Identify Brakes

D

DFS

Junior Member
Would someone be able to identify these brakes according to this front brake photo? The car is a '37 with upgraded, unknown hydraulics. I would like to adjust the shoes, and read a very thorough thread Adjusting Brakes for a 39 - 41 Ford, but am not certain if it applies to these brakes. Thank you, David
 

Attachments

  • 20220717_201257.jpg
    20220717_201257.jpg
    63.4 KB · Views: 91
Yes, thats the 39-41 ford brake you have. The bolt you circled is the main adjuster, brings the shoe in and out to the drum, and the bottom adjuster will raise it up and down to be centered on the drum.
 
So often this design Lockheed/Ford brakes are called '39-'41. What ever happened to the '42 Ford that used the same brakes? The improved self-centering came after the war, which was 1945 for you history buffs. Some of the after-war improvements became universally accepted like the larger front wheel cylinders. Unless you are being judged, the improved design is a way to be sure you haven't failed in the centering of the shoes. OK for the rears, second rate for the front compared to the Bendix design. I'd have been grounded if my dad ever found Ford brakes on the front of my car. Good Luck: Fred A
 
Fred A said:
So often this design Lockheed/Ford brakes are called '39-'41. What ever happened to the '42 Ford that used the same brakes? The improved self-centering came after the war, which was 1945 for you history buffs. Some of the after-war improvements became universally accepted like the larger front wheel cylinders. Unless you are being judged, the improved design is a way to be sure you haven't failed in the centering of the shoes. OK for the rears, second rate for the front compared to the Bendix design. I'd have been grounded if my dad ever found Ford brakes on the front of my car. Good Luck: Fred A
Click to expand...


Hey Fredman....Ya know, you bring-up a point that I must admit that I have seriously questioned the CORRECT answer for several decades now. Of course, 1942 was an important, and transitional year for Ford in several ways. Quite a few Ford part numbers out there begin with that "21A-" prefix, indicating something to do with 1942 for those of us that give half a hoot. You bring-up a question about the cut-off production date for these original Lockheed-style backing plates. I know, as you do, that many folks (myself included) contend that 1941 was their last year in production. Likewise, I have always referred-to the Ford brake drums with hub & flange OUTSIDE the drum as 1942, first year in production, rather than 1946-'48. I don't have any authentic, reliable Ford parts manuals handy to look-up these two part numbers for their correct PREFIX numbers.....either '42 or '46. I would be reluctant to consider numbers out of the "Green Bible", as those numbers cover replacement, over-the-counter numbers (stuff that will function correctly...NOT necessarily ORIGINAL equipment parts). So, would YOU (or some other knowledgeable 'Barner with the right books and understanding) be able to look-up the actual part numbers for these two different styles of backing plate, as well as the actual part numbers (prefixes) for the two different brake drum styles? Possibly equally as definitive might be someone that has a "KNOWN-to-be-original" '42 Ford car that might comment on the style of brake parts that his automobile is equipped with. I really would like to see a RELIABLE and accurate answer to these two questions once and for all.

Coop

.
 
The answer is in the Green Book. '39-'42 has the lower adjusters, '46-'48 no lower adjusters.
Look it up. Page 26 in the chassis parts manual.
 
42merc said:
The answer is in the Green Book. '39-'42 has the lower adjusters, '46-'48 no lower adjusters.
Look it up. Page 26 in the chassis parts manual.
Click to expand...


I appreciate that, especially coming from a "42" guy! Any definitive word on the drums? Coop

.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top