So, i got this -29 Model A, with stock mech brakes. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/finally-the-29-barnfind-is-mine.1160762/ While i rodded it i decided to keep the mechs, but the itch to be able to put a 4" drop front axle on her keeps growing. I´ve tried the search option, but can´t seem to find the answer.... So, here i go: Is there a fairly "bolt on" option to convert her to juice brakes, using as much as possible stock? Maybe a coversion kit i don´t know of? I´m grateful for all help i can get from you guys!
Heres one post about Hyd brakes on a Model A. If you put hydraulic brakes on Model A in the search on here I am sure there will be more. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/posts/12901764/
Just curious as to how well the you like the mechanical brakes. I have Model A front and rear axles that I'm going to use for my build which have the mechanical brakes. I looked into adding hydraulic (juice) brakes, but parts for the conversion were about US$500 for each wheel (new drums/loaded backing plate), plus the cost of the hoses, master cylinder, etc. This seemed very expensive to me, especially with the Canadian/ US dollar exchange rate. Check out this site. They have everything you need. https://www.droppedaxles.com/brakes Speedway also has everything you need as well. Some more info.
Thanks guys! $3358.00 is quite steep, but it was exactly what i was looking for.... Guess my A will ride high for a while still...
32 to 34 front axle possibly up to 36 will get you some drop and you can still use the mechanicals. Dr. Dave has a good write up here on the hamb.
Juice brakes are not necessary to lower a model A. My last coupe had a 32 front axle with a slightly de arched spring with a couple leaves removed up front. Out back it had a reverse eye spring. The use of 32 to 34 spring perch bolts allow the front brake actuators to be supported in the correct position when used with 32 and 33 to 36 axles. It essentially ends up being a stock brake setup. My car utilized 32 mechanical brakes but that isn't necessary. It wont get you slammed but its lower. Hope that helps a little as to your options
look for my post on this topic. It doesnt have to cost $3000 and stay away from crappy Lockheed brakes
It is also possible to run that dropped axle with mechanical brakes. There are a couple of threads on here how to do it.
I'm converting the front and rear of my '30 A to 1939 parts for juice brakes, had to hunt down the original parts, but they are out there. I've seen some conversion service offered in the HAMB's classified. I don't know the person or the service, but I'm pretty sure to was to covert A brakes to hydraulic. ~ Carl
Here's some good reading on the topic that should get you up to speed on what you need to do. SOme of the info is dated, but it's still great to know. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/brakes-the-brake-article-to-end-all-brake-articles.200/
You can get the sedan down with mechanical brake as said and Will be as Good as juice brake with properly adjusted system. This is a Buddys bitchen Model A ford sedan with 1932 front spring hangers and 1934 axle if I remember correctly .
Here is one Model A owners home conversion for hydraulic brakes and a T5 transmission. https://www.lainefamily.com/ModelAFiles/ModelABrakeUpgrade.htm https://www.lainefamily.com/ModelA.htm
If you are running a four cylinder stock motor, as you picture a mechanical brake system will work fine as long as it's restored. I just finished rebuilding my '29 Model A brake system but you can't cheat. Every, bushing, roller, roller pins, tracks, levers, wedges have been replaced with mostly N.O.S. parts. Some of the reproduction parts needed to be machined to fit. Also new linings and cast brake drums. Every 1/16" of slop will reduce the efficiency of the system.
Sid E Burns if you need any more info on the sedan let me know and will talk to Matt. The t5 or any open drive conversion on the model a ford rearend need more reinforcements then the kits supplies. My old model was Dropped like Matts with mechanical brakes with a T5 open drive and model A rearend. The trailing arms have too much stress/load on the ends and will crack over time. I replaced mine a few times and went to a 1940 ford front wishbone with modified end to solve /strengthening the weak areas. Woodiewagon46 your are 100% correct and the brake system Must be in excellent condition. I have locked up my tires on my Mechanical brake cars Model A or 1932 fords plenty of times and feel they are as good or even better the Juice brakes. A few tools to help set brake shoes are a must for full contact as most are thru experimentation or trial. As well as brake drum size being on or close to the max should be a NO No. the Armco brake gauge slides onto your spindle and the pin on the other end will act as the brake drum. This is so you can adjust the shoes with out the drum and use a feeler gauge to get 100% shoe contact. The central gauge measures the drum ID and a set of calipers would work as well but most folks dont have calipers 12 inches or a inside micrometer..
I as well as some others found the model a brake conversion described in this thread interesting. It was said to be cheap and easy. After seeing what this people can make starting with next to nothing I'm not sure we have the same definition of easy. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/more-hot-rodding-in-argentina.1159917/page-2 So far I haven't found more details on this convertion. Phil
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