Brakes
- Thread starter fordlovr
- Start date
Charlie Stephens
Well-known member
Yes with a few minor modifications. Search the archives here, on ahooga.com and on HAMB. You probably won't want to use the hubs since their bolt pattern is 5 on 10 1/4 (the "wide five") but the '39 backing plates are useable with the later hubs. When you use the hydraulic drums and wire wheels you will need adapters (see http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1286293&posted=1#post1286293)
Charlie Stephens
Charlie Stephens
Randy in ca
Well-known member
The 1939-48 (hydraulic brake) backing plates will not fit onto the Model A spindles without modification. The 4 mounting holes are spaced differently and the large middle opening is also a different size.
Yes, but honestly if you want good brakes just restore the stock system. Yes it cost a chunk but then possible not as the early hydraulic setups bring a hefty sum.
The stock system restored properly can stop on a dime. Going to hydraulics is actually a step backward on an "A". The Model A just doesn't lend itself to hydraulics well without all the modifications.. and then if you don't drive it frequently the problems of a hydraulic system not used frequently. Mechanical's you don't have that issue.
People think mechanical brakes are terrible and that is because they are all worn out and not restored and adjusted properly. Funny that they don't say the same thing about hydraulics when they don't work well.
Read the previous thread posts search under hydraulic conversion
All the best!
Larry
Bob Bidonde
Well-known member
Having installed Flathead Ted's Brake Kit onto my latest Model "A" restoration, I say the brakes are equal to or better in stopping performance than hydraulic brakes. Why? Because Flathead Ted's kit allows the brake shoes to find the center of the drums when the bakes are applied. Thus the braking contact area is significantly increased over the stock Ford brakes.
