What years are these hydraulic backing plates???

[Marshall V. Daut]

Or is this site too early for a hydraulic brake question?
A local special interest car business just acquired a nice Model A that has these brakes adapted to it. My expertise in antique Fords stops at midnight on December 31, 1931, so I have no idea what years these backing plates fit. I need to adjust the shoes because of too much slop between the linings and the brake drums. Give the front tires a good spin and they continue spinning for at least one minute. The brake pedal also travels too far towards the floorboard before grabbing, all of which leads me to suspect a sloppy brake shoe adjustment. Once I know what years these backing plates fit, I can investigate how to adjust the shoes - unless, of course, someone here cares to type up a thumbnail procedure for me.
Or do I need to move this question to the later V-8 Ford section? You guys have always been a help to me with my questions about a friend's 1937 Touring Sedan, so I thought I'd try here first.
Thanks in advance.
Marshall

[Bob C]

Looks like 1939-42. Go to post 15 at the link. https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...justing+brakes

[V8COOPMAN]

Some folks are gonna say '39-'41, but don't let that scare ya. Adjustment instructions for '39 and '40 will get ya what you need. Lots of help using the "SEARCH" function in the BLACK bar at the top of every page. DD

[deuce_roadster]

My vote is for 39-41. Not sure about 42s.

[42merc]

I say '39 thru '42.
If in doubt, go to the book.

[TJ]

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It looks like the original cam bolts that adjust the bottom of the shoes are missing. Looks like they were replaced with regular bolts. The cam bolts have a tab that sticks out of the nut so you can put a wrench on them to adjust the shoes.

[rich b]

Originally Posted by TJ

It looks like the original cam bolts that adjust the bottom of the shoes are missing. Looks like they were replaced with regular bolts. The cam bolts have a tab that sticks out of the nut so you can put a wrench on them to adjust the shoes.

Kinda makes you wonder what's inside.

If the car stops OK other than the low pedal; I would just do the "normal" adjustment to the top cam bolts.

The lower cams are usually only set during the installation of new shoes.

[Marshall V. Daut]

The recent high wind storms in the Midwest earlier in the week blew out our electricity on Monday, tearing the wires from our house when a tree crashed down on the power lines. We just got power back last night after six days without air conditioning in 92+ degree weather, lights, refer, etc. Worst of all was NO Internet!!! So, I was unable to access "Fordbarn" to check on this thread. Thanks to all who responded with advice. We'll try the "normal" adjustment as "rich b" suggests. 'Didn't know parts were missing from the lower adjusters. 'Doesn't particularly surprise me when one looks at the other questionable modifications done to this Model A. In most cases, close, but no cigar. Lots of things to correct. Even the camshaft was installed one gear tooth retarded vis-a-vis the crankshaft gear. Good grief!!! As far as the free spinning front brake drums is concerned, I think ANY adjustment will be better than none. We'll see...
Thanks again, Guys!
Marshall

[Tim Ayers]

Sorry to hear about the storm damage. If you need to see what these adjusters look like, I have some that I can take pictures of. Just let me know.

[JSeery]

Not sure how easy it is to see, but the center bolt is flat along two side and it is turned to adjust the lower brake shoe cam. The nut locks the cam bolt in place.

[rustythumb]

what is that raised part with 2 holes on lower right?

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by rustythumb

what is that raised part with 2 holes on lower right?

Ya know, I've never seen a "Ford" backing plate of that vintage with that raised lump and the two holes. Most REAR backing plates look like my picture, and that is the hole where the parking brake cable enters from the front of vehicle. Anyone know if that might be an early '39 b-plate in Seery's picture? DD

[JSeery]

That is interesting, I didn't even notice it. It's in the same location as the emergency brake.

[Mart]

Was it some sort of truck application? I don't know. Also strange that it seems to only have 2 bolts holding the cylinder on.

Possibly going off topic but at least it does show the flats on the eccentric adjusters.

[L-head]

Mart is dead right on this. They are off 91D (3/4 ton) trucks; maybe the 1 ton trucks also. Notice the "round" shadow where it bolts to the axle housing. The the two small holes mount the emergency brake cable.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by L-head

Notice the "round" shadow where it bolts to the axle housing.

I'm not sure what element I'm supposed to notice about the "round" shadow. Could you possibly elaborate? DD

[Mart]

I think (THINK) that the inner part where it bolts on is reinforced, hence the shadow. It's got an extra stiffener piece. I was going to say double thickness but I don't know if the extra piece is as thick as the backplate material.

Looking at the photo again, I can't really see it, so I'm not even convinced myself.

[JSeery]

He is referring to the shadow looking ring around the center hole.

[cas3]

almost looks like the recess to mount on the axle is deeper than normal, did they have a wider shoe and drum?

[L-head]

JSerry is showing the area that I am referring to. Maybe the correct term would be "patina" or less rusted. Passenger car housings are shaped different in this area. With these backing plates, the 3/4t full floating hubs, and truck axles you have the beginnings of "dirt track" race car rear end. Brake shoes and hyd cyls are the same as passenger cars.