The Ford Barn

jb-ob · 02-01-2026, 12:42 PM

You'll find many various 'brake pedal depressors' advertised in 'Ford Service & Field' magazines.

15 million Model T's barely had two wheel brakes so with the 'New Ford' Ford dealer service men had to learn to equalize 4 wheel brakes.

The critics of the 'stick' are usually those who made their living twiddling wrenches, including adjusting brakes. That guy can adjust by feel while the newbie is fumbling. It's not the 'stick' but the safety factor for the hobbyist.

All roads lead to Jerusalem.

jb-ob · 02-01-2026, 12:56 PM

Lastly using the 'stick' and the Service Bulletins description, you'll have Model A brakes adjusted for driving on dirt roads. Once you master that adjustment, you'll stumble onto the 1932 Service Bulletins adjustments description which is more appropriate for our 'modern' roads. These revised adjustments are for all four wheels to be the same, hence then no use for the 'stick'.

mcgarrett · 02-01-2026, 06:20 PM

A Google search seems to have found the mystery brake pedal jack tool referred to in the above service bulletin posted by 2Speed. From the description in the text, this tool seems to fit perfectly. I have never heard or seen one of these, but maybe some of our more seasoned Model A buffs here on the Barn are familiar with it. Being possessed by vintage special tools as I am, I'll probably buy one if I ever do.

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthoped...sor-3891026437

P.S. · 02-01-2026, 06:35 PM

Just use the stick.

jb-ob · 02-01-2026, 07:52 PM

Yes, MC, that is the better of the era brake depressors.

Bill G · 02-01-2026, 10:42 PM

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The board seems to work fine for me.

2speed · 02-01-2026, 11:14 PM

It was from a service manual found on the cmaff.com website under they're library heading. Some really great stuff there.

Is there an online copy of the 1932 service bulletins, it would be interesting to see what the no stick procedure is. I can't see how you can get a good adjustment without depressing the pedal to see what wheel grabs first.

Bob Bidonde · 02-02-2026, 08:35 AM

I have no hate for the board. I believe in basic physics that the brakes need to have a front bias because of the weight shift dynamics of the Model "A" when braking. That is, the mass of the car shifts forward while braking it. Thus the front wheels will have the higher normal force that increases the frictional force with the roadway, and the normal force on the rear wheels will decrease.

2speed · 02-02-2026, 09:49 AM

If you do not use the stick, how do you know your brakes are biased to the front?

jb-ob · 02-02-2026, 10:09 AM

If you use the 'stick' and adjust your brakes according to the Model A Service Bulletins, your brake bias is for the rear brakes to drag first. This was believed to be ideal for driving on loose, dirt roads.

With the 1932 Service Bulletins and 'solid' roads, it was recommended all four brakes be adjusted the same. Your choice & comfort level.

2speed · 02-02-2026, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jb-ob

If you use the 'stick' and adjust your brakes according to the Model A Service Bulletins, your brake bias is for the rear brakes to drag first. This was believed to be ideal for driving on loose, dirt roads.

With the 1932 Service Bulletins and 'solid' roads, it was recommended all four brakes be adjusted the same. Your choice & comfort level.

Depressing the pedal(with some sort of stick) but just have all the wheels brake at the same rate then?

Without depressing the pedal, I can't see how you can even out the brakes, or bias front or back.

In a hydraulic system just about every wheel gets the same pressure more or less, or at least it will even out better than on the mechanical system, especially with wear, or misadjusted linkages. Without depressing the pedal, and testing the wheels how can you tell?

jb-ob · 02-03-2026, 11:11 AM

2SP,

Ever since the 1960's all hydraulic brake systems with disc brakes included a proportion valve to even out & regulate brake pedal pressure between the fronts & rear. Discs being superior, in a panic the vehicle could switch ends.
(the theory)

This being a Model A site, lets stay with Model A brakes. Assuming (?) the brake system has been fully restored, the only adjustment is made with the adjusting wedges on each backing plate. Model As had the rear brakes lock while the fronts could spin. (dirt roads) Today most Model A owners prefer the security of having all four brakes working equally ie. adjusted the same.

'Capisci ?'

P.S. · 02-03-2026, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jb-ob

..... Assuming (?) the brake system has been fully restored, the only adjustment is made with the adjusting wedges on each backing plate....'

That is not correct. Especially considering the differences in brake rods from original to reproduction, changes in frame symmetry over time, differences in system components, previous repairs, etc. It is very important (I say MANDATORY) to adjust the brake rods as was explained in the video.

duke36 · 02-03-2026, 11:40 AM

From decades of experience , the stick can be helpful on the later brake system with adjustable rods.It gets one to a good estimate of lockup especially on the front wheels with drums cold. Road testing for pull to one side or the other and feeling the drums for even heat or a temp. gun can help as a final check.

