[Richard (EV8G)]

Thanks again Charlie!!!

For those who prefer mechanical brakes I have no quarrel. However, IF one prefers to convert to hydraulic brakes while doing no harm, we have solutions...

39-42 Ford/Lockheed brakes have adjustable lower shoe anchors to PROPERLY CENTER THE SHOE LINING in the drums ONLY when new shoe linings are installed. To obtain maximum lining contact, the linings need to be arc-ground to fit the drums. Thereafter, the (upper clearance) adjustment procedure is the same as with the later 46-48 type, which have self-centering shoes. The newer design is no doubt the result of widespread misunderstanding of how to properly adjust the earlier brakes. The Service Bulletin procedure fails to explain the purpose of what is being done. Some actually prefer the early design as being more precise, with the thinking that the later design creates some lag while the shoes center...

Also consider the new Bendix Self-Energizing brakes. The Ford/Lockheed brakes essentially use ONLY the forward shoe when stopping going forward. The Bendix
brakes use BOTH shoes and the energy of the rotating drum to create servo
action that reduces the amount of pedal pressure required while applying BOTH shoes against a fixed anchor.

It is correct that stopping is limited by the amount of tire "foot print" and therefore (especially with Bendix) care must be taken to NOT lock up the wheels and thereby risk loss of control.

Because disc brakes may not be compatible with Ford or KH wire wheels or 36-39 "wide 5" wheels, the Bendix brakes are the next best choice if keeping original appearance is important.

Richard
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