The Ford Barn

30Murray · 07-01-2025, 06:43 PM

I know there are tons of threads on brakes but I couldn't find and answer to my specific question. I have a '39 M/Cyl with '42 brakes and a Bob Drake repro pedal assembly. All wheels are adjusted with slight drag and the pedal has about the right free play, but possibly could be tighter. The pedal travels about 4" when I apply the brakes and stops about 3" from the floor. The car stops OK from normal speeds. They don't feel spongy and pumping doesn't make any difference to pedal travel. I am a little concerned that in a hard panic stop the pedal may bottom out. Is this too much pedal travel - what is normal? Not sure if any further adjustment to freeplay will help.

07-01-2025, 06:43 PM	#1
30Murray Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Vancouver B.C. Posts: 137	Brake pedal travel I know there are tons of threads on brakes but I couldn't find and answer to my specific question. I have a '39 M/Cyl with '42 brakes and a Bob Drake repro pedal assembly. All wheels are adjusted with slight drag and the pedal has about the right free play, but possibly could be tighter. The pedal travels about 4" when I apply the brakes and stops about 3" from the floor. The car stops OK from normal speeds. They don't feel spongy and pumping doesn't make any difference to pedal travel. I am a little concerned that in a hard panic stop the pedal may bottom out. Is this too much pedal travel - what is normal? Not sure if any further adjustment to freeplay will help.