The Ford Barn

bo8109b · 10-22-2013, 10:42 AM

Have lousy brakes on my '48 car after replacing all brake components including steel lines. Front drums were turned just enough to clean them up. Riveted on quality nos linings. Not able to arc the shoes but they fit the drums quite well as the drums are just slightly over. Have bled the brakes numerous times. Are these brakes likely to improve with use and is there any way to accelerate this process? Have another '48 with older brakes that are three times as good.

Charlie Stephens · 10-22-2013, 10:51 AM

You probably identified the problem yourself. GET THE SHOES ARCED. Add your general location to your post and your profile and someone may know where you can have your shoes arced. I think I know a place in Los Angeles but I am not going to call and confirm they still do it since you probably live in Florida and I would just be wasting my time. Try asking at your local Model A and Early V8 clubs where the members go to get their shoes arced. Years ago I actually sent the shoes back to the retailer who sent them back to the manufacturer to get them arced.

Charlie Stephens

Ross F-1 · 10-22-2013, 11:18 AM

What do you mean by "lousy"? Shoes will break in with use. Are you sure you got the primary/secondary shoes in the right places?

bo8109b · 10-22-2013, 01:11 PM

By lousy I mean it takes a whole lot of pressure on the pedal to stop the car compared to my other '48. Have the primary shoes mounted forward. At least the car stops straight.

JWL · 10-22-2013, 03:44 PM

The primary shoe is the LONG shoe when assembling the Lockheed brakes.

oldford2 · 10-22-2013, 04:29 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

The new hard linings are not great at stopping. I found woven linings and riveted them on. Noticeable improvement! They will wear faster but are softer and may fit your drums without re-arcing.
JMO
John

Talkwrench · 10-22-2013, 06:47 PM

Your brakes are incorrectly adjusted. When you get it right there is a BIG difference, believe me it can only be a small amount but big results. You will need a little time to bed yours in. Do yourself a favour and put some speed bleeders in as well.

bo8109b · 10-23-2013, 11:47 AM

How does one correctly adjust the brakes? Is there a sequence for setting the clearance of the primary and secondary shoes from the drum?

4dFord/SC · 10-23-2013, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bo8109b

How does one correctly adjust the brakes? Is there a sequence for setting the clearance of the primary and secondary shoes from the drum?

Check here: http://www.btc-bci.com/~billben/brakeadj.html

wga · 10-23-2013, 07:52 PM

http://www.joomag.com/magazine/Limew...80001339094703

Page 17 of the Limeworks Speed Shop catalog, there is a wrench for adjusting the brakes. These guys make quality products.

10-22-2013, 10:42 AM	#1
bo8109b Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: New Glarus, WI Posts: 142	Lousy Brakes Have lousy brakes on my '48 car after replacing all brake components including steel lines. Front drums were turned just enough to clean them up. Riveted on quality nos linings. Not able to arc the shoes but they fit the drums quite well as the drums are just slightly over. Have bled the brakes numerous times. Are these brakes likely to improve with use and is there any way to accelerate this process? Have another '48 with older brakes that are three times as good.

10-22-2013, 10:51 AM	#2
Charlie Stephens Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,034	Re: Lousy Brakes You probably identified the problem yourself. GET THE SHOES ARCED. Add your general location to your post and your profile and someone may know where you can have your shoes arced. I think I know a place in Los Angeles but I am not going to call and confirm they still do it since you probably live in Florida and I would just be wasting my time. Try asking at your local Model A and Early V8 clubs where the members go to get their shoes arced. Years ago I actually sent the shoes back to the retailer who sent them back to the manufacturer to get them arced. Charlie Stephens

10-22-2013, 11:18 AM	#3
Ross F-1 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: NM Posts: 2,438	Re: Lousy Brakes What do you mean by "lousy"? Shoes will break in with use. Are you sure you got the primary/secondary shoes in the right places? __________________ '52 F-1, EAB flathead

10-22-2013, 01:11 PM	#4
bo8109b Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: New Glarus, WI Posts: 142	Re: Lousy Brakes By lousy I mean it takes a whole lot of pressure on the pedal to stop the car compared to my other '48. Have the primary shoes mounted forward. At least the car stops straight.

10-22-2013, 03:44 PM	#5
JWL Member Emeritus Join Date: May 2010 Location: Fitzgerald, Georgia Posts: 2,204	Re: Lousy Brakes The primary shoe is the LONG shoe when assembling the Lockheed brakes.

10-22-2013, 04:29 PM	#6
oldford2 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: pittsfield, MA Posts: 2,086	Re: Lousy Brakes Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) The new hard linings are not great at stopping. I found woven linings and riveted them on. Noticeable improvement! They will wear faster but are softer and may fit your drums without re-arcing. JMO John

10-22-2013, 06:47 PM	#7
Talkwrench Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 2,687	Re: Lousy Brakes Your brakes are incorrectly adjusted. When you get it right there is a BIG difference, believe me it can only be a small amount but big results. You will need a little time to bed yours in. Do yourself a favour and put some speed bleeders in as well. __________________ *"Came too close to dying to stop living now!"*

10-23-2013, 11:47 AM	#8
bo8109b Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: New Glarus, WI Posts: 142	Re: Lousy Brakes How does one correctly adjust the brakes? Is there a sequence for setting the clearance of the primary and secondary shoes from the drum?

10-23-2013, 07:52 PM	#10
wga Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Yorba Linda, CA Posts: 900	Re: Lousy Brakes http://www.joomag.com/magazine/Limew...80001339094703 Page 17 of the Limeworks Speed Shop catalog, there is a wrench for adjusting the brakes. These guys make quality products. __________________ Henry Ford designed the flathead without the aid of a computer.