The Ford Barn

PeteCruz2715 · 04-25-2014, 02:31 PM

Can anyone help me understand the difference between the early 1928 braking system and the "later" system? My understanding is the early system is more complex and costly to restore.

Joe K · 04-25-2014, 03:02 PM

Your understanding is correct, but not to the extent that you might think.

The early system embodies an equaliziing linkage at the center bell-crank shaft. This to equalize the braking action between the two sides of the car. This in addition to possiblity of lost motion at each of the levers where the rods go out to the backing plates which equalize between front and back, each on it's own side.

The later system in simplification eliminated the side to side equalization and instead counted on some natural "give" to the system (i.e. lost motion in stretching of the rods or front to back movement of the center shaft/bell crank in it's bearings) to accomplish the same end.

Theoretically the earlier system is operationally superior and SHOULD result in more even braking between all four wheels. In practice, the difference is small and Ford took advantage of the simplification at the same time he had to confront the complication of adding emergency brakes to satisfy those pesky state boards of inspection.

The additonal cost to restore the earlier system is primarily in replacement "AR" parts that may or may not be restorable. The split center shaft and it's toggles and links are wont to wear and restoration frequently is not an option. And mostly replacement parts are not available reproduction. This is where costs can mount.

From the center shaft outward to the wheels, the setup is nearly the same, with the only differences being in the carriers and backing plates of the rear wheel where the emergency brake were later added. But wear of these parts frequently requires replacement - and frequently at cost because of the scarcity.

Hope this answers your questions.

Joe K

glenn in camino · 04-25-2014, 07:37 PM

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I have the early system on my 28 tudor and will be putting the same system on my current 28 roadster project. It works great on my tudor.

04-25-2014, 02:31 PM	#1
PeteCruz2715 Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Orange, CA Posts: 43	Early 28 braking system vs the "later" braking system Can anyone help me understand the difference between the early 1928 braking system and the "later" system? My understanding is the early system is more complex and costly to restore.

04-25-2014, 03:02 PM	#2
Joe K Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,188	Re: Early 28 braking system vs the "later" braking system Your understanding is correct, but not to the extent that you might think. The early system embodies an equaliziing linkage at the center bell-crank shaft. This to equalize the braking action between the two sides of the car. This in addition to possiblity of lost motion at each of the levers where the rods go out to the backing plates which equalize between front and back, each on it's own side. The later system in simplification eliminated the side to side equalization and instead counted on some natural "give" to the system (i.e. lost motion in stretching of the rods or front to back movement of the center shaft/bell crank in it's bearings) to accomplish the same end. Theoretically the earlier system is operationally superior and SHOULD result in more even braking between all four wheels. In practice, the difference is small and Ford took advantage of the simplification at the same time he had to confront the complication of adding emergency brakes to satisfy those pesky state boards of inspection. The additonal cost to restore the earlier system is primarily in replacement "AR" parts that may or may not be restorable. The split center shaft and it's toggles and links are wont to wear and restoration frequently is not an option. And mostly replacement parts are not available reproduction. This is where costs can mount. From the center shaft outward to the wheels, the setup is nearly the same, with the only differences being in the carriers and backing plates of the rear wheel where the emergency brake were later added. But wear of these parts frequently requires replacement - and frequently at cost because of the scarcity. Hope this answers your questions. Joe K __________________ Shudda kept the horse.

04-25-2014, 07:37 PM	#3
glenn in camino Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Camino, CA. Posts: 3,086	Re: Early 28 braking system vs the "later" braking system Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I have the early system on my 28 tudor and will be putting the same system on my current 28 roadster project. It works great on my tudor.