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Old 05-10-2012, 06:21 PM   #1
Logan
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Default disk brakes on a model a?

A friend and I have been talking and he wants to do a disc brake conversion for his A. It's not that mechanicals dont work well enough, it just seems like it would be more cost effective in the long run. (especially when you own multiple cars) I havent priced a complete brake overhaul, but if you were to replace everything, including putting cast iron drums on i would doubt you could run well over $1000 for brake parts... Heard someone say they put $4000 into their brakes But i have no idea what they had done to ring up that much of a bill. But my question is, has anyone on here done it? If so how, and could you post pictures. I probably will not convert over, at least not anytime soon. But a friend who does not get on this forum would probably like to see how some have done it. He talked with speedway motors, and they said the only problem they have had is being able to keep the stock wheels and have disc brakes. I guess there just isn't enough room?
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Old 05-10-2012, 06:28 PM   #2
dmaxweb
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Default Re: disk brakes on a model a?

It's your car but why in the world would you want to do that?
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Old 05-10-2012, 06:40 PM   #3
jan bogert
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Default Re: disk brakes on a model a?

my mechanical brakes needed almost everything, so i put f-1 hyd. on the front and 46/48 passenger on the rear. cheaper , but alot of work, with the master cyl. and brackets. had to move the battery into the rumble. i never had good mechanical, but i love the hyd.
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Old 05-10-2012, 06:54 PM   #4
CarlG
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Default Re: disk brakes on a model a?

They make disk brakes for the Model T, why not for the A?

(Available at Snyders, PN T-2562)

Last edited by CarlG; 05-11-2012 at 12:05 PM. Reason: Added info for the "T" brakes
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Old 05-10-2012, 07:00 PM   #5
Logan
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Default Re: disk brakes on a model a?

Quote:
Originally Posted by CarlG View Post
They make disk brakes for the Model T, why not for the A?
I know Ben who makes the disk brakes for a T, but they are only for the rear wheels.
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Old 05-10-2012, 07:24 PM   #6
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Default Re: disk brakes on a model a?

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I have seen discs on early brass cars- used for touring. They run motorcycle brake calipers up on each wheel. I personally think it ruins the look of the car, but may not be as noticeable on an A.
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Old 05-10-2012, 07:35 PM   #7
Chris in WNC
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Default Re: disk brakes on a model a?

you might be in just the right place for this project.
at the 1992 Dallas MAFCA meet there was a 30/31 Roadster Pickup
with 4-wheel discs behind regular 19" wheels, a very neat-looking setup.
it was the truck they used for the meet logo, with a big pepper in the bed painted like a Texas flag.
someone in the Dallas MAFC should remember more details of this.
I saved a hand-out which listed the preferred junkyard components to look for, but pitched it after deciding I would never get that elusive "round tuit".
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Old 05-10-2012, 07:59 PM   #8
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Default Re: disk brakes on a model a?

Refer to this prior thread- https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...192#post148192
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Old 05-10-2012, 08:33 PM   #9
Charlie Stephens
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Default Re: disk brakes on a model a?

Logan's friend probably wants disc brakes because he has nothing better to do with his time than clean brake dust off of wire wheels.

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Old 05-10-2012, 08:38 PM   #10
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Default Re: disk brakes on a model a?

Logan. Ron Kelley, in Royse city. Yes ! the engine builder there in Dallas area, put disc brakes on his daughter's 1928 tudor . I think it was the car she went thru high school with.I know they still had the car in 2008. have fun modelAtony lafayette,la
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Old 05-10-2012, 08:52 PM   #11
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Default Re: disk brakes on a model a?

The simplest way to put dics brakes on a Model A is to change over to 37-48 spindles, which many disc brake kits are made for. To keep a more vintage look, adding 40-48 hydraulic brakes or F-1 brakes would be a much better and easier option. In this conversion you can retain the Model A spindle and it will provide more than enough braking.
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Old 05-10-2012, 09:04 PM   #12
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Default Re: disk brakes on a model a?

I have 4 wheel discs on my 30 2 door.
I just bought a Wilwood kit from Speedway and bolted them on including the parking brake kit. I was running 35 wire wheels at the time but have changed to alloy since then.
Brake dust???? No dust with the right pads.
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Old 05-10-2012, 09:59 PM   #13
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Default Re: disk brakes on a model a?

I just took the front disc brakes off of my roadster pickup to put on my 36 woodie. I have 42 squareback spindles, brackets from ECI, Ford rotors and Chevy calipers. This setup requires 40 wheels. I also had to buy a steering arm and new tie rod. This setup is no more expensive than new bendix style brakes, less than $500. For my 36 woodie I just bought new MT rear drums and have MT bendix rear brakes. It'll stop on a dime. F-1 brakes are bendix but you would still new 40 wheels.
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Old 05-11-2012, 12:33 AM   #14
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Default Re: disk brakes on a model a?

Disc brakes are obviously very good, but with the small tread contact area with the road,you would loose traction on a quick stop.
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Old 05-11-2012, 03:13 AM   #15
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Default Re: disk brakes on a model a?

If you figure/find mechanical disk brakes that bolt on with no mod's let me know.
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Old 05-11-2012, 03:27 AM   #16
Mike V. Florida
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Default Re: disk brakes on a model a?

A few years ago there was a guy "ablebob"
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=375763

"75 montecarlo rotors 80 montecarlo calipers - bearing spacer drawing is in photo on my profile. Modified weld on type caliper bracket bolts on. Wheel bearing set 2 & set 13 ( be sure to change the cups in the rotors ). Timken seal 2942. If you have more questions - PM me. Bob"

Here is another thread;

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=591790
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Old 05-11-2012, 11:27 AM   #17
Chris in WNC
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Default Re: disk brakes on a model a?

hydraulic brakes are a pain in the neck compared to mechanicals.

if I were spending the cash, time and trouble to convert; I'd prefer to go to discs. the car is gonna look modified anyhow so go for the superior performance.....

J.M.H.O.
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Old 05-11-2012, 12:33 PM   #18
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Default Re: disk brakes on a model a?

I saw disk brakes on a Model A tudor for sale a couple yrs. ago. They looked terrible & out of place. Couldn't believe someone would do that. I believe they make fake Buick finned aluminum drums to put on street rods just to hide the disk brakes & give the car a better look.
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Old 05-11-2012, 06:30 PM   #19
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Default Re: disk brakes on a model a?

My opinion would be that it is just wrong. So wrong. However, your car your choice.
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