1st model a brake job
 

I've done brake jobs and adjustments on vintage buicks, Cadillacs and other cars with mechanical brakes. It seems that the model a will be a whole different experience.

Right out of the gate, someone has adjusted the rods all the way in to compensate for the slop in the lever. Both fronts are exactly the same. Lever sits about negative 10 degrees at rest.

No wonder this car wouldn't stop when going over 5 mph.

Re: 1st model a brake job
 

Yes that is a big red flag. Are you going over the whole system?

Re: 1st model a brake job
 

Well, you are definitely off to a good start on your diagnosis. Model-A brakes are a very adequate system when all components are within specification, ...however therein lies the problem for most mechanics as they do not do a through rebuilding of the system.

I see this is your first post on the Model-A side after all of these years of being here. So glad you are here posting now!

I am guessing by 'north of Houston', you are likely near the Spring or Conroe area. If you are not familiar with them, there is a good club in your area named the Piney Woods Model-A club. Hopefully you are already involved with them and have met some guys from that club who may be able to assist you on rebuilding your brakes. Ironically, my father and a couple other guys founded the Greater Houston Model-A club about 55 years ago. I have many good memories as a kid participating in that club during the 60s, 70s, and 80s.

Re: 1st model a brake job
 

My initial hopes was that this would be a quick adjustment. Not so, I will go over the entire system as this car will be a driver and must be right.

Re: 1st model a brake job
 

I just signed back up with Piney Woods last week. I am actually near Tomball, west of Spring.

As this car will be a driver, the brakes must be right.

Re: 1st model a brake job
 

I grew up on the opposite side of Houston in the Pasadena area. The Tomball I remember does not look like the Tomball area now!! :eek:

Re: 1st model a brake job
 

More fun. I drove this car Friday and was hard braking which resulted in only marginally slowing the car, looking at the shoes and drums, it is evident that the brake system was on vacation. It looks like someone in the past was using the parking brake for daily duty.

Re: 1st model a brake job
 

Looks like your lugs are welded onto the hub. You will have to get different hubs.

Re: 1st model a brake job
 

Yep, the deeper I get into the brakes, the worse it gets. Hope the money tree has deep roots! hahaha

Re: 1st model a brake job
 

I just finished doing what you are now doing.
What some of the previous owners did with these cars is either laughable or down right scary......! :(