Thread: Spindle Question

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My buddy Mark has a 29 Model A and has begun a conversion to early 40's juice brakes.

Any "quirks" that we need to be aware of.?.? He has a book by Vern Tardel that covers a lot of things in this swap but.. it deals with a very specific axle and installing very specific later model parts.

Mark is less certain of his parts supply. Any insights?

Maybe Uncle Bob will chime in here, but in searching for a "kit" I ran across several references to the Model A Ford Mechanics Handbook, Volume II by Les Andrews, saying it's the Holy Grail for juice brake swap info.... http://www.amazon.com/Model-Ford-Mec.../dp/0965824055

Lots of variable based on part choices.
From the basic, if he's only changing to Ford hydraulics then it will require a spacer ring for the spindle register (available from Speedway and others). Ad the 4 mounting holes will require either slotting or weld and drill depending on personal preference. BTW, the rears will be an issue too on clearance of the wheel cylinder to the spring perch, the usual result is a slight rotation of the backing plate to clear, but be mindful of ability to fully bleed the cylinder. If he doesn't already have the brake assemblies I would suggest the '42-8 rather than '39-41, they're easier to adjust.

If he want's an easy way to mount a master cyl. take a look at Cling's, they make a nice, clean kit: https://www.clingsaftermarket.com/ among other parts that could be useful.

After that it can become more complicated with dropped axle and spindle choices, but in some ways easier too........just depends on what the end result desired is.

Mike, I think I'd call Jerry or Jason Slover at Pete & Jake's and get everything you need in one stop shopping, knowing it's all gonna fit. Is your buddy keeping it totally stock other than the juice brakes? Pretty sure that the spindle you have to have is '37 to '48, but if he's wanting to keep the original wheels you may be looking at an adapter. Bottom line, Pete & Jake's makes or has made the spindles you'll need, as well as being to help put together other parts that you need. They have a basic brake kit for $399, not including spindles, and they know the pitfalls you need to avoid, too. Might be a good value approach.... 816-758-4504.

Thanks for all the info guys! He has most of the parts in hand - the spacer ring, the front axle is oem "28 or 29"... The brake setup he picked up some 3 years ago. We've mounted all the parts / ran the lines / bled and went for a test ride. The front has 1 wheel locking up.

When we got back to the shop, that wheel was loose on the spindle. We had set the pre-load and pinned the nut as we all have done a hundred times. So we tore it down and I measured the wheel bearing I.D. ( inner and outer) and they have a perfect 1.5 to 2 thousandths.

We re-assembled and left the spacer ring out, and it seemed a better fit, pre-loaded the nut, pinned etc. etc.. drove it about a half mile with the same results!

Any other thoughts of things to check?

So Mike, is this a hot rod running a '28/29 axle, or a complete stock Model A that's getting new brakes?

First thought are the basics. The larger wheel cylinder piston should be to the front, to the longer piece of lining shoe, the shorter lining to the rear. Double check the return springs for staying in place. Were the shoes arced to the drum profile? Were the drums measured with a proper micrometer, they shouldn't be more than .060 oversize, though some folks I know have gotten away with a little more on the backs.

Here is a neat way!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/t...your-a.124112/ and http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/t...-fords.215720/ Pete

Stocker getting an upgrade.
I've double checked the brake arm (brake pedal) for full return. The other questions I don't have answers to.. I'm just now getting involved with his project.

Thanks All for the help.

I'll check out the link, Mark has likely seen it, he's a member there. But thanks for the effort!!