Teething troubles

[RTCruiser]

Well after a few trips and car shows in the NYB I noticed the brakes getting a bit soft so had the fluid completely flushed. To cut a long story short approaching a major highway intersection red light the brakes went straight to the floor.

Managed to avoid cars a buses and after cleaning my undies found the rear brake line had a massive leak.

Cost $450 for the tow home, $850 for labour to make up new lines but only $99 for reconditioned master cylinder, callipers and new wheel cylinders (plus $189 postage).

Back on the road now and loving how parts are available and can be delivered to Australia in less than a week.

 

[Mr C]

I'm glad you're safe. Formal brakes are the same as what was on Dodge trucks/ Vans so they're very plentiful.

 

[70NPORT]

That happened to me in old Imperial once, I went straight through a four way highway intersection at about 35-40 mph...I was scared ****-less. I managed to coast to the shoulder. Got home and went straight to the hard booze rack....my hands were shaking.

 

[detmatt]

That's terrifying, I've had one or two close calls like that, I used to drive some beaters!
glad you made it through unscathed.

 

[commando1]

But what price Safety...
Priceless. Glad you made it.
Plus another story for the archives.

 

[fc7_plumcrazy]

glad you had no accident.
Had some of those experiences, too when I was young.
Nowadays the first thing we do when i get a new car is checking the brakes and replaceing everything which is not perfect.
I check the brakes every start of the season.

But 850$ for making new brakelines????????
We just made them last fall for my 70 Chrysler 300 (they were heavy scale rusty). We bought material solid by the meter and it cost us about 50$ and 3 hours work to bent them in shape

 

[RTCruiser]

The $850 was the total bill for the labour and fitting all the parts I supplied. Things are a little different down under. Typical costs are $90/hr for labour.

I've had the same mechanic for 20 years and don't mind paying him for his work

 

[1978 NYB]

I had a few brake failures in my life. Glad you're OK and saved the NYB.

 

[RTCruiser]

The funniest part is that I drove the last 3km to the show using low gear and the foot brake and while the car was parked and I was trying to organise a tow truck to take me home the car picked up a sponsors choice trophy :wav: