Brake comparison Bendix vs Lockheed

[FlatheadTed]

This is typical of what the Govt puts you through here,Ted

 

[FlatheadTed]

cancel

 

[rich b]

This is typical of what the Govt puts you through here,Ted

All kinda dials and numbers on that panel; but what do they mean?

 

[Brian]

I took my model T into one of those VTNZ testing stations as in Ted's post. After explaining to them it had a transmission brake they were somewhat unsure how to check. Finally, they sat some sort of 'G meter' on the floor, had me drive it as fast as I could in the space provided, and on their command to apply brakes. Dunno what the G meter said, but it passed!
So, then I told them I'd bring my new Ford in for a Warrant of Fitness check [1935 Ford]. When I set up the brakes on that thing, I use a gravel road and adjust each brake until all skid marks are the same length. They put it on the brake machine as in Ted's pix. Result - fail!! If I applied the brakes. both gauges would go up the same amount, indicating even braking each side. They insisted however, that rather than 'jumping' on the pedal as I do, to just gently apply pressure to the pedal, and each gauge would then tell a different story. I couldn't explain there is no/very little servo effect with these brakes, they didn't wanna know. I finally got my WoF after a coupla rechecks, but really, the guys that work there are a bunch of dickheads. Why could they not have used the same testing method as they used on the T?They do not understand the indiosynchroses of this old iron. So, as KiwiTony explained, most of us guys now take out old vehicles to our 'favourite' issuing person, someone who can use common sense judgement.

 

[FlatheadTed]

The dials measure two wheels at a time and the bios'

 

[FlatheadTed]

I have done a run of 60, a bit more testing yet , & Patents

Flathead Ted's supposed to be looking into reviving his efforts to offer a Lockheed floater kit if there was enough interest. I'm still interested. Anybody else? Jack E/NJ

 

[JSeery]

Would be interesting to see what all of this testing is worth in real life safety. States like I live in do not have any testing requirements and I've never hear or seen any increase in accident rates. Most accidents are related to drivers not vehicle failures.

 

[flatford8]

“Most accidents are related to drivers not vehicle failures.“ Exactly! If your not watching the road,what makes the difference how good or bad the brakes work?.... Mark

 

[Kahuna]

On my 32 Tudor sedan, I have the Bendix (12") brakes in front & Ford 9" (11" X 2") brakes in the rear, much like Alaska Jim. I use a single master cylinder with NO proportioning valve. Brakes are great.
All I need to do now, is to make the Bendix brakes self adjusting like the rears are.

 

[JSeery]

On my 32 Tudor sedan, I have the Bendix (12") brakes in front & Ford 9" (11" X 2") brakes in the rear, much like Alaska Jim. I use a single master cylinder with NO proportioning valve. Brakes are great.
All I need to do now, is to make the Bendix brakes self adjusting like the rears are.

Not sure which brakes you are using on the front, but the f1/f100 backing plates are easy to install the later hardware on for the self adjusting.

 

[Tim Ayers]

Here in DE they use a plate system as well ( I think Jersey also ). Not sure of the type of sensor mechanism. BUT, I Know well that they detect problems that won't show up with road tests and pulling wheels and drums (ala PA ).

The system however does not show how much usage remains ( like a visual check ). Awareness is the operator/owners responsibility.

Yes, NJ used this system up until the the late 90's I believe.

 

[Tim Ayers]

I have done a run of 60, a bit more testing yet , & Patents

I'm in too.

 

[rich b]

On my 32 Tudor sedan, I have the Bendix (12") brakes in front & Ford 9" (11" X 2") brakes in the rear, much like Alaska Jim. I use a single master cylinder with NO proportioning valve. Brakes are great.
All I need to do now, is to make the Bendix brakes self adjusting like the rears are.

Depending on the type shoe used on your 12" brakes, the kits in the picture may fit. I set the pieces onto a manual plate to give you an idea on how they lay out. Probably the same as the Ford 11" rear self-adjusters on your rear brakes. The purple spring does not come in the kit; but is included in the regular hardware kit, H7139. You may also want to add a second access slot on the left backing plate.

 

[mrtexas]

Would be interesting to see what all of this testing is worth in real life safety. States like I live in do not have any testing requirements and I've never hear or seen any increase in accident rates. Most accidents are related to drivers not vehicle failures.

IMHO testing is of no value today. The closest thing to perpetual motion is a government program. In the last nearly 40+ years of driving I have never failed the Texas inspection test with cars up to 13 years old. One would think either the test is irrelevant or they aren't testing the right thing after driving 1,000,000+ miles on 12+ cars and never failing. Now they do an "emissions" test where I live in the Houston area. It involves checking whether the check engine light is on. What a waste of time. What else is new with government programs?