pre 39 Ford brakes

[Bill OH]

I have had 3 38 Fords - all with cable brakes. One in the early 50s and the other 2 of more recent years. The item to inspect is the condition of the wedges - are they cupped on the sides where they press against the roller in the brake shoe. If cupped, then straighten the edge of the wedge on the side of a grinding wheel. Helps much. Keep the cables lubricated. To adjust the brakes periodically, I jack up a wheel, pull the emergency brake on 2 notches and turn the adjuster on the top of the backside of the backing plate until I can just turn the wheel by hand. Then release the emergency and check if the wheel can be turned okay. Do the same for all 4 wheels. I do not see the need for floaters and the mechanicals will slide the wheels on dry road - cannot get any better than that.

 

[37ford4dr]

thks i will look at that next time have the wheels off

 

[CHUCKY]

Any idea where I can get good directions for installing floaters? Thanks...

 

[Zeke3]

Attached is a link to a recent discussion that includes instructions for installing floaters. Welcome to the barn.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=329843&highlight=Floaters

 

[richard crow]

bendix self energizing are the best way to go if you are running drum brakes.

 

[ford38v8]

bendix self energizing are the best way to go if you are running drum brakes.

This is basically what the '35-'38 floaters do, converts to a Bendix system.

 

[Kurt in NJ]

there’s a 36 ford service bulletin showing the installation of the factory floaters

 

[Abcarswell]

Speaking of brakes, where can you buy a complete set of shoes that are already riveted and ready to mount for my 33 coupe?

Third Gen Auto has relined shoes in stock.