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Projects Brakes on 31 A

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by Willywash, Feb 7, 2020.

  1. Willywash
    Joined: Sep 18, 2019
    Posts: 100

    Willywash
    Member

    I have disk brakes front and rear on my 31 A build. Should I go with power brakes or manual? I'll be using one of the under the floor units. The manual would give me more room. I have had no luck in getting measurements from companys that sell the units. The car is channeled four inches and I'm afraid the power booster will show from outside of car. Manual would be fine, if it stops the car with ease.
     
  2. I had a problem with the brakes in my late model the year before last. While I was talking to the brake man (and hot rod friend) at the GM dealership the conversation came around to power brakes (after we discussed how dumb it was to out a specific type of brakes on a hot rod). He said that he did not see the need for a power brake booster on anything that weighed less than 3000 lbs.

    So I have not answered your question but I have given you something to think about. ;)
     
    Texas Webb likes this.
  3. cederholm
    Joined: May 6, 2006
    Posts: 1,748

    cederholm
    Member

    Power brakes on an A hot rod? People do that. ;)

    Seriously though, I'm with Beaner on this one.

    ~ Carl
     
    lothiandon1940 likes this.
  4. Blues4U
    Joined: Oct 1, 2015
    Posts: 7,589

    Blues4U
    Member
    from So Cal

    Keeping in mind that disc brakes don't offer more braking power than drum brakes do, they offer more, or better, control over braking power. You have to match the master cylinder to the system. A smaller piston diameter will decrease pedal effort, but increase pedal travel; and vice versa with a larger piston diameter. You may have to experiment with different master cylinders to get the right combination for your system. I would think that fitting a vacuum booster under a channeled A would be difficult.

    Here's some reading material on the subject: https://www.joesracing.com/master-cylinder-math/
     

  5. wuga
    Joined: Sep 21, 2008
    Posts: 563

    wuga
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I have 4 wheel disk brakes on my 62 Cutlass, front disk brakes on my 62 Studebaker wagon, front disk brakes on a Model A and when I used to order fleet back in the 70s, I always ordered manual disk brakes and I have never had a problem in any case.

    Warren
     
  6. ajaxsenior
    Joined: Jul 13, 2009
    Posts: 6

    ajaxsenior
    Member

    Actually weight is not the only key issue when setting up a proper braking system! You also have to consider the brake type being used, disc vs drum, both for the front and rear brakes used. also if using a single master cyl dia. and if it has two different bores. also if boosted or not One of the main issues is the fulcrum of the brake pedal arm length and its pivot point. The Wilwood brake people have an excellent site that has great info and easy to understand diagrams to use and help setup a custom to your car and brake system!! They are also great people to work with to help select correct sized components to give you a smooth balanced front to rear system! (never asked if I buying from them or not!) I built a Austin Healey 100-6 with a hot rod V8, big discs in front and original drums in rear. two master cyl sizes for each brake system. The system gave me one of the best systems I have ever used, be it a new hipo car a or a home built beater! Any other process you are just hoping and praying it's going to work for your car and not end up backwards into a tree the first hard hit of the brakes!! Been there done that!!
     
  7. I owned a 1982 Chevy PU that was manual disc.Stopped fine.My 32 PU is manual disc up front,and it will put you through the windshield if your not careful.
     
  8. Mr T body
    Joined: Nov 2, 2005
    Posts: 2,228

    Mr T body
    Alliance Vendor
    from BHC AZ

    I have manual disc/drum on the '31 and it stops fine. Don't use cheap brake pads and make sure your pedal ratio is correct.
     
  9. Willywash
    Joined: Sep 18, 2019
    Posts: 100

    Willywash
    Member

    Thanks for your help everyone! Do most use the under floor frame mount master and peddle units? Disc all the around should need a 1 inch bore?
     

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