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Classic/Antique Car Repair/filling brake fluid on 1956 Pontiac Chieftain

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Expert: - 7/19/2009


Question
The reservoir for the brake fluid on my 56 Chieftain seems largely inaccesable, tucked under the steering column.  Have you ever had to add fluid to one of these?  I am perplexed, and without fluid at the moment.  Thank you in advance.


Answer
Back in the day when I was young working in the family garage we had a small pump that fit into the brake fluid can with a rubber hose on it. It was sold by most of the auto part stores. Today to fill the master cylinder on my old cars I use a turkey baister with a rubber hose on the end to extend the reach.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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