Re: Woven on front, Molded on back...

Posted by Marco on September 10, 1998 at 23:39:24

In Reply to: Woven on front, Molded on back...
posted by Pat Patterson on September 10, 1998 at 22:02:09

It's not a very helpful tip.First, although most won't concur, I've had the best luck with the semi-moulded linings like Ford transitioned to during Model 'A' production.Of 75+ A's I've driven, none have stopped as well as the three I've owned.
Second, when properly adjusted there is no constant drag on the shoes.You can feel a slight rubbing when cold (spinning by hand), but the drums will expand beyond touching the shoes the first time you apply the brakes.
Third, the leverage is such that you cannot apply much pressure to the front brakes.If you over tighten the front brakes all it does is take away from the rears because you can't press the pedal far enough to properly engage them.
The ideal solution to front brakes would be a longer actuating lever. Unfortunately the lever would have to be made comparable in strength to the original rear levers which would be no easy task.
Ford continued the same disproportunate pressure to the early hydraulic systems which are commonly adapted to Model A's.This would be easier to overcome with some creativity which would improve the braking of the Model A.
While it would be nice to have additional braking capability, I'm comfortable with the mechanical brakes on my cars even on the hills in San Francisco during traffic hours.