Early '28 Tudor - brakes/hubs/wheels replacement

[meteorpete]

Been on this site for some time and I just had to get myself a Model A. It is a very early ’28 Tudor Sedan that I picked up in Saskatchewan and trailered 2400km (1500mi) back home. Had no idea that it was an early model or what the heck that even meant when I saw the car in person, but I am very pleased to have it.

Have learned a ton about “early production” and “AR” since I brought it home but now am facing a few “AR” related challenges as I begin the work of getting it back on the road.

The challenge is brakes/hubs/wheels. I want to retain the mechanical brakes and I want to replace the shoes/drums/hubs.

It being an early car, the parking brake is on the left side and it does not have separate brake shoes for the parking brake.

It appears that this car currently wears “non AR” front drums and “AR” rear drums based on photos I compared my drums with. Also, I want to remove the 21” spokes and use ’32, 18” Ford spokes on the car.

I got some great info from Snyders but don’t want to hassle them much further until I educate myself a little more. Seems I can use front drums and brakes all around (and can obtain all the parts I need except the unique cross shaft)? But what about the hubs? Will a later rear hub fit on my rear axles and work with a later front drum?

At the risk of confusing myself more than I already am I think I will leave this here. Any and all information that can be provided will be much appreciated!

[Gene F]

My car is March 1928, and my brake handle is over by the shifter.

Not an expert, but a few items;
28's all had the red dished steering wheel
multi-disc clutch, and the pedals bellhousing, and pedal shaft are different, also trans input shaft is unique. Other parts of the transmission evolved over 1928.
different lug nuts and wheels on the AR cars
The smaller wheels will slow your car down, and create the need for more RPM at comprable speed. Sustained speed can be hard on babbit.
The 28s were the only year the cars had a fan shroud, although I have never seen one that survived.
the nickel radiator shell is correct
your car likely has a unique front center clamp, so hang on to it.
Your emergency brake, or brake shaft (cross shaft under the front seat) is a unique piece. Make sure you hang on to it.

Do yourself a favor and join a local Model-A chapter, and then go to the meetings/events! When I joined my local chapter I was the youngest guy there.

Best of luck with your new car.

[meteorpete]

Thanks Gene! Seems my car is a September '28 build out of the East Windsor Plant with the body out of the Rouge plant. Yet, it has all early build parts that you mention (except the fan shroud)! More investigation needed on my part. I may have a later block and the serial number is throwing me off. You are right that I should joing the local Model A club.

[Gene F]

Hang on to your "with exchange parts" People often send the wrong stuff, and then you can't get your stuff back. For some reason the early, and some 28 parts are prized posessions for people that just want to hoard parts. The flip side of it is I wanted to sell a whole system at one time for the 28s, and all the sudden there were no buyers.

Hang on to your stuff.

I hate to say this, but perhaps you can trade that car pretty much even up for a pretty much done car. Especially if it runs and drives. Some people really chase after those cars with the brake on the left....Just sayin'...

[Bigsnapper43]

I have a november |28. There was a one piece brake cross that had an extra arm for the left e-brake handle to attach to.When I restored my car I found one. I still went with the later system. There was too much information about the three piece cross shaft and it's problems. So I have the one piece cross shaft with the e-brake with a pistol grip in front of the shifter. If you have questions give me a call. 740 658 3495

[nkaminar]

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The early hubs and wheels are different and not interchangeable with later parts. The later wheels when used on the earlier hubs will create a dangerous condition where the wheel is not seated correctly. The Service Bulletins show the difference and how to tell what you have. You can get a copy of the Service Bulletins from the dealers.

[meteorpete]

Thanks everyone for the advice.

Seems I need to order later style front hubs/drums and later style rear hubs/drums. The rear drum will work but it will not contain a seperate parking brake. Thanks to Snyders for helping me out with this. Can't wait to order some parts and get cracking!