1930 Model A brakes

B

Billybob57

Member
I'm in the process of rebuilding my 1930 Model A Tudor brakes. I'm assembling everything on the bench. My question is, can I assemble the entire backing plate assembly, including the emergency brake actuator shaft and spring, and still be able to install it on the car? I've read some say you have to remove the radius rods. I'm just trying to avoid having to install the emergency brake springs while the assembly is mounted on the car.
 
I would think the springs would be easier to install with the back plates installed on the car. Why do you think it would be harder?
 
On the bench it is much easier to access the springs. I've read lots of comments on how hard it is to install the springs with the backing plates on the car.
 
I find the need to use curse words a lot less by assembling the backing plates on the bench. Removing the radius rods (just one more nut and bolt to undo and re-fasten) also makes it easier to line up the front bolts from the radius rod to the backing plates when you reassemble them to the car.
 
I did the brakes on a car by completing the backing plates at my shop and then mounting them on the car that was located a couple hours away. You do have to remove the radius rods and they can be a bear to re install.

There is an article in the latest issue of the Model "A" News magazine that deals with the springs on the emergency brake levers. The author, Jim Zimmer, explains how to use a wire to pull the springs into position. It looks easy from the pictures and description.
 
If you have the backing plate mounted on the axle, and with no parts on the backing plate, install the ebrake shaft, spring and pull lever FIRST. Then install the remaining parts. Doing it in reverse order will lead to the problem of installing the spring with a wire or whatever. I learned this the hard way.
 
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