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Old 05-11-2020, 09:57 PM   #1
old skool
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Default "Sure-Stop" front brake equalizer

Hello,
I'm working on a 1930s model A chassis and found the front brakes have a modification. I think the brand name is "Sure-Stop" front brake equalizers. This car wasn't repaired very well and I am fixing it. Can anyone show me some photos of it installed or tell me more about them? I wanted to put them back in and I want to make sure they are installed properly. How well do they work? First time dealing with them. Called Snyders and they weren't familiar with them and nothing turned up on my google search. Need some help please.
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Old 05-12-2020, 01:06 AM   #2
J Franklin
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Default Re: "Sure-Stop" front brake equalizer

It would be best to rebuild the brakes as built from the factory, and if you get instructions add the part and see if it improves things
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Old 05-12-2020, 01:29 AM   #3
Y-Blockhead
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Default Re: "Sure-Stop" front brake equalizer

If this is the device I'm thinking of, it took the place of the front brake rollers, roller track and wedge. I believe they worked well if kept in adjustment but could go over center and lock the front brakes.

Purdy may know...
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Old 05-12-2020, 08:43 AM   #4
1931 flamingo
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Default Re: "Sure-Stop" front brake equalizer

Most vendors sell a similar product and/or : Ted's Floaters.
Paul in CT
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Old 05-12-2020, 08:50 AM   #5
Purdy Swoft
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Default Re: "Sure-Stop" front brake equalizer

Quote:
Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead View Post
If this is the device I'm thinking of, it took the place of the front brake rollers, roller track and wedge. I believe they worked well if kept in adjustment but could go over center and lock the front brakes.

Purdy may know...

I do use this device on some of our model As and it has worked good for me and eliminates a few parts in the process . As Y block said it can go over center and lock up if not kept in good adjustment . I feel that the device adds leverage and improves the front brakes . I hope this part is still offered as I would use it again .
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Old 05-12-2020, 09:39 AM   #6
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Default Re: "Sure-Stop" front brake equalizer

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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1931 flamingo View Post
Most vendors sell a similar product and/or : Ted's Floaters.
Paul in CT
Who has a similar product as the "Sure-Stop". They are not the same as FHT's at all.
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Old 05-12-2020, 11:03 AM   #7
duke36
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Default Re: "Sure-Stop" front brake equalizer

Do they look like this sketch from the internet?
Attached Files
File Type: pdf Floaters.pdf (114.1 KB, 180 views)
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Old 05-12-2020, 03:34 PM   #8
ryanheacox
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Default Re: "Sure-Stop" front brake equalizer

Quote:
Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead View Post
Who has a similar product as the "Sure-Stop". They are not the same as FHT's at all.

Doesn't look the same but I think this kit would do the same thing. I believe this kit and the sure-stop are just floaters and Teds kit also makes the brakes self energizing.



https://www.brattons.com/front-brake-floaters.html
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Old 05-12-2020, 07:28 PM   #9
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Default Re: "Sure-Stop" front brake equalizer

Quote:
Originally Posted by duke36 View Post
Do they look like this sketch from the internet?
Duke, yes that is the one I was thinking of. Wish we had a better picture tho.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ryanheacox View Post
Doesn't look the same but I think this kit would do the same thing. I believe this kit and the sure-stop are just floaters and Teds kit also makes the brakes self energizing.

https://www.brattons.com/front-brake-floaters.html
No, the Sure Stop kit is not the same. Look at Duke's sketch. The Sure Stop does not use the wedge so you don't need the wedge stud.

Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 05-12-2020 at 10:33 PM.
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Old 05-12-2020, 07:51 PM   #10
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Default Re: "Sure-Stop" front brake equalizer

OK, found a picture of the kit I was referring to. Not sure if this is what the OP was talking about or not. As you can see, if the brakes were not kept adjusted it could go over center and lock up your front brakes.

Nothing like Flat Head Ted's.


"It includes both equalizers, two brake pins which are needed because they are 1/4 inch shorter than stock, and two plugs for the holes left when the brake wedge is removed from the backing plates."

Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 05-12-2020 at 07:58 PM.
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Old 05-12-2020, 08:00 PM   #11
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Default Re: "Sure-Stop" front brake equalizer

I've had these on my car since I bought it 27 years ago. I think they work as well as the original wedges, but you have to check the linings to make sure they don't wear down too far.
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Old 05-12-2020, 08:59 PM   #12
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Default Re: "Sure-Stop" front brake equalizer

That's it. I had trouble downloading a photo.
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Old 05-12-2020, 09:04 PM   #13
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Default Re: "Sure-Stop" front brake equalizer

I've installed Ted's before. Do these other ones just float with no anchoring? Thats how they looked when I removed them. Anyone have some instructions for them? Thanks for all the help and answers.

Last edited by old skool; 05-12-2020 at 09:05 PM. Reason: Spelling
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Old 05-12-2020, 09:11 PM   #14
Purdy Swoft
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Default Re: "Sure-Stop" front brake equalizer

The original front brake push rods have to be shortened .I think that the push rods need to be shortened 5/16 . I just remembered , I've got a set of those floaters on a shelf . I will look at the instructions and report back tomorrow . I posted pictures of these floaters and the instructions on this site a few years ago . Photo bucket removed most if not all of my pictures here . Someone here may have copied and could post them . My pictures still show up here from time to time .
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Old 05-13-2020, 06:15 AM   #15
Ray64
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Default Re: "Sure-Stop" front brake equalizer

I have a set of those I would like to install but I don't have the instructions ANYONE want to share ? RAY
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Old 05-13-2020, 07:30 AM   #16
Bob-A
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Thumbs up Re: "Sure-Stop" front brake equalizer

I had a '30 town sedan back in the early 80's with a set of the "Sure-Stop" equalizers. Never had a brake problem and for somebody to have a set lock up by over extending.... The brake shoes would have to be totally worn out! At least from what I remember about them.


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Old 05-13-2020, 10:46 AM   #17
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Default Re: "Sure-Stop" front brake equalizer

It will be necessary to remove the shoes , remove the lower rollers and pins from the lower ends of the brake shoes , remove the sliding wedge assembly from the backing plates , remove the long leverage pin-push rod and remove 5/16 , do not remove more than 5/16 from the leverage pin , After installation of the floaters , the ideal
position of the brake levers is , drivers side 11 o clock , passenger side 1 o clock .
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Old 05-31-2020, 07:41 AM   #18
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Default Re: "Sure-Stop" front brake equalizer

I got them installed. Seem to work well. Thanks for your help.
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Old 05-31-2020, 11:39 AM   #19
Purdy Swoft
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Default Re: "Sure-Stop" front brake equalizer

Thanks for the feed back . I'm glad that it worked out .
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Old 05-31-2020, 12:58 PM   #20
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Default Re: "Sure-Stop" front brake equalizer

Thanks for getting back to us. A lot of people don't and then nobody learns anything.
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