QuestionI just biought a 51 ford f1 pickup. Runs and drives great, but the brakes went out. When pushing the pedal down there's nothing. Pumping them doesn't help. Mybe needs fluid? Where is the master cylinder. I don't see it when looking under the hood. As you can tell, I am quite a novice at this. Thnaks!
AnswerDon't drive it until the brakes have been gone through 100%. You are putting your life and the lives of everyone in traffic around you, on the line!
Many of these trucks have been modified over the decades...if the master cylinder isn't on the firewall, look under the floorboard on the drivers' side.
Chances are, unfortunately, that adding fluid isn't going to fix anything. Rebuild kits for the MC are available for less than $20.00, and complete rebuilt ones for around $100.00. But you should also replace all of the brake lines and rebuild the wheel cylinders on all four wheels. The flex hoses, front and back, should also be replaced with new. These swell over time and will burst and kill your brakes just when you need them most.
PLEASE take my advice--take this one off the road until the brakes have been properly rebuilt!
Good luck.
--Paul
