Suspension, Steering, Brakes & Wheels

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1959 Rambler Super

Printed From: TheAMCForum.com
Category: The Garage
Forum Name: Suspension, Steering, Brakes & Wheels
Forum Description: What makes it stop, turn, and smooths the ride
URL: https://theamcforum.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=100490
Printed Date: Apr/24/2024 at 7:48am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: 1959 Rambler Super

Posted By: FlashSuper59
Subject: 1959 Rambler Super
Date Posted: Jun/12/2019 at 10:58am

is there a way around having to sleeve wheel cylinders on this car?
different wheel cylinders? different brakes? from another model?
Why are rear cylinders different from front cylinders? new guy here,

Flash Super (Sarge Mark) in Chicago suburb

Replies:

Posted By: tomj
Date Posted: Jun/13/2019 at 12:35am

AMC (and all makes, really) balance front/rear braking force by selecting wheel cylinder diameter. you'd need to read about the basics of hydraulic brakes, and do a tiny bit of math, but it's worth it.

front brakes do most of the work due to the way mass shifts around. most force is there, larger wheel cyls. also left and right are often different parts -- same bore, but different casting, outlet pointing left/right.

how good/willing are you at modifications? later AMC drums brakes bolt in (i used '75 Gremlin) but Scarebird sells a disc kit for the front. if your car is "original" you will likely find all of the rubber hoses, steel lines, etc, all need replacing.

can't you just buy new wheel cylinders? rockauto.com? i haven't tried lately... be prepared to replace all brake parts and deal with wear in the backing plates and the rest. it's ooooooold.....

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1960 Rambler Super two-door wagon, OHV auto
1961 Roadster American, 195.6 OHV, T5
http://www.ramblerLore.com

Posted By: farna
Date Posted: Jun/14/2019 at 12:49pm

You should be able to find wheel cylinders. Check Rockauto.com as TomJ suggested. I nothing there check with Galvin's (www.ramblerparts.com), Rare Parts (www.rareparts.com), or Kanter (www.kanter.com). Rare Parts are probably the highest cost. Depending on costs and how much you're committed to keeping it original, you might want to consider later model brakes or something like the standard Scarebird disc brake kit ( http://scarebird.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=95&product_id=55" rel="nofollow - https://scarebird.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=95&product_id=55 ). Says 64-73. but fits AMC/Rambler/Nash cars back to at least 1952. They haven't test fit them on earlier cars, but Tom and I have! You can use the existing master cylinder, but it would be better to upgrade to a mid 70s Hornet master. On the little American (58-63) manual disc brakes work fine, no need for power if you're okay with the manual brakes on it now.

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Frank Swygert

Posted By: tomj
Date Posted: Jun/14/2019 at 11:28pm

andy has a scarebird kit on his '58 american. it's true, the car is so small and light no need for power. (in my opinion, power-anything would be a terrible match for that small car; AMC went to some effort to make everything amazingly low-force to operate; easiest steering ever!

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1960 Rambler Super two-door wagon, OHV auto
1961 Roadster American, 195.6 OHV, T5
http://www.ramblerLore.com

Posted By: SuperWagon
Date Posted: Jun/18/2019 at 8:02am

It took me a while to find rears for my 58. No one carries them. I bought them from an AMC place in CA I think. Had to send my old ones as cores. Had perfect brakes ever since.

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1958 Rambler Cross Country Super wagon. 196ci cast iron engine with 3 speed manual

Posted By: SuperWagon
Date Posted: Jun/18/2019 at 8:16am

Here is my old thread. I have a 58 Rambler Cross Country wagon I got my parts from Galvins

http://theamcforum.com/forum/topic70012.html" rel="nofollow - http://theamcforum.com/forum/topic70012.html

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1958 Rambler Cross Country Super wagon. 196ci cast iron engine with 3 speed manual

Posted By: tomj
Date Posted: Jun/19/2019 at 1:01am

i had no idea single-piston wheel cylinders even existed! wow.

though pricey, you can have even rotted cylinders re-sleeved in stainless steel. then they last forever.

C H Topping, though their website implies they're behind the times http://www.chtopping.com/" rel="nofollow - http://www.chtopping.com/ they are actually top-notch brake specialists. in Long Beach CA. then know everything and can do anything (lol) (close to true as anywhere i've ever been).

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1960 Rambler Super two-door wagon, OHV auto
1961 Roadster American, 195.6 OHV, T5
http://www.ramblerLore.com