37 Tudor stock mechanical brake pedal travel

[Mark's 37]

Had a rear wheel locking up on braking making for some embarrassing stops. Got the stock mechanical brakes adjusted to take care of that. The brakes are new and were done by the previous owner. The brake pedal travel is too long, meaning I have to push the pedal down an uncomfortable distance to engage the brakes. They will make a panic stop but the pedal is close to the floor when doing so. Can I adjust the pedal pull rod somehow to decrease the brake travel?

[roadster36]

I had a similar issue with my Victoria. I read a post on here about proper mechanical brake adjustment. I removed the clevis pins at each wheel, made the proper adjustment at each wheel without the rods connected and then adjusted the rods at the equalizer so that they just barely fit in. It worked for me but if any of the bushings or other parts are worn in the system you won't get an accurate adjustment or equal brake application. When all the parts are installed properly and in good condition the mechanical brakes work well. My Victoria with mechanicals stops as well as my 3-W with '40 hydraulics.
-Dennis

[Bob C]

Page 426 of the 1932-37 Service Bulletins has the instructions for adjusting
the complete brake system.

Bob

[Mark's 37]

Originally Posted by roadster36

I had a similar issue with my Victoria. I read a post on here about proper mechanical brake adjustment. I removed the clevis pins at each wheel, made the proper adjustment at each wheel without the rods connected and then adjusted the rods at the equalizer so that they just barely fit in. It worked for me but if any of the bushings or other parts are worn in the system you won't get an accurate adjustment or equal brake application. When all the parts are installed properly and in good condition the mechanical brakes work well. My Victoria with mechanicals stops as well as my 3-W with '40 hydraulics.
-Dennis

Thanks, I need to dig a little deeper. 37-38's have cables not rods.

[Mark's 37]

Originally Posted by Bob C

Page 426 of the 1932-37 Service Bulletins has the instructions for adjusting
the complete brake system.

Bob

Don't have that manual. Have to look for one. Thanks.

[Charlie Stephens]

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Originally Posted by Mark's 37

Don't have that manual. Have to look for one. Thanks.

A reproduction of the Service Bulletins should be reasonably inexpensive from most of the vendors. It contains a lot of other useful information and would be a good book to have. Or maybe you could try a "Wanted Ad".

Charlie Stephens

[Mark's 37]

Originally Posted by Charlie Stephens

A reproduction of the Service Bulletins should be reasonably inexpensive from most of the vendors. It contains a lot of other useful information and would be a good book to have. Or maybe you could try a "Wanted Ad".

Charlie Stephens

I have a copy of the Motor Service Repair Manual Ford V-8 for 37-38 models that has instructions on brake service. Seems fairly complete and I have been referring to it. Still need to shorten the brake pedal travel. Brakes work well other wise. I will figure it out. Thanks.

[Mark's 37]

Ordered a copy of Service Bulletins from C and G.