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Kevin in NJ · 05-22-2011, 07:39 AM

The best upgrade you can do is properly rebuild the brakes with all new parts, new drums, arched shoes an centered.

You have to do the same amount of work to put on ANY brake system on the A. If you are changing the system you have to think a lot more to proper engineer the system and not introduce more issues.

That being said, consider...

Going to later brakes is not that great unless you change your wheels too. The Model A brakes are really limited by the tires. Keeping the same wheels means you introduce two problems. More brake then the tire can handle and an unsupported wheel hub of the A wheel. The Model A wheel requires the drum to support the hub of the wheel. This will allow the wheel to flex with questionable results in the long term.

It still comes down to proper restoration. If you do not properly repair the whole brake system you will not have good brakes. Switching brakes systems is not a true answer. Yes, you will end up with better brakes and that is because you fixed some or all of the problems with the worn out stuff you took out. Then you have to ask what new problems have you introduced?

If you plan on going down the road to later brakes....

I suggest that you first look at the evolution of the brakes through to 1938. Late 36 Ford introduced a floating adjusting wedge so going to 35 is not the full answer if you were to go that way. Also look up the parts in the Green Book.

05-22-2011, 07:39 AM	#7
Kevin in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South East NJ Posts: 3,398	Re: Model A Brake upgrade? The best upgrade you can do is properly rebuild the brakes with all new parts, new drums, arched shoes an centered. You have to do the same amount of work to put on ANY brake system on the A. If you are changing the system you have to think a lot more to proper engineer the system and not introduce more issues. That being said, consider... Going to later brakes is not that great unless you change your wheels too. The Model A brakes are really limited by the tires. Keeping the same wheels means you introduce two problems. More brake then the tire can handle and an unsupported wheel hub of the A wheel. The Model A wheel requires the drum to support the hub of the wheel. This will allow the wheel to flex with questionable results in the long term. It still comes down to proper restoration. If you do not properly repair the whole brake system you will not have good brakes. Switching brakes systems is not a true answer. Yes, you will end up with better brakes and that is because you fixed some or all of the problems with the worn out stuff you took out. Then you have to ask what new problems have you introduced? If you plan on going down the road to later brakes.... I suggest that you first look at the evolution of the brakes through to 1938. Late 36 Ford introduced a floating adjusting wedge so going to 35 is not the full answer if you were to go that way. Also look up the parts in the Green Book.