<VV> brakes

[Chris & Bill Strickland]

>the pedal moves about the 1/4 " play but then becomes hard but very little braking effect.
>

A quarter inch total travel isn't very much, even for a Corvair with 
'great' stock brakes -- I'm guessing master cylinder problems, or even 
something mechanical with the pedal -- it would be a good test to open a 
wheel cylinder bleeder screw and see if you can put the pedal to the 
floor.  (Have your 'buddy' close the screw while the pedal is still down.)

If it goes to the floor, try each of the other three corners next.

Properly adjusted (not too tight) Corvair (or any drum brake car) brakes 
need about a minimum of two inches of pedal travel to apply the brakes, 
once the linings are 'worn in' and everything in good condition.  GM's 
'pull-back' discs are a bit different, if you have some of those without 
the special master cylinder.

Bill Strickland