VoV has 4th series vac mod

[pfarber]

Its finally happened.. an advance in CCKW brake technology.. somewhat.

www.vehiclesofvictory.com has made a bracket that allows a 4th series Hydrovac to be installed in place of the original.

The complete kit (including the vac!) is like $300.

If you are wary of the your vac failing, or want to update to a newer unit for parts availability... here's your chance.

Is it me, or does the chick on the hood, far left, look like a dude?

[WWII TRUCK]

I'll stick with the original Bendix 3rd Series that matches factory spec. They are engineered to be exactly compatible with CCKW and availible. Safety is priceless, lawsuits may just factor in that the make do 4th series is advertised as a will fit cheaper substitute. It only takes one bad accident. I'll bet the seller will not guarantee in writing that it as equal to the original.

[pfarber]

IF the vac meets the specs for hydraulic pressure (working pressure is just over 1000psi IIRC for a second series) at the same manifold pressure then whats the big deal? The original leather sealed vacs have a specific lifetime... I'm guessing its not 60+ years

The third series vacs are still available, but for the cost or a rebuild going to a more modern vac is a win win.

There are so many other places brakes can fail.. putting in a modern vac is not going to magically make brakes 'un-safe'.

[WWII TRUCK]

When there is a serious accident involving a 6X6 and a law suit results, there are consultants involved. discovery of repairs not in line with the factory manuals,, drivers, possibly inexperienced with the truck, the general condition of the truck, etc are a factor. Trucks involved in serious accidents may be impounded and a DOT inspection team will go over it. Many MVs are registered in accordance with Antique Vehicle provisions that waive inspection, with the presumption the vehicle is restored to original condition. Finding the vehicle is not in original condition will result in problems for the operator.

[pfarber]

When I win the powerball...

When I find a 100% original CCKW in a barn...

When I marry a supermodel...

You can't be serious. How many people work on thier own cars now a days? How many of them are getting sued for 'improper alterations/maintenance?' Look at your average motorcycle... first thing people do is take off OEM stuff and replace with it chromed parts. How many lawsuits come of that?

Performance chips, dual piston brake calipers, ported brake rotors.. and thats just the start of what my friends kid has on his car. Do you think ANY of that is 'authorized' by Ford (its a focus).

Your brakes can and will fail for many more reasons than a replacement hydrovac. How many ppl have replaced their brake lines that are 60+ years old. How much rust do you think is in them? How thin are the walls? Ditto for the rubber lines.

As for 'original condition' and the historic registration.. show me one 6x6 accident where this is even an issue. DOT impounds an accident vehicle? In what state does a private vehicle get impounded by the state after an accident? Unless criminal charges are involved all the cars I wrecked (3 so far ) go to the mechanic of my choice for the INSURANCE company to look at.

Short story:

I live in Gordon PA, at the base of the Gordon Mt. AT LEAST twice a year some retarded truck driver (thats 80,000 for truck + freight) will lose THEIR brakes down the grade and crash at the bottom. Early last year a driver was squished in his cab by the trees he hit at 70+ mph. I've seen PENDOT inspect the tucks, find worn tires, bad brakes etc etc. NONE of the driver were arrested, and other than the Borough (the borough manager is my neighbor) filing a claim with the insurance carrier, NOTHING has come of it. I HARDLY doubt that a 10,000 6x6 wrecking is gonna cause even a blip on the radar. Just another accident.

[Drdeuce]

My two CCKWs on the road right now have the hydrovac's like the ones VoV sells. They work just fine.

They do come with a vac check valve and a warning that the warranty is void if you do not use their check valve.

[pfarber]

Is the 'new' check valve a vac or at the manifold (like the original)?

I have replaced the original and took it apart, it was not obviously damaged... but since the brakes were getting worked on (and it was only a $35 part) I figured why not. Deceptively simply device. Seems like repairing it would not be a huge ordeal.

At some point we will need to master the art of repairing these old units, or finding suitable substitutes.