2speed · 02-03-2026, 01:30 PM

The capeche part I don't get, and as PS has said, how can you tell if the brakes are biased/evenly adjusted without depressing the pedal, either with a foot or a board. That's what I'm asking, how do the individuals adjust their brakes without a board(or foot)?

For those that don't use a board, I can't see how you just set rods, set actuating arms, set adjusters and think that by magic it will all just fall into place and every wheel will have equal braking action.

Again I will ask, how do these individual adjust their brakes without using the board?

jb-ob · 02-03-2026, 03:31 PM

Simple, 'other's' who have made their living twiddling wrenches for a living develop the skill set of 'feel' after decades of working around brakes.

The rest of us mere morals have to struggle by using a 'stick' or biblical blessings to achieve safe brakes.

'Compendia'

2speed · 02-03-2026, 04:32 PM

Ok, so there is no procedure to do it without the stick, even though there are some on here that say everyone should throw the stick out.

Should be pretty simple for those who have all this knowledge by feel to just outline what they do, that's all I'm asking.

jb-ob · 02-03-2026, 05:17 PM

2SP, I think your getting it. Skipping the 'stick', follow the steps outlined in the Service Bulletins. OR

You can duplicate 'feel' by turning in the adjusters until all four brakes are locked. Now back off the adjusters the same number of 'clicks' to find a uniform drag with the wheels turning. At this point I'd suggest road testing the car to even the brake pull, ie stopping in a straight line.

Don't over think this, it's just a Model A.

nkaminar · 02-03-2026, 05:44 PM

2 Speed, see post #4.

2speed · 02-03-2026, 09:40 PM

Read post #4, and I'm not over thinking it. Instead of the board, you are using your foot, to depress the brake, just like the stick depresses the brake pedal. Instead of jacking the car up and turning the wheels by hand to feel the braking power, you are looking at skid marks.

I'm not seeing the difference between using the board and using your foot. I'm not seeing the difference between looking at skid marks or feeling brake drag. You can call it some mystical powers by people who are magical and can adjust brakes blindfolded by smell, but it's the same. The pedal has to be depressed and braking force has to be measured. If you're alone and don't feel like getting into trouble on the road, you use the board.

02-01-2026, 12:42 PM	#21
jb-ob Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 897	Re: Brake adjustments, stick or no stick You'll find many various 'brake pedal depressors' advertised in 'Ford Service & Field' magazines. 15 million Model T's barely had two wheel brakes so with the 'New Ford' Ford dealer service men had to learn to equalize 4 wheel brakes. The critics of the 'stick' are usually those who made their living twiddling wrenches, including adjusting brakes. That guy can adjust by feel while the newbie is fumbling. It's not the 'stick' but the safety factor for the hobbyist. All roads lead to Jerusalem.

02-01-2026, 12:56 PM	#22
jb-ob Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 897	Re: Brake adjustments, stick or no stick Lastly using the 'stick' and the Service Bulletins description, you'll have Model A brakes adjusted for driving on dirt roads. Once you master that adjustment, you'll stumble onto the 1932 Service Bulletins adjustments description which is more appropriate for our 'modern' roads. These revised adjustments are for all four wheels to be the same, hence then no use for the 'stick'.

02-01-2026, 06:20 PM	#23
mcgarrett Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Corsicana, Texas Posts: 1,551	Re: Brake adjustments, stick or no stick A Google search seems to have found the mystery brake pedal jack tool referred to in the above service bulletin posted by 2Speed. From the description in the text, this tool seems to fit perfectly. I have never heard or seen one of these, but maybe some of our more seasoned Model A buffs here on the Barn are familiar with it. Being possessed by vintage special tools as I am, I'll probably buy one if I ever do. https://www.worthpoint.com/worthoped...sor-3891026437

02-01-2026, 06:35 PM	#24
P.S. Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Hazzard County Posts: 2,165	Re: Brake adjustments, stick or no stick Just use the stick. __________________ 2024-2026 MAFCA Technical Director

02-01-2026, 07:52 PM	#25
jb-ob Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 897	Re: Brake adjustments, stick or no stick Yes, MC, that is the better of the era brake depressors.

02-01-2026, 10:42 PM	#26
Bill G Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Walla Walla, WA Posts: 1,072	Re: Brake adjustments, stick or no stick Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) The board seems to work fine for me.

02-01-2026, 11:14 PM	#27
2speed Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2022 Posts: 150	Re: Brake adjustments, stick or no stick It was from a service manual found on the cmaff.com website under they're library heading. Some really great stuff there. Is there an online copy of the 1932 service bulletins, it would be interesting to see what the no stick procedure is. I can't see how you can get a good adjustment without depressing the pedal to see what wheel grabs first.

