Hoarding junk parts.

[cas3]

I'd like to blame it on my mother, no common sense taught, but really, she was a good woman and apparently I didnt listen. Lots, and lots of parts here I have drug home for the last 50 years from every imaginable source, Yup...its old...bring it home. But...then when I want to actually use anything, its the worn out bent up junk every one else left behind.

The project is, I have a hankerin to put 35 brakes on the front of my model A. I have all the parts, so why not? Been driving the car for years with pretty much no brakes.
First, I bring in a nice set of drums and backing plates with new shoes given to me by a friend who was going to hydraulics. Such a deal ! Well, the drums are 140 over size. everything all painted, new shoes, freshly turned...but 140 over.

Well, thats not a problem, I'm a cool guy with lots of parts, so pick out some better ones.
1st, plow a path thru the snow to get at two 35 axles that had been on home made trailers, now frozen in the dirt. Usually, in my experience trailer axles have the brake shoes removed, but not so lucky here.
They were backed off, but still years of the swamp swelled up the linings to be stuck. Major battle for a day ana half with all the most violent tools, air chisel, big hammers etc, finally took the anchor bolt out to get some clearance, but still a fight.

End result, all are gross looking, two are at about .040, but I doubt they will clean up in spec. More searching in the buildings resulted in 3 more worn out drums. Those keeping track, I now have 9 drums on the floor leaking old liquid grease, about 3 days in, and probably have achieved nothing.

For the 35 guys, Brian? JM ? Whats up with the painted backing plate that has the anchor bolt welded in place, unlike all the rest I have where the bolt has a nut on the outside. Note the yellow paint underline.

Also of interest, I have always thought all mechanical brakes get woven shoes. The drawings in my orange 37 chassis book clearly look like woven shoes to 37 anyway, and yet all the drums I pulled here have had molded shoes. bad pics here, maybe Pete can help. Nice lookin shoes in the vise, huh?

[neilp]

Please tell me about the tool in Pic2. Oh, and I am sorry for your troubles.................

PML

[CA Victoria]

Oversized woven lining is available for drums to about .090. Not enough pressure for harder lining material to work as well. Modern woven lining material uses Kevlar which is said to be better than the original type commonly used.
Removable lower studs were used in 1935, 36 were not. I ordered NOS studs & parts to rebuild mine from Southside Obsolete. He may have shoes too.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by neilp

Please tell me about the tool in Pic2. Oh, and I am sorry for your troubles.................

PML

[cas3]

That tool is a drum measuring devise that came with an FMC drum and disc lathe I got for free because its broken. (I'm such a cheap ass!). It turns, but the feed is broke. Even has a shoe archer, which does work. Been on my winter project list to fix for several years now, but will probably go cheap after my funeral, unless I send it over the pond for Mart to tinker with.

[cas3]

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Hey Pete, blow up that pic of the rotten shoes in the vise for entertainment for all to see what the swamp does to old parts. Thanks for your efforts, always like the big pics.

[Randy in ca]

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[Brian]

CA Victoria gave you the correct answer about those bottom studs ; 36 are non removeable. Cas, if you strike out finding decent drums, I could send you some from down under, but freight would be a bit! [they're heavy and bulky]. Good luck, let me know if you need some of mine.

[cas3]

Thanks guys for the info. Brian, thanks for the kind offer, but yes freight would be a killer.
there was talk awhile back about a company that relines the drums, not cheap I would guess, but 35's are a rare thing to find. This car, A model A is my bad weather car. It has heat and an electric w/s wiper, and I drive it all winter to get my fix. I've had it 14 years and done 35k miles with bad brakes because it has hard linings from the "restoration" done in the 70's. This time I thought I would make some improvements. Interestingly, when I took the first drum off the A it seems that much of the problem is the operator (we won't mention any names here ) could have done some more brake adjustments as the activator end is worn out, and the adjustment side looks new. But...35 brakes would sure be a step up

[JM 35 Sedan]

cas3, I got here a bit late to answer this question....

For the 35 guys, Brian? JM ? Whats up with the painted backing plate that has the anchor bolt welded in place, unlike all the rest I have where the bolt has a nut on the outside. Note the yellow paint underline.

....but CA Victoria and Brian have already answered your question, however, I do believe those studs/anchor bolts on a 36 backing plate could be replaced if necessary by grinding that peened or riveted end off, and replacing those with 35 parts.

Also, like you, I've been rescuing (aka hoarding ) early Ford parts for more years than I can remember, and I may have some extra parts that you need. You could pm me on this if you would like to discuss in more detail.

[T Scott]

J&G Brake Drum Relining in McHenry, Ill are the go to guys for saving your oversize drums. They can also reline your shoes with semi metalic composite for more aggressive friction. I have used them in the past and can highly recommend them.

[ronn]

great thread to read cas, I appreciate your thorough honesty!

you really should write a book. refreshing.......

[cas3]

Any idea of the cost Mr. Scott ?

[cas3]

Ronn...I'm blushing, most folks would think I "talk" too much in these posts ! Glad you got a smile ! Happy motoring

[cars2cool]

How is that hoarding working out for you? My so called friends and a few select family members tell me I'm hoarding parts I'll never use. My question is how do they know? But seriously now, cutting corners and driving for 14 years without brakes just does not make any sense at all. Pry open the vault and visit the obsolete Ford vendors web sites and purchase the parts you need to fix it the correct way. In the long run you will be done quicker and money ahead. As I have been where your at right now and tried the exact same foolishness.

[Newc]

Jack Benny had a money vault, it took lots of radio time {Noises]o get to it. Newc

[cas3]

Well, sorry if my driving habits have made anyone irritable, I better not tell the story of driving a 1946 White semi tractor home from mankato (30 miles) with no brakes at all ! The cows were all on the right side of the fence that day, so no injury's

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by cas3

Any idea of the cost Mr. Scott ?

Inquiries a while back seemed to be about $300/drum, but the end product is a piece of art. Ckick on the link to their website BELOW!

Coop


https://www.jgrelining.com/photos


.

[cas3]

Thanks Coop

[GB SISSON]

Just wondering if the time tested switch to hydraulic brakes on the early V8 cars is different for the modelA? Seems the right backing plates, shoes, drums should be fairly plentiful. You have far more experience in what is practical on this matter but Im learning here and my cut down AA doodlebug really needs help in the brake dept with this hillside location.