The Ford Barn

kevinshea · 03-06-2026, 06:12 PM

I have a 35 woodie with 40 spindles and Lockheed brakes. My plan is to move to 53-56 bendix FRONT brake using F100 backing plates and drums. Assembling those parts now. While I am doing that, I am also planning to add a booster to my system. Car is currently outfitted with a dual master. It appears that I have two options for a booster.. a 55-57 Tbird midland or a VH44 big bore ¾” .. while chinese VH44 are available on eBay the bore is 5/16” and look to service 10” drums. Research suggests the VH44 as a better choice than the Tbird, since Tbird could be too “aggressive” . It also looks like I will need a space to run my 35 wire wheels and possible a change of wheel bearing (More info needed )

I am writing for any comment from folks who have done something similar.

Flatheadfan has posts of his Tbird set up, but he is not with us now.

03-06-2026, 06:12 PM	#1
kevinshea Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: old orchard beach maine Posts: 64	Booster for Bendix brakes : options, opinions? I have a 35 woodie with 40 spindles and Lockheed brakes. My plan is to move to 53-56 bendix FRONT brake using F100 backing plates and drums. Assembling those parts now. While I am doing that, I am also planning to add a booster to my system. Car is currently outfitted with a dual master. It appears that I have two options for a booster.. a 55-57 Tbird midland or a VH44 big bore ¾” .. while chinese VH44 are available on eBay the bore is 5/16” and look to service 10” drums. Research suggests the VH44 as a better choice than the Tbird, since Tbird could be too “aggressive” . It also looks like I will need a space to run my 35 wire wheels and possible a change of wheel bearing (More info needed ) I am writing for any comment from folks who have done something similar. Flatheadfan has posts of his Tbird set up, but he is not with us now.