I installed a new dual bowl master cylinder (manual brakes) this AM to replace my leaky old one. I used a 78 Granada MC as I have the LGV front disc conversion on my '66 coupe. We bled the brakes really well and only have clear new fluid coming out, but they still feel a little soft. Maybe it's just the new MC? It bolted right up but I did notice it was a bit thinner than the one I took out. The car stops fine but I have to push the pedal pretty far. Is this just the way manual brakes are? I can't think of much else to do to make them a bit "tighter" other than maybe adjusting the rear drums.
While I had access to my buddy's lift I installed my subframe connectors while I was at it. The car does handle noticeably better now- not so springy over bumps and turns tighter it seems with less body roll.

 

While you are parked in the driveway and in park, apply the brakes with one hard stab. Hold the pedal down with pressure, now lift and stab at the break pedal quickly a couple more times. If the pedal comes to full pressure at a higher position, then you still have some air in the system. If the pedal comes to pressure at the same position (but still lower then when you had the old MC), then you have a bled system with a smaller bore MC.

Tim

 

Well, I guess that I just have a smaller bore MC! No bleed down or loss of pressure. I drove it around all day yesterday and had no problems stopping, just had to press the pedal further than I am used to. Thanks guys.

 

You say you have front disc brakes, do you have a proportion valve plumed into the rear breakline? drum brakes take less pressure to apply than disc brakes. Without adjusting the pressure, the rear drums are at full pressure before the front discs which could cause the spongy pedal. I felt this right away when I installed my discs and was adjusting the valve. You have the find the right balance.

 

I didn't just install the discs, I've had them for a while. I just replaced the MC. And yes, I do have a proportioning valve. I drove the car around today and again, no problems, just have to press the pedal a bit further than I used to.