Bendix Brake Conversion??

[modelmodela]

Greetings,
I have a 1929 Model A pickup with brakes that were converted to juice 1939-1948 style. After rebuilding my axle, I purchased a rear "modern" Bendix brake conversion kit with auto-adjusting shoes (like a modern car). I did not realize until $1,200 later that the hubs, bearings, races, and a host of other parts needed to be replaced to fit the new system. Long story short, I have had nearly two years of headache and wait while very specific parts to this very specific system became available. I dealt with Macs and Sacramento Vintage Ford, and All Ford, each of which had extreme trouble obtaining back-ordered and "unavailable" parts to this system. I am now waiting for many months for the associated emergency/park brake lever which goes inside the drum assembly, and I cannot find the parts myself anywhere online or other sources. May I ask this question: Am I better off restoring and reusing my old 1939-48 brake assembly (which a local shop agreed to turn the drums and re-shoe), or should I continue with the Bendix who-knows-what-I-have assembly? In the long-run, I think the Bendix assembly will always be that "odd-ball" assembly with which finding parts will be virtually impossible. I welcome any experiences that you have had as the Bendix system seems to be pretty standard today. Thank you very much!

[J Franklin]

I don't know why you wanted to go the way you did but if you have the old parts still you will be better off going back. I would have gone back to the original mechanicals because they work every time all the time.

[CWPASADENA]

Contact Richard Lacy at The Early V-8 Garage 626 338 2282

They deal with both Ford and and Bendex brakes and have all the parts

They also know Model As

Chris W

[Bob C]

If you want Bendix you should try these guys.
http://www.mtcarproducts.com/productsgrid.html
Chris has good info also.

Bob

[daveymc29]

X2 Bob C.

[Dodge]

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I have dealt with Richard Lacey and he's double awsome. You can't go wrong.

[BillLee/Chandler, TX]

I converted the front brakes on my A to Bendix using parts from a 49-53 F-1 pickup. I don't think there is a part left in the system that I didn't have to machine in some way to make work. I pity the poor SOB who gets this car after I die since NOTHING will be fix-able! NOBODY should EVER repeat what
I did!

If I were to do it again (the Bendix brakes ARE a better system!), I would use the MT system. In retrospect, I am pretty sure it would have been cheaper.

[Jim Brierley]

Are you sure the 39-48 pieces won't interchange? I have run both Lincoln Bendix and Ford hydraulics, and used the same drums, etc. Early Lincoln's were not self-adjusting but no problem.

[V4F]

I'm using 1942 hyd brakes & serve me well

[Kevin in NJ]

Seems to me you would have best off going with converting back to the original system and selling the juice stuff.

Probably could sell of what you got for the cost of de-conversion and be on the road today driving safely having fun.

[Smog Tech]

My car had been converted to 46-48 Ford hydraulic brakes, did not stop well. Replaced the front brakes with Lincoln Bendix brakes from Early V-8 Garage. Car stops very well now.

[KenCoupe]

Originally Posted by CWPASADENA

Contact Richard Lacy at The Early V-8 Garage 626 338 2282

They deal with both Ford and and Bendex brakes and have all the parts

They also know Model As

Chris W

Richard (Early V8 Garage) helped me with my 39-48 juice brakes on my 31 coupe. He is a great guy and very helpful. I would recommend him highly.

[modelmodela]

Thank you for your replies. It appears that the "modern" conversion was not the way to go. There are other issues with the Bendix system that I don't like, such as needing modern after-market hubs with Chinese bearings and other such parts. I like using period appropriate material wherever possible, even if not totally original to the '29 A. I am going to pull the plug and go back with the 39-48 juice system I had before. I don't want mechanical brakes because of the very mountainous area in which I live. I should note that I began this project when my worn axle caused the drum to run crooked which ground a hole in the brake cylinder and caused brake failure. It was fun when the emergency brake cable broke at the same time while driving down a hill in town. The rear-end and rear brakes were the last of the moving parts needed replacement, and they were by far the hardest part of the vehicle rebuild. Thank you all for your suggestions. I will be looking into your given sources. A

[CWPASADENA]

You do not need aftermarket hubs and Chinese bearings etc.


Just buy the Lincoln Bendex back plate assemblies,they will fit your drums.

Contact Richard Lacy

Lincoln Bendex brakes work much better than Ford brakes

Chris W

[Kahuna]

IF adjusted properly, Ford brakes 39-48 are Very Good. The key is properly done

[CWPASADENA]

Originally Posted by Kahuna

IF adjusted properly, Ford brakes 39-48 are Very Good. The key is properly done

But not nearly as good as Lincoln Bendix brakes

I know, I have both on my cars

Chris W