[SnoFox4]

Just bought this car, the brake pedal goes right to the floor.

The brakes work, but not until the end of the pedal.. and they work all at once.

Master cylinder, or is it time to bleed the brakes?

[Dominick]

Is it a firm pedal or spongy?
If firm you may just have to adjust them
also see if there is a bushing in the pedal or master cylinder rod that may be broken.
If I recall right there is a bushing in the end of the push rod that snaps into the master cylinder.

[Skyhawk]

How old is the brake fluid? It only takes 4% moisture in the fluid to render it useless. Given the age of the vehicle and peoples habit of ignoring the brake fluid I would bet that your old brake fluid is contributing to the problem. I agree with the above also, that the brakes may need adjustment. The self adjusters may be frozen with corrosion. Also given the age of the vehicle the master cylinder bore may be pitted and not providing brake pressure. An inspection of the complete braking system is in order.

[mark v]

Cheapest thing is to bleed the brakes first and if that doesnt work inspect for leaks and repost your new findings.

[Boghog]

Sorry to burst your bubble, but you have to adjust them first before you bleed them or you won't build up enough pressure to move the fluid.

[Kruser]

Originally Posted by Skyhawk

. An inspection of the complete braking system is in order.

This.
We are talking about a car that is 30+ years old, and by the tone of the post, it sounds like it has an unknown history. Who knows how many wannabe mechanics have worked on it? Inspect and/or repack the front wheel bearings and a complete drums-off inspection is in order. If there is any doubt whatsoever in a brake system, repair or replace the suspect part, including the fluid itself.

[GalaxieJeff]

Sounds like a line popped. Did you check fluid in the master yet? My bet is that it's empty on one half.