Im new here but Ive been restoring my '69 firebird convertible for over a year now. Just recently I tried to bleed the brakes and the M/C was bad for the front brakes. I looked everywhere for a new master cylinder but i couldnt find one, just rebuild kits. Does anyone make one or am I stuck with having to get it rebuilt?

Check ebay. You can get one for around $65.

Robert

Try Advance Auto, got one today for $38.00

denny

If you want a functional master cylinder and are not concerned with original appearance, they are cheap and easy to find at the local auto parts store. If you want an original or exact reproduction, they are pricey.

There are also a couple of different brake/suspension system restorers/rebuilders that will restore original style master cylinders. They will disassemble, re-sleeve if needed and install new seals/springs, etc.

This company has been around for a long time:

http://www.applehydraulics.com/brakes.htm

Here is the other one I know of:

http://www.whitepost.com/brake.html

Hope this helps.

Tom

I would like one that looks original but after seeing some of those prices I think it could wait. does the cheaper non original one fit without any brake line modifications?

The aftermarket rebuilds are pretty
cheap (less than $20) and are unequal
reservoir 1.125" design.

Cardone 101521 shallow piston hole
(69 GTO and others)
or
Cardone 101339 deep piston hole
(67 Firebird and others)

Mine had the shallow piston hole.

Be sure and keep your original master cylinder if you purchase an aftermarket unit. You never know when you will want to have it rebuilt and be "correct".

Tom

Yes, if you have the original double bail master definitely keep it. I have an original for mine that has been resleeved and rebuilt but I still need to install it. My car had a '69-'72 drum/drum master cylinder that failed...I turned it in for a core.

I finally made my mind. Im going to just rebuild my master cylinder. Im going to order a rebuild kit and since my neighbor works at a machine shop ill have him help rebuild it. I rebuilt the original 350 myself and it turned out better than I thought, so I think I could take on a master cylinder.

Use care...if you build an engine wrong the car doesn't go...if you screw up on the master cylinder the car doesn't stop. Why bet your life and your car on a few $$?

They are not meant to be honed. Per service manual, use emory cloth on varnish and stains. Sleeving is a viable option if you want to keep OE.
http://brakecylinder.com/