55mph and over?

[1929]

Will the Model A with mechanical brakes stop just like the vehicle that has hydraulic brakes, traveling at the speed of 55mph and over?

[jim1932]

umm... No!

hence why we do not still have mechanical brakes.

Remember you asked "Better" not are mechanicals adequate......

[JonC]

I think the point has been made that regardless of mechanicals or Hyd. if you can lock up the wheels both are using the small amount of tire footprint to stop you. I don't think it matters unless you are looking for less pedal pressure than go for Hyd brakes and deal with leaks and bleeding.

[Marco Tahtaras]

As noted, the 'footprint' is the weak link. The lack of weight doesn't help either. I can stop in a shorter distance in my Fordor than the Roadster due to the additional weight. I've still had to do a split second release of the pedal to break a slide but It's slowed down more both before and after.

It's a bit more hazardous with drivers today. With anti-lock brakes being commonplace, many folks never develop the instinct to break a slide and maintain (or quickly regain) control of the car in severe braking. I grew up in a fairly congested area where it was apart of life if you spent any time on the road.

[Mike V. Florida]

Both will lock up the wheels (not a good thing). Since either will stop the wheels from turning, either will work fine stopping your car.

If you were to ask which will do so with less foot pressure on the pedal, then juice will win.

[Pete]

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Originally Posted by Marco Tahtaras

As noted, the 'footprint' is the weak link. The lack of weight doesn't help either. I can stop in a shorter distance in my Fordor than the Roadster due to the additional weight. I've still had to do a split second release of the pedal to break a slide but It's slowed down more both before and after.

It's a bit more hazardous with drivers today. With anti-lock brakes being commonplace, many folks never develop the instinct to break a slide and maintain (or quickly regain) control of the car in severe braking. I grew up in a fairly congested area where it was apart of life if you spent any time on the road.

Modulating the brake pedal will stop you about 4 feet faster than a lockup at 30 mph.

[Marco Tahtaras]

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

Both will lock up the wheels (not a good thing). Since either will stop the wheels from turning, either will work fine stopping your car.

If you were to ask which will do so with less foot pressure on the pedal, then juice will win.

Be careful with such statements. The TRUE answer is "juice has the potential to win", OR poorly engineered adaptations (the most common) of juice brakes are often better than so-called restored mechanical brakes which are more often than not JUNK.

[PC/SR]

Which ever has the greatest shoe area on the drums will obviously apply more braking pressure (and less foot pressure) to the drums, assuming both are properly set up.
That said, as noted, the "footprint" will determine which wheel grips the road better to stop, or skid. A hydraulic brake that locks up is no more effective than a mechanical brake that locks up.
I agree with Marco about anti-lock brakes. A skilled driver can stop quicker without them. However, better for my Wife to just jam on the anti-locks on her car.
Then there is the issue of fade from "riding" the brakes on long descents. Things can get exciting when you do that, whether using mechanical or hydraulic. Another driving skill lost because of disc brakes, which will fade, but it takes longer for it to happen because of better cooling.

[updraught]

I take it the brakes would work much better with Excelsior radial tires?

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Marco Tahtaras

Be careful with such statements. The TRUE answer is "juice has the potential to win", OR poorly engineered adaptations (the most common) of juice brakes are often better than so-called restored mechanical brakes which are more often than not JUNK.

Your right, I should have added "properly" installed.

[dumb person]

Yes they can. But you will still be using drum brakes and narrow tires with the limitations that drum brakes and narrow tires have.

[Manager]

Hmm wish I had your problem. Not really seeing over 55 MPH with my car.

[1929]

Originally Posted by Manager

Hmm wish I had your problem. Not really seeing over 55 MPH with my car.

You wouldn't want the problem I had from the prior owner, the rear brake shoes had grease on them, the brakes needed 50 feet to come to a full stop, I thought it was a plane.