The Ford Barn - View Single Post - What are the advantages of upgrading to Hydraulic Braks

DavidG · 01-08-2021, 08:30 PM

I think that part of the attraction of hydraulic brakes is a lack of understanding what constitutes a good mechanical brake system and what is required to maintain its efficiency. There have been numerous threads on this site where it is obvious that the basics have not been given a lot of thought and/or the car owners do not have the widely-available Ford service bulletins to inform him/herself how to keep their brakes "as new".

Your point about the role of tires in braking is an excellent one. Not only is the width of the tread important but also the tread design to at least the same extent. The tread designs on many of the flathead-era replacement tires, most notably the Firestone 16" and 17" tires, are the antithesis of effective braking, be they hydraulic or mechanical systems.

01-08-2021, 08:30 PM	#12
DavidG Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: southeastern Michigan Posts: 10,102	Re: What are the advantages of upgrading to Hydraulic Braks I think that part of the attraction of hydraulic brakes is a lack of understanding what constitutes a good mechanical brake system and what is required to maintain its efficiency. There have been numerous threads on this site where it is obvious that the basics have not been given a lot of thought and/or the car owners do not have the widely-available Ford service bulletins to inform him/herself how to keep their brakes "as new". Your point about the role of tires in braking is an excellent one. Not only is the width of the tread important but also the tread design to at least the same extent. The tread designs on many of the flathead-era replacement tires, most notably the Firestone 16" and 17" tires, are the antithesis of effective braking, be they hydraulic or mechanical systems.