1935 Cabriolet Problem--Poor Brakes

smurph

smurph

Senior Member
I purchased the restored car 2 years ago. From the outset the car didn't stop well. At slow speed I can lock the brakes. At 40-45 or going downhill they don't grab well at all.

I owned a Model A for 22 years and am used to mechanical brakes. I have them adjusted properly.

Removing the drums reveals that the linings are bonded. I also noticed that the right front lining was glazed. I sanded that off but it came back immediately after use .

I read an article that said TRIMAT woven, riveted linings are better. Would woven linings help my problem?

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Smurph
 
I'd prefer woven linings, I had a set of '35 brakes on a hot dog many moons ago. It had the bonded modern stuff on the shoes, stoped alright I spose, it was a really light car. Plopped a set of original woven type shoes, stopped brilliant.
Did your A have woven?
Martin.
 
woven linings are best on all early ford brakes in my opinion ,ive been using woven linings for 30 years after I was given a set and used them on my 47 merc you could stand it on its nose under brakes which was some times needed with youth full foolishness and a chevy and glide ,since ive grown older and have flatheads still use those woven linings they don't last as long but they stop.
 
Unfortunately, restored means different things to different people. You probably need to personally go through the entire braking system on your '35 and inspect every component for quality, wear, function, correctness, etc., etc. Also, adding brake floater kits at all four wheels will make a huge difference. I feel that my Avatar car stops very well with the mechanicals, probably as good if not better than some early V-8's, '39 - '48, with stock hydraulic brakes.
 
Like JM, I put floaters on my `35 with woven liners and they work well. I haven't had to adjust them in 3-4 years probably. I bought Flahead Ted's Floaters.
 
There is a procedure to adjust the mechanical brakes, get a copy and adjust them by the proper method. G.M.
 
my 36 pickup stops great. I replaced all the clevises and replaced the cross shaft, the old one was worn out. installed Flathead Teds floaters, and soft lining. also had the shoes arced to the drum. my pick up stops very good. it takes less petal pressure to stop my pickup, then my A with 46 brakes
 
Interesting subject. I am starting to inventory and put a 36 3W together. Have most all the stock mechanical brake components in good condition and with the addition of woven lining and the floaters seems like a good way to go. Problem is, where can a set of 4 good steel rods be purchased that go from the cross shaft levers to the backing plate levers? Anyone carry them?
 
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