Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1954 chevy special 150, old geezer, auto parts store

Question
My wife has a 1954 Chevy, 4 door, that we believe is a "special 150" (has a small black trim near the rear door on both sides). It is an inline 6, with manual transmission (3 on the tree). The master cylinder is leaking. I was considering replacing it, but there are numerous large springs attached to it, which connect to the brake pedal and clutch. I'm afraid that if I remove them, I won't be able to stretch them enough to get them back on. Do you have any recommendations for this type of repair?

Answer
Those are the pedal return springs (they return the pedal to he full up position when your foot is off the pedals).  They are not extremely strong - I'm an old geezer, and I don't have any trouble stretching them, so don't worry about that.

Changing the master cylinder is a very easy job.  The only thing you need is normal hand tools, plus a set of "line wrenches.  You will receive instructions in the new unit that tell you to "bench bleed" it first - which is important to do.  The procedure and the parts needed will be in the box.  You will need only the new cylinder and a pint of DOT3 brake fluid. Do not spill any fluid on the paint, or get it in your eyes!   It is a good idea to buy a set of "line wrenches" also, as they will make it easier to disconnect the brake fluid line from the master cylinder.  The auto parts store will know what these are.  Don't buy cheap ones - go to NAPA and get their quality line of tools and parts.  They sell cheap ones too, make sure you ask for the best.  Good tools are never a waste of money, cheap ones usually are!

Dick