Vintage Thunderbird Club International

This may have been asked before but I’m wanting to install a dual master cylinder on my 56 Thunderbird and keep all drum brakes. Is there a supplier that offers such a set up? Thanks!

Manual or power brakes? In either case, your master cylinder has a 1-inch-diameter piston. You might contact Wilwood. They have a 1st-gen Mustang dual master that should have the correct length rod (it's adjustable).

Although the OEM master cylinder has four mounting tabs, any dual master you find probably will have just two mounting tabs. Those two tabs should align with the upper two holes in the firewall, and the bolts will screw into the brake/clutch pedal hanger/dash support.

There is a shop that does brake conversions and they may be able to answer your question and provide a master cylinder. ECI (Engineered Components Inc.) in Connecticut.

Please keep us updated on your findings. In my new-to-me ‘57 (with Kelsey Hayes wire wheels and no power brake option), I am also contemplating some sort of brake upgrade. I’m kinda ok with the stopping power, but nervous about the single point of failure inherent to the stock brakes.

Found the dual master cylinder to replace the original on my 56 for all drum brakes. Summit or Leeds has the right application for 56 and 57 and later. Part number FC0045HK 4 wheel drum brake dual bowl master cylinder kit. Only modification I needed to do was adjust the heat shield on the battery by moving the shield in as far as it would go. Hope this helps!