The Ford Barn

Roadster62 · 11-09-2012, 07:28 PM

Just got my first ever late 1931 Front brake drum with the open windows, same style as the 1932 Fords had. What is the history on them? Bob

J Franklin · 11-09-2012, 08:13 PM

J C whitney sold a bunch of those for years and years. They are Fords better idea as they were cast iron and ventilated somewhat.

ctlikon0712 · 11-09-2012, 09:06 PM

J Fraklin, I have never heard that before. I'm guessing that they were 11", aftermarket, and not Production hold overs? I have some old JC Whitney’s and Warshowskies (sp?) catalogues. I'll have to give them a peruse. I’ve been looking for a set for some time.

2manycars · 11-09-2012, 09:23 PM

I have a set on my 29 tudor. They are a big improvement over the steel ones I took off. I have another set for my coupe. I also have a set of 32 drums, which are larger, but dont have the backing plates.

BRENT in 10-uh-C · 11-10-2012, 09:54 AM

Vince, would you know where the slang term "Rocky Mountain drums" came from on these units or why people called them that? The Rocky Mtn Brake Co never manufactured these or supplied them did they??

Steve Wastler · 11-10-2012, 11:31 AM

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I believe the term arose from their intended purpose of aiding in brake cooling, especially going down the long mountain roads, and most had probably experienced brake fade. Smokey mountain brakes doesn't sound right.

ctlikon0712 · 11-10-2012, 05:37 PM

I have heard the vintage Model T aftermarket drums called Rocky Mountian. I think its just a carryover from them.

Roadster62 · 11-10-2012, 05:59 PM

If I had an A400 with a C crankshaft I'd want Rocky Mountain brakes to help stop it. Bob

BRENT in 10-uh-C · 11-10-2012, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordgarage

Honestly, I have never heard them referred to as Rocky Mountain brakes except on internet message boards and ebay in the last ten or twenty years.

Were they ever called Rocky Mountain brakes in the original era vernacular?

I always remember them as cast iron brake drums.

I think there might have been some Model T accessory brakes referred to as Rocky Mountain, not sure.

Plus, it sounds better than Suicide Hill brake drums.

There are accessory T brakes with that namesake however they do NOT look like nor do they operate like Model A/B brakes so I personally do not think comparing the two is has any significance. I too remember them as you do but I was curious how those became the 'Rocky Mountains'.

11-09-2012, 07:28 PM	#1
Roadster62 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ridgefield, Ct Posts: 3,441	LATE Open Window Front BRAKE DRUMS Just got my first ever late 1931 Front brake drum with the open windows, same style as the 1932 Fords had. What is the history on them? Bob __________________ They don't have to run to be enjoyed. I'm here to enjoy the hobby, and enjoy the cars no matter what they look like. Most of the worlds problems are electrical.

11-09-2012, 08:13 PM	#2
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 5,963	Re: LATE Open Window Front BRAKE DRUMS J C whitney sold a bunch of those for years and years. They are Fords better idea as they were cast iron and ventilated somewhat.

11-09-2012, 09:06 PM	#3
ctlikon0712 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Cocoa, Florida Posts: 1,609	Re: LATE Open Window Front BRAKE DRUMS J Fraklin, I have never heard that before. I'm guessing that they were 11", aftermarket, and not Production hold overs? I have some old JC Whitney’s and Warshowskies (sp?) catalogues. I'll have to give them a peruse. I’ve been looking for a set for some time. __________________ Wanted: Simmons Super Power Head Craig Likon 1931 150B

11-09-2012, 09:23 PM	#4
2manycars Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern CT Posts: 2,732	Re: LATE Open Window Front BRAKE DRUMS I have a set on my 29 tudor. They are a big improvement over the steel ones I took off. I have another set for my coupe. I also have a set of 32 drums, which are larger, but dont have the backing plates.

11-10-2012, 09:54 AM	#5
BRENT in 10-uh-C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern Tennessee Posts: 11,513	Re: LATE Open Window Front BRAKE DRUMS Vince, would you know where the slang term "Rocky Mountain drums" came from on these units or why people called them that? The Rocky Mtn Brake Co never manufactured these or supplied them did they?? __________________ . BRENT in 10-uh-C . www.model-a-ford.com ...(...Finally Updated!! ) .

11-10-2012, 11:31 AM	#6
Steve Wastler Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,987	Re: LATE Open Window Front BRAKE DRUMS Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I believe the term arose from their intended purpose of aiding in brake cooling, especially going down the long mountain roads, and most had probably experienced brake fade. Smokey mountain brakes doesn't sound right.

11-10-2012, 05:37 PM	#7
ctlikon0712 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Cocoa, Florida Posts: 1,609	Re: LATE Open Window Front BRAKE DRUMS I have heard the vintage Model T aftermarket drums called Rocky Mountian. I think its just a carryover from them. __________________ Wanted: Simmons Super Power Head Craig Likon 1931 150B

11-10-2012, 05:59 PM	#8
Roadster62 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ridgefield, Ct Posts: 3,441	Re: LATE Open Window Front BRAKE DRUMS If I had an A400 with a C crankshaft I'd want Rocky Mountain brakes to help stop it. Bob __________________ They don't have to run to be enjoyed. I'm here to enjoy the hobby, and enjoy the cars no matter what they look like. Most of the worlds problems are electrical.