Re: Converting to hydraulic brakes

Posted by Bob Carabbio on December 21, 1997 at 22:25:14

In Reply to: Converting to hydraulic brakes
posted by Bobby on December 21, 1997 at 20:43:38

Way to go Bobby (for a driver at least) -
'39 thru '48 drums / backing plates will fit with some simple modifications.
Cling's aftermarket Products Inc.
1609 E.Hudson Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602) 968-1778
Has a good little booklet they sell for a few dollars that gives insights into the process.
In my case, I chose to mount the rear backing plates upside down (so the cylinders are clear of the spring perches), swapping the rear cylinders from left to right, and rotating the rear wheel cylinders 180 degrees to get the bleeder screws on top. CLing mounts the cylinders on top in their standard position, but rotates the backing plate forward 16 degrees which also accomplishes missing the spring perches.
In any case the rear drums will slide too far in, and interfere with the backing plate unless they are cut back a little OR spaced out with axle shims.
The front backing plates require the mounting holes to be re-located, and spacers which are available from several "A" parts houses to be installed.Cling's stuff is also available from
Mac's Ford parts.
I like the '39 - '41 drums better since they are cleaner looking than the later units.The '42-'48 backing plates, however are self-centering which makes setup a good deal simpler.
'49 - '51s won't work, since a totally "Semi-floating" rear axle configuration is used instaed if the 3/4 floating configuration used from '31-'48.
Bob Carabbio

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