Originally Posted by Model A Man (Post 563802) I see in Snyders catalog they sell a disc brake set up to fit stock model T's, was wondering if anyone makes a kit for stock model A's? I always thought it would be neat if someone could make a disc brake kit that keeps the brakes mechanical and use the stock brake rods and stock wheels. Just thinking outside the box.

Disc brakes could be retrofitted to a stock Model-A (steel) brake drum by waterjetting a ¾" thick ring in steel and welding it to the drum. (This is how it is done with the T set-up you referenced.) The issue you are going to have is finding a caliper small enough to still fit within the stock A rim and not rub. I suspect the use of a motorcycle caliper off of something like a Honda Goldwing might be small enough however the total weight of these bikes is only around 600 pounds w/o passengers or gear, ...which means each caliper on that bike probably has a safety margin of 500-600 pounds. If you used four of these on an A, you are using a brake system that is rated at about 2,500 gross pounds which in my opinion places you out of the safety zone with regard to the Model-A weight by the time pasengers are factored in too.

You might see if Wilwood manufactures something a tad bigger, but again it would appear that if someone were to make a 15" ring, there doesn't seem like their is much room for a caliper of sufficient size. As far as a bracket to hold the caliper, I personally would not get stressed over using a brake housing (backing) plate that has been damaged (drug on the bottom) and just weld a tab onto th eedge to hold the caliper.

My point in this is Yes, a set of discs could be retrofitted to a Model-A if someone can be creative and has the abilities to "pull it off" however I am not so sure the reward would be worth the efforts. For the amount of $$ and time someone would spend, they could apply that same money and time towards properly rebuilding a stock set of brakes ...and have something that would work equally well if not better than discs.

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON (Post 563825) A Man, I dream up stuff like that when I go to bed on CHILI & GREEN ONIONS! A pint of ICE CREAM will negate the discomfort ZZZZZZZZZ MOVE OVER, DOG!ZZZZZZZ Bill W.

Originally Posted by jw hash (Post 563918) it can be done. here is one I`m doing right now Model A axle 39 spindles it will end up with 35 16" wire wheels on it but for right now I have 19"s on it. the rear end is Mustang but I think the same can be done using a Model A rear end. the wheel base ends up wider than the original.

Originally Posted by 700rpm (Post 563823) I don't know why anyone would do that. The stock mechanicals on Model A's are unsurpassed! :p (At least, when they're properly restored.)

Originally Posted by MrTube (Post 564144) When I read things like this it makes me wonder if people are joking or actually have not driven a modern vehicle. *shrug*

Originally Posted by 2manycars (Post 564129) No shortage of gas at your place, huh Bill??

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON (Post 564527) 2many, The Dog & I generate enough METHANE gas to run the car, if we could trap & contain it! In the U.K. during WWII a man generated METHANE gas from hog manure & some type of acid, pressurized it, and ran his old Hillman on it. Has anyone known of a Model A running on Propane? Bill W.

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida (Post 564166) When I read things like this it makes me wonder if people are joking or actually have not driven an A with properly restored brakes. *shuug*

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON (Post 564527) 2many, The Dog & I generate enough METHANE gas to run the car, if we could trap & contain it! In the U.K. during WWII a man generated METHANE gas from hog manure & some type of acid, pressurized it, and ran his old Hillman on it. Has anyone known of a Model A running on Propane? Bill W.