Newbie E-brake question

bigd1101

bigd1101

Senior Member
Ho folks, just bought a 1928 Model A 4 dr Phaeton. Here are some pics of my new addition. Also have a 1956 Nash Metro. Learning the ropes as I go. Fixing the small things that needed fixing. I've had many old cars and trucks over the years (I'm 66). My first A. Gotta get her inspected and the E-brake has to be functioning to pass here in NYS. All the levers work but when you pull back on the brake to set it, it won't catch. I presume there are teeth that ratchet like most E-brakes. The previous owner said that the "pall" under the floorboards might need cleaning? I haven't investigated it yet. Any suggestions? Thanks and nice to be here,


Don
 

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Welcome, SWEET Car...
Here are a couple of things to help you get started.
First you will want to get Les Andrews, Vol 1 Mechanics Handbook. Here is one vendors link.
http://www.mikes-afordable.com/product/A91024A.html

Here is an pdf copy of the cars Instruction Manual that will help you "bond" with your new friend,
http://motormayhem.net/wp-uploads/2009/04/Model-A-Instruction-Manual.pdf

Also you are in the right place. Don't forget that "You Tube" has lots of helpful videos on the Ford Model A. Here is a good start for you as a new A owner to watch. Jack is a contributor to this site.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xkAZil2b78&t=5s

Yes there is a "pawl" and it may well be worn out, or just dirty. There is also a spring and a pawl rod under the button on top of the e-brake handle. The button is held in place by a small pin. Could need cleaning also. All of this is on page 1-112-1-114 of that red manual.
PAWL: http://www.mikes-afordable.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=SRCH
Lot's of vendors have diagrams in their catalogs as well as Vintage Ford Forum:
https://www.vintagefordforum.com/forum

Ask, ask ask, and enjoy the adventure, Chap
 
Thanks folks (and Chap). Yes, have the Les Andrews, Vol 1 Mechanics Handbook on the way. Should be here today. Thanks for the links too! Love working on these old machines. Simple. Oh, and watched every Model A vid on YT and I mean everyone. Funny how some are off a bit with "how to set spark advance" One guy had it all the way down when starting......surprised he didn't kill the starter.

Don
 
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Sounds like your on the right track. Always compare the YT video to the Book. We all grew up under a different "shade tree" and made things up as we went along...lol Chap
 
Oh yeah. What I found is that there are so many variations of how to do something, you end up just trying it your way, staying within the "safe mode" parameters. I was intimidated with the spark advance thing until I talked to a good friend who owns a 1929 A PU. He said, for normal driving you set it about half way, shut down at first starts to avoid kick backs and advanced the most at highway speeds. It's not rocket science. Continual play with it wears it out. Each car is different, you just have to find the sweet spots. Make sense.

Don
 
My problem with my e-brake is that I have to pull the handle all the way to the last notch and it still doesn't completely stop the car. I couldn't find anything in the Andrews book about an adjustment. Did I miss something or do I just need new brake shoes (bands)?
 
See page 265 of the Service Bulletins. There are two holes in the lever on the brake cross shaft, try the upper hole.


Bob
 
The car has NO E-Brake Sys.per say.. It only uses the rear brakes as such.. Does not have a push button lever..
 
Before you order anything: Remove the floorboards and eyeball the e-brake as you move it back & forth. Have a lead light/flashlight to help you see the parts. You should be able to see exactly what the problem is and what needs to be done.
 
California Travieso said:
My problem with my e-brake is that I have to pull the handle all the way to the last notch and it still doesn't completely stop the car. I couldn't find anything in the Andrews book about an adjustment. Did I miss something or do I just need new brake shoes (bands)?
Click to expand...

I have the exact same problem - I can click mine all the way but the car still rolls. I'm hoping someone can explain how to fix or how to adjust!
 
Very nice looking car. Also you live in a great area for driving Model A’s.

The e-brake system is not hard to understand or work on. I would pull the floor boards and start checking your system from beginning to end. If operator is shot, new ones are readily available and easy to install.

New car to you, check the whole breaking system. Just to be sure.

We lived in Homer for 25 years, and found our Sport Coupe put away in a barn in Virgil. Enjoy.
 
Linkage sounds like it needs to be taken up, or shortened.
This is a parking brake only. Car should be completly stopped
BEFORE parking brake is applied, never to a rolling car!
 
Johns30 said:
I have the exact same problem - I can click mine all the way but the car still rolls. I'm hoping someone can explain how to fix or how to adjust!
Click to expand...
My 29 Tudor had no parking brake on the left side and the right side lining was held in place by only 1 brass rivet. It would pay to remove the rear drums and check it out. SERVICE BULLETINS give excellent information for repairs and adjustments to the brake systems.


BTW, you live in a nice state for Model A drives, with all those smooth country roads, and not too much traffic. You're lucky.
 
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