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Joe K · 03-02-2023, 06:34 PM

And why many resort to a "brake cylinder hone."

Very popular in the era before disk brakes.

Um. Did you keep the parts from the mechanical brakes? A reversion with cast iron drums is probably the BEST braking solution you can afford to the Model A.

Not sure where you sourced parts for your hydraulic brakes but the later Ford Hydraulics were aimed at a car about 2x the weight and are not really "sized well" for the Model A. Overly large brakes make for common use of "brake feathering" which tend to "set" the brakes in one position - and make for difficulty of return and possibility of "sticking."

Still, there are those who use and prefer the hydraulic setup, but unlike modern cars they are not without care or adjustment.

But always keep in mind your limitation in stopping is NOT the brake system - once you get past the issue of Model A "brake fade" and install cast iron drums on the mechanical system. The limitation is the square inches of rubber on the road.

Ford himself late in the 31A model year went cast iron drums for the Model A. Originals now much sought after in the Model A community. Mel Gross fills in the gap today.

Joe K

03-02-2023, 06:34 PM	#7
Joe K Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,188	Re: Hydrolic Brake problems And why many resort to a "brake cylinder hone." Very popular in the era before disk brakes. Um. Did you keep the parts from the mechanical brakes? A reversion with cast iron drums is probably the BEST braking solution you can afford to the Model A. Not sure where you sourced parts for your hydraulic brakes but the later Ford Hydraulics were aimed at a car about 2x the weight and are not really "sized well" for the Model A. Overly large brakes make for common use of "brake feathering" which tend to "set" the brakes in one position - and make for difficulty of return and possibility of "sticking." Still, there are those who use and prefer the hydraulic setup, but unlike modern cars they are not without care or adjustment. But always keep in mind your limitation in stopping is NOT the brake system - once you get past the issue of Model A "brake fade" and install cast iron drums on the mechanical system. The limitation is the square inches of rubber on the road. Ford himself late in the 31A model year went cast iron drums for the Model A. Originals now much sought after in the Model A community. Mel Gross fills in the gap today. Joe K __________________ Shudda kept the horse.