Thread: Brake systems

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All, need to install brake pedal and master cylinder in 29 Model A street rod. Current setup has Chevy disks on front and drums on back. Needed to remove old master cylinder and pedal assembly to make room for new engine and trans. Stock boxed frame.

I have many questions and would appreciate any suggestions :

• Under the dash or under the floor? I have no space to mount on firewall.
• Vacuum assist or manual?
• Brake line size?
• Vendors?
• Safety issues?

If any 29 owners have a picture of the setup they used I would appreciate a copy.

Good thing there's no space on the firewall............major ugly.

There are lots of opinions out there, and more than one good supplier, but I've had the best results with ECI http://www.ecihotrodbrakes.com/brake_facts.html Ralph (the owner) is a super guy who knows his brakes and all his hardware is top notch. He can help you set the system up so you won't have to have a booster (unless you've got a weak leg)to have it work well. Read through the multiple pages of info on the site, it will help you get started.

Cutting corners on brakes is a BIG mistake (but then you probably already figured that out). Buy the best and install it correctly.

"Cutting corners on brakes is a BIG mistake (but then you probably already figured that out). Buy the best and install it correctly."

Yep, I'd say that's RREEEEAAALLL good advice.

Here is a somewhat dark picture of my power brake setup in a Brookville frame using a TCI bracket. I had to notch the Brookville crossmember as you may see but of course the stock crossmember is a wide inverted U-channel, so I am not sure whether or how much you might have to notch the stock crossmember. The only thing that may be useful to you is that you can see the cowl bracket relative to the TCI bracket. The distance of the pedal pivot from the hole in the frame for the radiator on the left rail can vary +/- about 1/2 inch from the TCI instructions, but of course that will determine where the pedal is relative to the floor boards. As I recall from the TCI instructions the bracket can be used on the stock (boxed) frame as well as the aftermarket Brookville frame shown here.

Don Shillady
Retired Scientist/teen rodder

29arod, I'm glad you brought up this subject because I'm in the process of setting up my 30 coupe. I think the only way to go is the under floor mount, for two reasons. First, there isn't any room to put it under the dash without a major headache from what I've seen on mine. Second, I've been to shows where guys have used the underdash mounts and there is usually a booster and master cylinder hanging on the firewall. This is ugly and takes away from the looks of your motor. When you open that hood you want eyes to focus on the motor and not the booster/mc assembly. There are several manufacturers of the underfloor assemblies and the pricing is pretty reasonable. Running the brake lines and brake light wiring should be a snap too.

Here's the under-dash unit from Kugel....

http://www.kugelkomponents.com/produ...akesystem.html

All, thanks for your ideas and suggestions. I will keep you posted on my final decision regarding which setup will work best.

jc