[Jim Brierley]

I have performance Model A's, and highly recommend hydraulics. Their larger diameter, wider shoes and cast iron drums can only help stopping, especially in the hills where they are used repeatably. People brag about their mechanicals, I have never ridden in a Model A that has good mechanicals, including "expert" restorations. I use silicone fluid in them, this eliminates rusting cylinders, a common problem in cars that are not used often. As to which to use, they are all good, so price would be the deciding factor to me. My personal preference is the '39-'48 Wagoners. Hydraulics were designed for cars that weigh 3,000 lbs. and more, Model A mechanicals were on cars that weighed 2500 or less.