake fluid level a little more easy. Would this not be a little more safer and easy to see if fluid started leaking and a sudden loss of braking ability. I guess i would use something similar to a hydraulic clutch reservoir.

Bretto · Post by **Bretto** » Sun Feb 10, 2013 7:14 pm

I haven't but Karl at vernco has done this.

http://www.vernco.com/Brakes/id262.htm

Post by **wesk** » Sun Feb 10, 2013 9:05 pm

I recall JC Whitney used to have a kit for that in the 60's. Old trick, been used for many years. I think of it as an improvement in accessibility but not really a safety issue. Folks who ignore checking the hole in the floor are quite likely to ignore a can under the hood as well. The best container is a translucent plastic one. Same reason the modern automotive reservoirs are translucent. Too many people are just too lazy to unscrew a lid and check something. It won't be long now and most power steering reservoirs will be translucent plastic and this will be followed by trannies and diffs!!

Jim · Post by **Jim** » Tue Feb 12, 2013 3:18 pm

I did the exact installation that Wes mentioned with a clear
plastic bottle tied to the firewall with a large piece of insulated
wire. When you opened the hood it was quite visible. Ran a
clear plastic flexible tube down to the brake cylinder filler
and tied it into the existing vent/pressure line, which wasn't
working anyhoo. Easy to do and easy to check.
Sold our M38 to a Texan, and now he has it.

Jim in Darkest Arkansas