T

THE FIRST ‘STOP’ IN RESTORATION:

THE BRAKES

Don’t   let this    be  you!    Disasters   can unfold  in  only    seconds if  the

brake   system  of  a   vehicle is  not kept    in  top shape.

By David Doyle

he collector beginning work on his new treasure has many exciting
places to start. Some want to begin with the bodywork, carefully
sanding through layers of paint and hoping to discover the elusive
original markings. Others begin by carefully massaging the engine,
anxious to hear it roar back to life. But another much less exciting area
that is far more important, and should certainly be the first work done
on any vehicle, is repair to the brakes.
Whether it’s a 1976 Chevette or a 1956 Ford one-ton truck, a vehicle
without known reliable brakes is a missile. Some buffs may be prepared
to take certain risks themselves, but it is wholly irresponsible to operate
a vehicle with unknown brakes — saying there was not enough time or
money to do the job right will be little consolation to a grieving parent