Re: Brake feel . . .
Dann L:
Welcome to the forum. Many of us fully understand the challenges of affording a Model A.
Of all the things that have been written and discussed on this and other forums, brakes is at the top of the list of frequent topics. You can use the search function to find things that have been posted. Unlike topics on what kind of oil to use or whether or not to use antifreeze, there is actually a lot of agreement on brakes! (usually)
The properly functioning Model A brakes should be able to handle an emergency stop and you should not feel any hesitation to use them. They will lock up if you brake heavily, but the stock Model A is designed to lock the rear brakes before fronts.
As a new owner of a Model A, you should get the Les Andrews red Mechanics Handbook.
If the original steel brake drums have never been replaced you should seriously consider spending the money on cast iron brake drums that you can get from Randy Gross. If, on the other hand, your drums are in good shape, the cost of relining brake shoes is considerably less, but there are several other points of wear to consider in mechanical brakes. Like has been said, you need to pop the drums off and see what's going on inside before you can do a game plan.
Of all the things you work on, the brakes take a very high position in the list of priorities. If you have ever seen old pictures from the 1930's of Model A's in traffic accidents, you will see that they don't do well in collisions and neither do their occupants. It is well worth the money.
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