The Ford Barn

upd8922 · 06-12-2018, 05:34 PM

I own a 1928 Model A Ford Leatherback. I'm kinda restoring it a little bit at a time. My current project is the brake system. I had the liners replaced, the Front brake pins replaced. Rear brake liners replaced along with some pins and clevis replaced. During this venture we noticed that I have a AR model due to the brake arm levers and the plate on the left side where the original e-brake arm was. Anyways, me and my mechanic just can't get the car to stop properly. I know that they are mechanical brakes and really don't stop well, but it should stop than they are. I recently noticed some play where the equalizer shift goes into brake levers. So I had the levers fixed by having them machined and drilled for a tighter fit with the equalizer shaft. Any suggestions that could help me I would accept.

Steve Wastler · 06-12-2018, 07:13 PM

Correct mechanical brakes will stop extremely well when adjusted correctly, keep trying

upd8922 · 06-12-2018, 10:25 PM

Do you think using the board between the brake pedal and seat could work?

Roadster62 · 06-12-2018, 10:32 PM

There is an "AR" in the shop I work part time, that equalizer just looks scary, are they really designed to be that sloppy? Bob

upd8922 · 06-13-2018, 02:55 AM

I appreciate the response. My shaft was sloppy. I had brought it to a machine shop, where metal was added and drill for the persistent fit to the shaft. It's not as sloppy.

juke joint johnny · 06-13-2018, 04:05 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Are you using the soft woven linings ?
The bonded hard modern linings don't work very well on rod brakes,

Radius the brake shoes to the inside of the drums so the whole shoe makes contact with the drum

Where are you located?

Jim/GA · 06-13-2018, 08:13 AM

There are instructions in the original Ford Dealer Service Bulletins on how to adjust this style brake system with the equalizer (and no separate parking brake system). Follow them. Reprints are available.

Mechanical brakes DO stop your car well, when done right. I can skid all 4 tires on both of my Model A's on clean dry pavement.

46woodduck · 06-13-2018, 08:29 AM

As the old guy I worked for in high school 56 years ago told me..."when all else fails, read the manual". After all of these years I still go to the books when problems arise.

upd8922 · 06-13-2018, 07:13 PM

Members,
Thanks for the comments. We were able locate and correct the problem. Apparently the rods were bent and straightened out. The brakes work fine.

06-12-2018, 05:34 PM	#1
upd8922 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Posts: 5	1928 Model A AR Brakes I own a 1928 Model A Ford Leatherback. I'm kinda restoring it a little bit at a time. My current project is the brake system. I had the liners replaced, the Front brake pins replaced. Rear brake liners replaced along with some pins and clevis replaced. During this venture we noticed that I have a AR model due to the brake arm levers and the plate on the left side where the original e-brake arm was. Anyways, me and my mechanic just can't get the car to stop properly. I know that they are mechanical brakes and really don't stop well, but it should stop than they are. I recently noticed some play where the equalizer shift goes into brake levers. So I had the levers fixed by having them machined and drilled for a tighter fit with the equalizer shaft. Any suggestions that could help me I would accept.

06-12-2018, 07:13 PM	#2
Steve Wastler Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,987	Re: 1928 Model A AR Brakes Correct mechanical brakes will stop extremely well when adjusted correctly, keep trying

06-12-2018, 10:25 PM	#3
upd8922 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Posts: 5	Re: 1928 Model A AR Brakes Do you think using the board between the brake pedal and seat could work?

06-12-2018, 10:32 PM	#4
Roadster62 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ridgefield, Ct Posts: 3,441	Re: 1928 Model A AR Brakes There is an "AR" in the shop I work part time, that equalizer just looks scary, are they really designed to be that sloppy? Bob __________________ They don't have to run to be enjoyed. I'm here to enjoy the hobby, and enjoy the cars no matter what they look like. Most of the worlds problems are electrical.

06-13-2018, 02:55 AM	#5
upd8922 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Posts: 5	Re: 1928 Model A AR Brakes I appreciate the response. My shaft was sloppy. I had brought it to a machine shop, where metal was added and drill for the persistent fit to the shaft. It's not as sloppy. Last edited by upd8922; 06-13-2018 at 03:03 AM.

06-13-2018, 04:05 AM	#6
juke joint johnny Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: London England Posts: 908	Re: 1928 Model A AR Brakes Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Are you using the soft woven linings ? The bonded hard modern linings don't work very well on rod brakes, Radius the brake shoes to the inside of the drums so the whole shoe makes contact with the drum Where are you located?

06-13-2018, 08:13 AM	#7
Jim/GA Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Young Harris, GA Posts: 1,818	Re: 1928 Model A AR Brakes There are instructions in the original Ford Dealer Service Bulletins on how to adjust this style brake system with the equalizer (and no separate parking brake system). Follow them. Reprints are available. Mechanical brakes DO stop your car well, when done right. I can skid all 4 tires on both of my Model A's on clean dry pavement. __________________ Jim Cannon Former MAFCA Technical Director "Have a Model A day!"

06-13-2018, 08:29 AM	#8
46woodduck Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: So Cal Posts: 2	Re: 1928 Model A AR Brakes As the old guy I worked for in high school 56 years ago told me..."when all else fails, read the manual". After all of these years I still go to the books when problems arise. __________________ Life is good on the lunatic fringe. Last edited by 46woodduck; 06-22-2018 at 08:47 AM.

06-13-2018, 07:13 PM	#9
upd8922 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Posts: 5	Re: 1928 Model A AR Brakes Members, Thanks for the comments. We were able locate and correct the problem. Apparently the rods were bent and straightened out. The brakes work fine.