1932-34 Brakes on 1930 Model A

Four Lazy C Boss

Four Lazy C Boss

Member
When my car was restored by a Model A shop (under previous owner) from 2006 to 2008 the brake system was restored. Now the front linings are just getting down to the rivets in a couple of places. So I ordered new shoes with woven linings, but THEY DON'T FIT. They are too small. I have 1935 sixteen-inch wheels on the car and it appears to me (from searching catalogs) that the brakes must be 1932-1934 brakes. The drums are spoked drums with a 12" internal diameter. I think these brakes and drums were installed to accommodate the 1935 wheels. So I think any parts I order for the brakes now will be the 1932-1934 parts.

I would not think these larger brakes could be installed on a Model A. Has anyone seen this type of modification? I didn't know they were still using mechanical brakes from 1932-1934.

Someone please educate me. Thanks.
 
Most of the internal hardware is the same at the A hardware, just the shoe and drum size is larger ---except the 32-34 has no provision for the seperate E-brake the A has, then 35,36 had another rod brake system, 37,38 had a cable brake system, in 39 the unsafe unreliable single point failure hydraulic system was used.

The 32-34 system used the same 2 rollers and wedge as the A, 35,36 used a thin wedge and single smaller rollers in the shoes---probably either type could be fitted
 
Kurt in NJ said:
Most of the internal hardware is the same at the A hardware, just the shoe and drum size is larger ---except the 32-34 has no provision for the seperate E-brake the A has, then 35,36 had another rod brake system, 37,38 had a cable brake system, in 39 the unsafe unreliable single point failure hydraulic system was used.

The 32-34 system used the same 2 rollers and wedge as the A, 35,36 used a thin wedge and single smaller rollers in the shoes---probably either type could be fitted
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That is really helpful. I haven't pulled the rears to look at them, but I assume they will also have the 32-34 drums with the 12" inside diameter. But my parking brake works fine - but are you saying that would mean I don't have the 32-34 on the rear?

It seems like these bigger brakes should be better than the original smaller ones.
 
The A has seperate parking brake, the later ones the park brake pulls all 4 brakes from the same cross shaft as the pedal
 
'32-'35 brakes on the front axle was a fairly common conversion 'back in the day'. They offer more braking area, especially the '35 brakes as they use the same diameter and width of shoe as the later hyudraulics do. I put 35's on the rear of my speedster, they made a big difference but now all 4 wheel brakes are applied when I pull the e-brake on, and the stop lights too! So Kurt in NJ thinks hydraulics are "unsafe unreliable single point failure" does he? Funny all cars have been running hydraulics for years, guess manufacturers just like to run unsafe brakes to open themselves to law suits???
 
There's a fellow that posts here once and a while (choppit ?) who installed 35 system on his 31. maybe he'll see this and contact you or you could do a sesarch. Another option might be to go the HAMB, there's a "banger" section there.
Paul in CT
 
Jim Brierley said:
So Kurt in NJ thinks hydraulics are "unsafe unreliable single point failure" does he? Funny all cars have been running hydraulics for years, guess manufacturers just like to run unsafe brakes to open themselves to law suits???
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Jim, I believe Kurt is specifically referring to the early Ford single reservoir master cylinder set up, not all hydraulic brakes.
 
Kurt in NJ said:
The A has seperate parking brake, the later ones the park brake pulls all 4 brakes from the same cross shaft as the pedal
Click to expand...

I do have a separate cross shaft. I pulled a rear wheel today and confirmed that I've got the standard Model A - 11" drum on the rear. So just the fronts have the 1932-1934 drums.

With the front mod, all the parts are interchangeable except for the bigger shoes, different size short return springs (B-2036) which are 3-1/2" long, and the longer actuating pin which is 7-3/4" long.

Thanks for helping me sort out what I have.
 
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