Brakes

[jhowes]

While I was laid up these last few months, I was reading about using a vacuum assist on the model A mechanical brakes. Does anyone know anything about this? Jack

 

[Bob C]

Here's one I have.

 

[Patrick L.]

Hmmm, thats interesting.

 

[Bill G]

Hmmm. A more modern vacuum booster unit amplifies the push of the pedal to a hydraulic brake master cylinder, In the case of mechanical brakes, you need to amplify the pull action. I am sure something could be rigged up, but it would involve some engineering.

 

[GRutter]

Wouldn't a vacuum brake system for a tractor trailer be almost perfect to retrofit?

 

[Bob C]

The hard part is finding the foot control valve.

 

[jhowes]

the PROBLEM THAT i AM HAVING TROUBLE WITH IS THE MECHANICAL CONNECTION BETWEEN THE VACUUM UNIT AND THE MECHANICAL FORD BRAKE RODS. When the brakes are applied the rods are on the pull stroke.. The vacuum assist unit is the opposite;; the output of the power unit is on a push stroke when the brakes are applied.. It can be worked out but I was hoping someone had gone through the effort before me so that I wouldn't have to go through "trial and error" to get it right. Jack

 

[Bob C]

Something like these were bolted to the brake cross shaft.
I saw one conversion that used an engine connecting rod.

 

[jhowes]

I want to thank everyone for there help with this issue. I will tackle this in the summer next year assuming that I will recover from my present health issues. Jack