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03-12-2014, 10:13 PM | #1 |
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'39 Ford front brake wheel cylinders
Ford Barners,
My '39 Ford's left front wheel cylinder seized. I pulled the wheel cylinder and found the following: Forward shoe cylinder diameter: 1-3/8" Aft shoe cylinder diameter: 1" Cylinder housing is cast iron Pistons are aluminum Cylinder made by "Industria d' Argentina" PROBLEM: Seepage of the brake fluid over time past the rubber piston seals dried out and also corroded the aluminum pistons causing one of the two pistons to sieze. The cast iron housing is in good shape and I was able to pull it all apart. A cleaning will likely make these brakes functional again. But... Questions: 1) Are aluminum pistons inside the wheel cylinder a good idea? (I've always seen machined cast iron/steel.) 2) I checked both Carpenter and Macs and they don't sell original '39 Ford style cylinders but they do sell the 42-48 style which they claim to be a replacement. In fact, I think the ones I have are replacements (42-48) and not originals but I'm not entirely sure. Does anyone know the difference? 3) Are there any USA manufacturers of either original or replacement (42-48) wheel cylinders? If so, where can I get them? Thanks for the help. COE Dan |
03-13-2014, 08:37 AM | #2 |
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Re: '39 Ford front brake wheel cylinders
Your wheel cylinder corrosion is a common problem for vehicles that are dormant for long periods of time or only occasionally used especially in humid climates. Since one cylinder has gone bad it probably wouldnt be a bad idea to check the others while you are servicing the car. Dont make a big deal about it just replace the wheel cylinders and move on. The later 42-8 cylinder works fine as a replacement. As a note while you have everything apart you should purge the entire system and replace the brake fluid with new fluid, check for corrosion at the master cylinder also as this is the next to corrode.
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03-13-2014, 08:47 AM | #3 |
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Re: '39 Ford front brake wheel cylinders
Dick gave you the best advice but if you want your questions answered directly. Yes the 1 and 1 3/8 bore size is for the 42-48 cylinders; 39-41 passenger originally had 1 and 1 1/4. I only have seen aluminum pistons, and when they seized, I have never been successful at honing them as they are usually pitted. Hence new ones (or sleeved ones) were in order. You would have to call the suppliers as US ones are drying up and even if listed in a catalog, they may no longer have them (and it seems all suppliers run out about the same time).
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03-13-2014, 09:49 AM | #4 |
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Re: '39 Ford front brake wheel cylinders
In a very informative post last year, Dick explained the problems with some of the currently-available aftermarket wheel cylinders. Thus buying brand new ones is a bit of a crap shoot. Sleeving would seem to be the safest approach.
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03-13-2014, 01:58 PM | #5 |
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Re: '39 Ford front brake wheel cylinders
Drake has a sale on for a complete system with free shipping.
Bruce Works good Lasts long time |
03-13-2014, 03:36 PM | #6 |
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Re: '39 Ford front brake wheel cylinders
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Mart. |
03-13-2014, 08:41 PM | #7 |
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Re: '39 Ford front brake wheel cylinders
Awhile back someone said that NAPA sold US made cylinders.
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03-14-2014, 01:41 AM | #8 |
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Re: '39 Ford front brake wheel cylinders
Thanks guys. I plan to do all the wheels and purge the system of old fluid. The brakes were rebuilt by the previous owner and I only flushed and replaced brake fluid regularly. I did find the pistons pitted as described so I don't plan on reuse nor do I trust the remaining cylinders.
I'll call around and see if I can find some good quality cylinders. I'll report back with what I find. Dan |
03-14-2014, 03:17 AM | #9 |
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Re: '39 Ford front brake wheel cylinders
I wouldn't worry if it is just the pistons that are pitted. If the bores are pitted, that is when there is a problem.
Mart. |
03-14-2014, 05:50 AM | #10 |
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Re: '39 Ford front brake wheel cylinders
I work for Napa in Mansfield, Ohio. I will check and see what is available.
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03-14-2014, 11:58 AM | #11 |
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Re: '39 Ford front brake wheel cylinders
The wheel cylinders for 42 thru 48 Fords are available through Napa. The part #s are, left front, 8264. Right front, 8265. Left rear, 8266. Right rear, 8267. We do not keep them in our store, but they are available at various warehouses .
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03-15-2014, 07:26 AM | #12 |
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Re: '39 Ford front brake wheel cylinders
For my 39 I got them at NAPA and have no problem with them. I have had good products from NAPA.
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