The Ford Barn

B.SUTTON · 02-04-2014, 12:09 AM

Pedal travel on my Tudor is getting to the point that it's probably time for some adjustment. I ordered the " brake buddy" tool from Mac's to make the job a little easier. I decided to give it a trial fit tonight and found it to be a bit too long at its shortest setting. The reference line is a couple inches forward of the pedal with the back end of the tool against the front of the seat frame (with the seat in its rearward position). I'm wondering if I'm doing something wrong or if I've got a bum part that needs some tweaking. Anyone else use one of these tools? Did you have any trouble?

Russell in Tulsa · 02-04-2014, 09:02 PM

I didn't find the brake buddy on Mac's site. Is it the board with the "steps" cut into it or the caulking gun style mechanism to extend and retract a plunger?

B.SUTTON · 02-04-2014, 10:01 PM

Russell,
It's the board with the steps cut in it. The included directions refer to it as a "brake buddy" but I don't think it is called that in the catalog. Sorry for the confusion.

ctvpa · 02-04-2014, 10:08 PM

Mine was too long also, I just set it to the top seam of the seat, or from below set it to the seat attachment to the floor.
I used Flathead Teds brake system http://flatheadted.com/ . I can lock up all 4 wheels. Go to his site, and check out the video.

BILL WILLIAMSON · 02-04-2014, 10:20 PM

BSUTTON, Dog here,
You don't need no board BUDDIE thingy, If you were close, I'd come over & "bark out" the reglar, simple way to git yo' pedal up good & stoppin' on a penny. I'd do it fer you, BUT I got NO thumbs. The board way is jist OLD HOCUS-POCUS Surch "BRAKE ADJUSTMENT" fer the simple, correct way.
Buster T.

insomniacshotrods · 02-04-2014, 10:21 PM

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Sounds like its too long for your application. Just cut it till the line is even with the brake pedal at rest.

Bruce of MN · 02-05-2014, 06:55 AM

Reminds me of the saying, "I trimmed it twice and it's still too short!"

ctvpa · 02-05-2014, 10:55 AM

Take a look at the part closest to the seat. The slot for the adjusting screws are off center. Check to see you have the shortest side to the back.

Patrick L. · 02-05-2014, 11:00 AM

Can you return it ? I use the 'brake board' , but, a piece of scrap 1X4 works just fine.

02-04-2014, 12:09 AM	#1
B.SUTTON Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Peoria, IL Posts: 29	Mac's "brake buddy" problems??? Pedal travel on my Tudor is getting to the point that it's probably time for some adjustment. I ordered the " brake buddy" tool from Mac's to make the job a little easier. I decided to give it a trial fit tonight and found it to be a bit too long at its shortest setting. The reference line is a couple inches forward of the pedal with the back end of the tool against the front of the seat frame (with the seat in its rearward position). I'm wondering if I'm doing something wrong or if I've got a bum part that needs some tweaking. Anyone else use one of these tools? Did you have any trouble?

02-04-2014, 09:02 PM	#2
Russell in Tulsa Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Tulsa Oklahoma Posts: 298	Re: Mac's "brake buddy" problems??? I didn't find the brake buddy on Mac's site. Is it the board with the "steps" cut into it or the caulking gun style mechanism to extend and retract a plunger?

02-04-2014, 10:01 PM	#3
B.SUTTON Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Peoria, IL Posts: 29	Re: Mac's "brake buddy" problems??? Russell, It's the board with the steps cut in it. The included directions refer to it as a "brake buddy" but I don't think it is called that in the catalog. Sorry for the confusion.

02-04-2014, 10:08 PM	#4
ctvpa Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 479	Re: Mac's "brake buddy" problems??? Mine was too long also, I just set it to the top seam of the seat, or from below set it to the seat attachment to the floor. I used Flathead Teds brake system http://flatheadted.com/ . I can lock up all 4 wheels. Go to his site, and check out the video.

02-04-2014, 10:20 PM	#5
BILL WILLIAMSON Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: FRESNO, CA Posts: 12,560	Re: Mac's "brake buddy" problems??? BSUTTON, Dog here, You don't need no board BUDDIE thingy, If you were close, I'd come over & "bark out" the reglar, simple way to git yo' pedal up good & stoppin' on a penny. I'd do it fer you, BUT I got NO thumbs. The board way is jist OLD HOCUS-POCUS Surch "BRAKE ADJUSTMENT" fer the simple, correct way. Buster T. __________________ "THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF"

02-04-2014, 10:21 PM	#6
insomniacshotrods Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Carthage, Missouri Posts: 267	Re: Mac's "brake buddy" problems??? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Sounds like its too long for your application. Just cut it till the line is even with the brake pedal at rest. __________________ Enjoy life , it has an expiration date.

02-05-2014, 06:55 AM	#7
Bruce of MN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: VA Posts: 1,410	Re: Mac's "brake buddy" problems??? Reminds me of the saying, "I trimmed it twice and it's still too short!"

02-05-2014, 10:55 AM	#8
ctvpa Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 479	Re: Mac's "brake buddy" problems??? Take a look at the part closest to the seat. The slot for the adjusting screws are off center. Check to see you have the shortest side to the back.

02-05-2014, 11:00 AM	#9
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: Mac's "brake buddy" problems??? Can you return it ? I use the 'brake board' , but, a piece of scrap 1X4 works just fine.