1927 Jalopy

[John Otis]

I finally pulled the lid off the jalopy hogshead today and got a peek inside. Remarkably the brake band is nice and fat as is the reverse. Low is predictably worn out. I was hoping of course to find all brand new bands that were perfectly adjusted. HAHA. The drums are grooved a bit but I can't see any cracks. It's evident that someone has been in here in recent years and it was nice to find a nice clean environment without any glaring issues. I haven't dropped the pan yet but I was told (and believe) that all the babbit was redone not that many miles ago. I haven't even bothered to start it yet as the gas tank is missing but I have one in storage back home and am headed up there next week so I will send it down and then worry about getting the car running. I guess I will just slap in a new set of kevlar bands and be done with it, even though I don't ever anticipate putting any more than a handful of miles on the car as long as I am still around. I see Lang's sells a better band spring that they recommend for kevlar linings. Anyone have any experience with these? The last time I put kevlar linings in a car I wasn't aware of these or they may not have even exisited then.
The front end of the car is tight, steering is snug, the rear brakes are good. Doesn't seem to be any slop anywhere in the whole chassis.
Looks as though just a set of bands will get the jalopy in good shape.

[Model T Monte]

Hi John, I wouldn`t worry `bout the springs, I have several miles on a set of kevlars with original springs that are just as fine as frogs hair. Monte

[3340]

agreeded if the springs arn't broke don't replace them.