02-02-2026, 08:35 AM	#28
Bob Bidonde Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 4,379	Re: Brake adjustments, stick or no stick I have no hate for the board. I believe in basic physics that the brakes need to have a front bias because of the weight shift dynamics of the Model "A" when braking. That is, the mass of the car shifts forward while braking it. Thus the front wheels will have the higher normal force that increases the frictional force with the roadway, and the normal force on the rear wheels will decrease. __________________ Bob Bidonde Last edited by Bob Bidonde; 02-02-2026 at 09:47 AM.

02-02-2026, 09:49 AM	#29
2speed Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2022 Posts: 150	Re: Brake adjustments, stick or no stick If you do not use the stick, how do you know your brakes are biased to the front?

02-02-2026, 10:09 AM	#30
jb-ob Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 897	Re: Brake adjustments, stick or no stick If you use the 'stick' and adjust your brakes according to the Model A Service Bulletins, your brake bias is for the rear brakes to drag first. This was believed to be ideal for driving on loose, dirt roads. With the 1932 Service Bulletins and 'solid' roads, it was recommended all four brakes be adjusted the same. Your choice & comfort level.

02-03-2026, 11:11 AM	#32
jb-ob Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 897	Re: Brake adjustments, stick or no stick 2SP, Ever since the 1960's all hydraulic brake systems with disc brakes included a proportion valve to even out & regulate brake pedal pressure between the fronts & rear. Discs being superior, in a panic the vehicle could switch ends. (the theory) This being a Model A site, lets stay with Model A brakes. Assuming (?) the brake system has been fully restored, the only adjustment is made with the adjusting wedges on each backing plate. Model As had the rear brakes lock while the fronts could spin. (dirt roads) Today most Model A owners prefer the security of having all four brakes working equally ie. adjusted the same. 'Capisci ?'

02-03-2026, 11:40 AM	#34
duke36 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 1,456	Re: Brake adjustments, stick or no stick From decades of experience , the stick can be helpful on the later brake system with adjustable rods.It gets one to a good estimate of lockup especially on the front wheels with drums cold. Road testing for pull to one side or the other and feeling the drums for even heat or a temp. gun can help as a final check.

02-03-2026, 01:30 PM	#35
2speed Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2022 Posts: 150	Re: Brake adjustments, stick or no stick The capeche part I don't get, and as PS has said, how can you tell if the brakes are biased/evenly adjusted without depressing the pedal, either with a foot or a board. That's what I'm asking, how do the individuals adjust their brakes without a board(or foot)? For those that don't use a board, I can't see how you just set rods, set actuating arms, set adjusters and think that by magic it will all just fall into place and every wheel will have equal braking action. Again I will ask, how do these individual adjust their brakes without using the board?

02-03-2026, 03:31 PM	#36
jb-ob Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 897	Re: Brake adjustments, stick or no stick Simple, 'other's' who have made their living twiddling wrenches for a living develop the skill set of 'feel' after decades of working around brakes. The rest of us mere morals have to struggle by using a 'stick' or biblical blessings to achieve safe brakes. 'Compendia'

02-03-2026, 04:32 PM	#37
2speed Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2022 Posts: 150	Re: Brake adjustments, stick or no stick Ok, so there is no procedure to do it without the stick, even though there are some on here that say everyone should throw the stick out. Should be pretty simple for those who have all this knowledge by feel to just outline what they do, that's all I'm asking.

02-03-2026, 05:17 PM	#38
jb-ob Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 897	Re: Brake adjustments, stick or no stick 2SP, I think your getting it. Skipping the 'stick', follow the steps outlined in the Service Bulletins. OR You can duplicate 'feel' by turning in the adjusters until all four brakes are locked. Now back off the adjusters the same number of 'clicks' to find a uniform drag with the wheels turning. At this point I'd suggest road testing the car to even the brake pull, ie stopping in a straight line. Don't over think this, it's just a Model A.

02-03-2026, 05:44 PM	#39
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 6,847	Re: Brake adjustments, stick or no stick 2 Speed, see post #4. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

02-03-2026, 09:40 PM	#40
2speed Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2022 Posts: 150	Re: Brake adjustments, stick or no stick Read post #4, and I'm not over thinking it. Instead of the board, you are using your foot, to depress the brake, just like the stick depresses the brake pedal. Instead of jacking the car up and turning the wheels by hand to feel the braking power, you are looking at skid marks. I'm not seeing the difference between using the board and using your foot. I'm not seeing the difference between looking at skid marks or feeling brake drag. You can call it some mystical powers by people who are magical and can adjust brakes blindfolded by smell, but it's the same. The pedal has to be depressed and braking force has to be measured. If you're alone and don't feel like getting into trouble on the road, you use the board.